Science

Our aim is to stimulate an interest and enjoyment of Science in a positive and encouraging learning environment. We aim to ensure every child achieves academic excellence and we are very proud of our Science curriculum which has been developed to ensure every child can succeed. Year 10 and 11 Students are supported in reaching their targets and aspirations by Interventions sessions. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions and to seek answers through practical and investigative group work. We support the school’s ethos to foster a ‘can do’ and resilient approach to every challenge and to develop an empathy and understanding for our local community. Further curricula opportunities are provided through our Science and STEM Clubs and our students have successfully taken part in Regional and National STEM competitions and challenges such as the Autonomous Vehicle challenge, where our students had to design and build a Model car run by their computer programme and the Rocket Challenge. Our annual Space exploration evening for local primary schools is very popular. We also ensure Students experience STEM career opportunities through initiatives such as Medical Mavericks, Forensic Science day, Engineering trip and Science Careers workshops.

Click here to view our curriculum intent document.

Overview of the Science Curriculum

KS3 Curriculum

Biology

Cells, organs, tissues, systems
Animal Reproduction
Muscles and Bones
Variation
Food and Digestion
Plants and reproduction
Breathing and respiration
Unicellular organisms

Chemistry

Separating mixtures
Acids and Alkalis
Particle model
Elements, compounds, mixtures
Combustion
Periodic table
Metals and uses
Rocks and their uses

Physics

Energy
Electricity
Forces
Sound
Fluids
Light
Transferring energy
Earth and space

KS4 Curriculum

Edexcel GCSE 9-1 Combined Science and GCSE 9-1 Biology, GCSE 9-1 Chemistry and GCSE 9-1 Physics

Biology

Key concepts in Biology
Cells and Control
Genetics
Natural selection and genetic modification
Health, disease and development of medicines
Plant structures and functions
Animal coordination, control and Homeostasis
Exchange and transport in Animals
Ecosystems and material cycles

Chemistry

States of matter
Methods of separating and purifying substances
Atomic structure
The periodic table
Ionic bonding
Covalent bonding
Types of substances
Acids and Alkalis
Calculations involving masses
Electrolytic processes
Obtaining and Using metals
Reversible reactions and Equilibria
Groups in the Periodic table
Rates of Reaction
Heat energy changes in Chemical reactions
Fuels
Earth and Atmospheric Science
Transition metals, alloys and corrosion*
Quantitative analysis*
Dynamic equilibria, calculations involving volumes of gases*
Chemical cells and fuel cells*
Hydrocarbons*
Alcohols and Carboxylic acids*
Polymers*
Qualitative analysis, tests for Ions*
Bulk and surface properties of matter, including Nanoparticles*

*GCSE Chemistry only

Physics

Motion
Forces and Motion
Conservation of Energy
Waves
Light and the Electromagnetic spectrum
Radioactivity
Energy-Forces doing work
Forces and their effects
Electricity and Circuits
Magnetism and the Motor effect
Electromagnetic Induction
Particle Model
Forces and Matter
Astronomy*

*GCSE Physics only

BTEC Health and Social care

This exciting and challenging course will introduce students to the health and social care sector. By studying this award, our pupils will gain important knowledge, understanding and skills that are the foundation for working in this area. This will include many of the skills that are used by healthcare professionals on a day to day basis such as assessing peoples health and well being and designing individualised healthcare plan. They will also learn about healthcare services and the importance of care values with the opportunity to apply these in real realistic scenarios tomorrow.

Assessment:

The course is made up of three components: two internally assessed and one that’s externally assessed. The three-block structure, explore, develop and apply, has been developed to allow students to build on and embed their knowledge. This allows them to grow in confidence and then put into practice what they have learned. The BTEC assessment structure is also designed so that students can build on what they learn, and develop their assignment skills, as they move through the course.

Beyond the Classroom

STEM Club
Space Exploration evening
Forensic Science Day
Medical mavericks
Autonomous Vehicle challenge: First prize
Lego space challenge: First prize
Building bridge competition: Third prize
Colchester Zoo: design an animal enclosure
UKROC Rocket Challenge: UK Finalists
Robotic and EFIT challenge in collaboration with Technology Department: First prize
GCSE Science Intervention residential weekend