Contact

Head of Department: Mr J. Rodgers

j.rodgers@kingsway.stockport.sch.uk

Science Department Learning Journey

Powerful Knowledge

Powerful knowledge in science gives rise to the big ideas of and about science and allows us to generalise and think about the concrete world in abstract ways.

Curriculum Intent

The science department aims to provide an education to all students that will inspire and educate them in all three sciences. We aim to promote the understanding of key scientific facts and concepts, which underpins learning, but also an understanding of how science works through inquiry.

At the beginning of Key Stage 3 we introduce the big ideas of cells, interdependence, particles, energy and forces and explore these in more detail through a series of topics that cover a broad range of knowledge. As students begin to grasp fundamental concepts, we further develop their knowledge and will make links to prior learning so to develop the connections between the topics and deepen their knowledge. Building on prior learning pupils gain a deeper understanding of the content to gain confidence in applying their knowledge to unfamiliar contexts. The aim is to develop the students at The Kingsway School who can use their understanding to make informed choices about their life and show an awareness about how their choices can affect others around them as well as the environment.

With an active, practical approach to learning, the Science National Curriculum is covered in both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. During their investigations the pupils collect and reflect on experimental data; they analyse, interpret and evaluate. By doing this, we encourage our students to think critically, morally and ethically about science, understand the world that they live in, and to develop skills that will support them for their futures.

Whenever appropriate, we endeavour to include the use of ICT, literacy and mathematical skills in our teaching programmes where students can practice and develop a range of useful life skills. At the end of the pupils’ time with us we aim to have sparked their curiosity so that they are able to contribute successfully to a rapidly advancing world in a socially responsible way.

Key Stage 3

Year 7 Curriculum

Half Term 1
Health and safety
Cells and organisation
Acids, alkalis & neutralisation

Half Term 2
Space
Current Electricity

Half Term 3
Particle Model
Chemical Reactions

Half Term 4
Relationships in an ecosystem
Reproduction

Half Term 5
Separation & purity
Energy & fuels
Describing motion

Half Term 6
Health
Forces

Year 8 Curriculum

Term 1
Health and safety
Skeletal & muscular system
Atoms, elements & compounds
Balanced forces & motion
Static forces

Term 2
Gas exchange system
Cellular respiration
Observed waves
Sound waves
Energy and matter

Term 3
Nutrition & digestion
Periodic table
Earth & atmosphere
Light waves

Year 9 Curriculum

Term 1
Cell Biology
Atomic Structure
Periodic Table Electromagnetism
Waves

Term 2
Organisation
Bonding
Waves (2)

Term 3
Organisation
Structures
Electricity

Key Stage 4

AQA GCSE Combined Science

The assessment for GCSE Combined Science is 100% externally assessed exams in May/June of Year 11.

The exams test the students’ knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics; as well as their ability to use scientific equipment safely and precisely. It also looks at their data-handling and evaluation skills and their ability to select and control variables to ensure fair tests. Students’ understanding of the impact of Science on society, economics and the environment is also examined.

Students will sit six papers in total (two for Biology, two for Chemistry and two for Physics). Each paper will be 1hour 15mins.

The final examination has two tiers of entry. Teachers will decide on the tier of entry taking into account the best interests of the pupils following internal assessment of progress. The grades available at each tier are:

  • Foundation: Grades 1-5
  • Higher: Grades 4-9

Separate (or Triple) Sciences

The assessment for GCSE Single Science is 100% externally assessed exams in May/June of Year 11.

Students will sit six papers in total (two for Biology, two for Chemistry and two for Physics) and each paper will be 1hour 45mins.

The final examination has two tiers of entry. Teachers will decide on the tier of entry taking into account the best interests of the pupils following internal assessment of progress. The grades available at each tier are:

  • Foundation: Grades 1-5
  • Higher: Grades 4-9

Year 10 Curriculum

Term 1
Practical Biology
Quantitative Chemistry
Chemical Change
Particle Model
Atomic Structure

Half Term 2
Infections and Response
Bioenergetics
Chemical Changes
Energy Changes
Energy

Half Term 3
Homeostasis
Ecology
Rates of Reactions
Electricity

Year 11 Curriculum

Term 1
Ecology
Organic Chemistry
Chemical Analysis
Forces

Term 2
Inheritance
Chemistry of the Atmosphere
Using Resources
Waves
Electromagnetism

Term 3
Preparation for terminal examinations