Science

Curriculum Intent

The intention of the Bishop Perowne science curriculum is to provide powerful wisdom to all students, which in turn provides limitless opportunities. The science curriculum develops student understanding and interest in the world that they live in and through scientific enquiry, students are able to develop strong problem solving skills which they can apply to other learning and to their future lives.

At Bishop Perowne, the Science department functions to provide students with deep knowledge of our world within the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each of our lessons provides students with an opportunity to reflect on relevant prior learning via ‘flashback’ slides, enabling students to establish foundational knowledge that they can develop further in the lesson. We appreciate that students are on a learning journey in science which spans across their time in education and as such we ensure that students have solid starting points upon which they can build their knowledge and understanding of the material world.

To provide students with a better understanding of the relevance of science to the wider world, each lesson has a dedicated time to focus on context. In this time, students are able to appreciate how the content of the lesson applies to real life and also appreciate the impact of different scientists on the progress of various aspects of humanity.

Pillars
Curriculum Map
Key Stage 3

Year 7

Students start with an introduction to science unit, which helps students to understand the importance of health and safety in the laboratory. They learn about common lab equipment, safety symbols and how to operate equipment such as a Bunsen Burner. After this unit, students enter a cycle of biology, chemistry and physics units, providing an opportunity to observe, experiment and develop the foundations of knowledge which can be built upon in year 8.

Year 8

The year 8 Science course aims to build a deeper understanding of scientific concepts from year 7, providing students with opportunities to apply their understanding to new content. For example, in unit 2C, students build on their understanding of habitats and organisms that live there to further exploration of the links between species and how classification works.

Year 9

Students begin their science learning journey in Year 9 by exploring the cellular basis of life, deepening their understanding of the different components of cells in living organisms. Students develop their disciplinary skills by preparing specimens for observation under light microscopes, examine enzyme activity, conduct food tests and dissect hearts. As the year progresses, students explore the physical make up of atoms and how elements react to form compounds in terms of their bonding.
Key Stage 4
Year 10
In Year 10, students reflect on prior learning by revisiting big idea topics such as electricity and magnetism; learning in greater depth about the components of electrical circuits and their applications, for example thermistors in central heating systems. Students also learn key concepts with real life context, such as how the National Grid works to supply electricity to our homes. Units covered in this year provide further opportunities for students to explore interdisciplinary links – for example students can explore the links between the model of the atom and radioactivity.
Year 11
In their final year of study, students are expected to have a wide range of science knowledge and understanding embedded so that they can further explore new learning opportunities, coupled with established disciplinary skills, to conduct investigations into topic areas such as water purity and electromagnetism. Upon completion of the specification, students enter a periodic of bespoke revision and reflection to firmly embed curricular content and enquiry skills to prepare for their terminal examinations.

AQA GCSE Combined Science Pathway

Offers two GCSE grades in combined science and students have one teacher delivering the specification. At the end of the course, students will sit 6 science exams, each of which will be 1hr15mins long. Students will sit either foundation tier (which can award up to two grade 5’s) or higher tier (which can award up to two grade 9’s).

AQA GCSE Triple Science Pathway

Offers three GCSE grades – one for each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students have three science teachers, each delivering one of the science disciplines. At the end of the course students will sit 6 science exams, each of which will be 1hr45mins long. Students will sit either foundation tier (which can award up to three grade 5’s) or higher tier (which can award up to three grade 9’s).

Examinations and Assessment

Board and specification:

  • AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)
  • AQA GCSE Biology (8461)
  • AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)
  • AQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Most students will be entered for GCSE combined science and will achieve a double GCSE grade (from 1-1 to 9-9). Some students will be put onto the separate science pathway and will achieve three GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics.

Exam structure:

  • Trilogy – 6 x 75 minute terminal papers (16.7% of course per paper)
  • Biology – 2 x 105 minute terminal papers (50% of course per paper)
  • Chemistry – 2 x 105 minute terminal papers (50% of course per paper)
  • Physics – 2 x 105 minute terminal papers (50% of course per paper)
Enrichment and Extra-curricular Opportunities

Year 11 Hub – Fridays 3pm – 4pm

STEM Club Thursdays 3pm – 4pm

Robotics Club Thursdays 3pm – 4pm
Subject Resources

Description Type
Biology: Exam Board (AQA) Resources  External Link
Chemistry: Exam Board (AQA) Resources  External Link
Physics: Exam Board (AQA) Resources  External Link
Science (Combined): Exam Board (AQA) Resources  External Link
Science: School Revision Guide  School PDF Document

Our Staff

Mr C Aitken

Teacher

Miss S Cook

Technician

Mr O Elmougy

Subject Director

Miss C French

Teacher

Ms S Harding

Teacher

Miss L Harris

Teacher

Mrs R Hunt

Lead Practitioner

Miss K Kirkham

Teacher

Ms M Magar

Teacher

Miss G Olseen

Lead Practitioner

Mrs K Pinchin

Teacher

Mrs J Price

Teacher

Mrs S Price

Technician

Ms E Trickett

Teacher

Mrs A Williams

Teacher