Our aim is to provide students with a comprehensive and balanced curriculum throughout Key Stage 3 and 4, covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. We focus on developing scientific skills that allow students to progress and apply theoretical concepts. Our goal is to keep students actively engaged and inspired by their experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

The curriculum is designed to introduce students to a wide range of concepts in Key Stage 4, including some that go beyond the National Curriculum, to ensure exposure to the most engaging and interesting material. We aim for all students to achieve significant progress throughout these key stages.

Students are assessed at the end of each topic (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) through standardized assessments that are integrated into each year group’s curriculum. These assessments emphasize exam preparation, revision techniques, and the evaluation of both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Currently, students are prepared for the AQA Trilogy Combined Science exams at either the Foundation or Higher levels.

Our schemes of work include differentiation, support, and challenges to ensure consistent delivery of content to all students, regardless of disadvantage or minority group status. The Key Stage 4 curriculum builds on the knowledge and skills from Key Stage 3, forming a spiral progression that deepens and extends understanding from Key Stage 2 through Key Stage 4.

In terms of cultural capital, students in Biology will explore topics like the endocrine system, birth control, reproduction, and moral aspects of these areas. In Chemistry, they will examine environmental impacts, life cycle assessments, and solutions to global warming. In Physics, students will learn about forces, speed, braking distances, and car safety, with a focus on the importance of speed limits, especially near schools. They will also study energy transfers, alternative energy sources, and nuclear power, as well as the safety of electromagnetic waves in communication.

The department incorporates materials from a Specialist School to raise awareness of diverse learning needs.