Curriculum
SCIENCE
Our aim in Science is to enable pupils to understand, enjoy and marvel at the natural world, through enquiry-based lessons that challenge their thinking. We aim to encourage our pupils to be curious about the world around them and to develop a positive and practical approach to scientific learning. We build understanding of the ‘Big Ideas’ in science that are relevant to pupils’ lives during and beyond school. We achieve this through a wide and varied curriculum in which pupils are regularly challenged and reviewed.
At Key Stage 4, pupils will undertake one of two routes: studying either Combined Science, or Separate/Individual Sciences. Combined Science leads to the award of two GCSEs, whereas Separate Sciences leads to the award of three GCSEs. Regardless of the route they are assigned to, all pupils will study key aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Our vision for Science
The study of science seeks to explain the material world. For example: Why do viruses spread? How do painkillers work? It provides explanations based on concepts, laws, theories, and models established through scientific enquiry. It develops a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. It enables pupils to engage with the opportunities of live science offered by the local context. It brings to life the opportunity to understand how scientific knowledge becomes established through scientific enquiry. Pupils appreciate the significance of science to society and their own lives. They recognise the significant contribution science has made in the past and the continuing importance in solving global challenges. Pupils understand the nature and status of scientific knowledge knowing it is open to revision in the light of new evidence.
Science Curriculum Intent
- Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
- Develop the understanding of scientific methods and processes through different types of science enquiry which allows them to answer specific questions about the world they live in.
- Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science today and in the future.
- Can access and critique conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena.
- Appreciate that every effect has one or more cause.
- Understand that change is driven by interactions between different objects and systems and that they occur over distance and over time.
- Understand that science is based on hypotheses, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review.
- Know that quantitative analysis is a key element of theories and scientific methods of enquiry.
Science Curriculum Implementation
KS4 Assessments
GCSE Biology/Combined Science
The table below shows the topics that are assessed in each paper in biology. Within each topic, there is some content that is common to combined science and some content that goes into extra depth that is only assessed if a student is taking the seperate biology GCSE.
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Key concepts in Biology | Key concepts in Biology |
| Cells and Control | Plant structures and their functions |
| Genetics | Animal coordination, control and homeostasis |
| Natural selection and genetic modification | Exchange and transport in animals |
| Health, disease and the development of medicine | Ecosystems and material cycles |
GCSE Chemistry/Combined Science
The table below shows the topics that are assessed in each paper in chemistry.
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Key concepts in Chemistry | Key concepts in Chemistry |
| States of matter and mixtures | Groups in the periodic table |
| Chemical Changes (acids and electrolytic processes) | Rates of reaction and energy changes |
| Extracting metals and equilibria | Fuels and Earth science |
| *Separate chemistry 1 – transition metals, quantitative analysis, dynamic equilibria, chemical cells, and fuel cells | *Separate chemistry 2-Qualitative analysis, hydrocarbons, polymers, alcohols and carboxylic acids, bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles. |
The first four topics in each paper are common to combined science, and the final topic in each paper is separate science content only.
GCSE Physics/Combined Science
The table below shows the topics that are assessed in each paper in physics.
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Key concepts in Physics | Key concepts in Physics |
| Motion and Forces | Energy- Forces doing work |
| Conservation of energy | Forces and their effect |
| Waves | Electricity and Circuits |
| Light and the electromagnetic spectrum | *Static electricity |
| Radioactivity | Magnetism and the motor effect |
| *Astronomy | Electromagnetic induction |
| Particle model | |
| Forces and matter |
Enrichment and Careers
All the leading colleges in Manchester accept 2 science grades to continue to study the sciences at college. However, separate science gives a deeper understanding of the subjects to pursue the study of biology, chemistry, and physics A levels. Studying science can offer a wide array of careers. Some are listed below:
- Medicine
- Veterinary Practices
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Construction
- Sport
- Food
- Research