Curriculum Intent
To provide all students with an excellent scientific education which they are able to use in their future lives, studies or work. We will do this by delivering a high-quality science curriculum that provides the foundations for understanding the world through specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
We will help students to become better citizens and scientists by developing the working scientifically skills of investigation, analysis, evaluation and measurement. These skills will help to link and enrich the learning in each of the three disciplines so students become well rounded scientists.
We will help students to understand their place in the living world by studying the structure and function of living things, energy transfers in the living world, interdependence, health disease and medicine, genetics and inheritance and evolution.
We will help students to understand the importance of particles, chemical reactions, energy changes, chemical patterns, and chemical analysis in the cycles of the Earth and The Atmosphere. Thereby giving students a greater understanding of the properties of the materials and chemicals that they use in their everyday lives and how they interact with their bodies and the wider world around them.
Students will increase their understanding of the physical laws which govern the world around them through the study of Energy, Forces, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism, the Structure of matter and Space.
All these aspects will be linked to careers and everyday life to ensure our students leave English Martyrs scientifically equipped to be productive and informed members of society.
Science Learning Journeys
Our aim is to provide a high-quality Science education where students are enthused, successful and make excellent progress. We offer excellent teaching and learning, effective management and constructive monitoring. We provide opportunities for learning in a wide variety of ways including practical investigation, theoretical study, and extra-curricular enrichment activities. We hope to give all students a comprehensive science education, hope to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to take leading roles in the science and technology-driven workplace.
Keystage 3
Year 7 and 8 students study a combined Science course which covers all appropriate aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This work is vital in underpinning GCSE level study, focusing on the development of investigative skills and the gaining of scientific knowledge. Students are encouraged to develop skills whilst enhancing their understanding of the Universe.
Science KS3 Curriculum Overviews
GCSE
AQA GCSE Combined Science GCSE: The majority of students in years 9, 10 and 11 follow this pathway. This course builds on skills developed throughout Key Stage 3. Terminal examinations are held in June of Year 11. Although a “Combined Science” qualification Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics are taught separately by specialist teachers. This qualification can be used to access further study at A-level.
AQA Separate Science GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics: Our most able students in Years 9, 10 and 11 follow this pathway. This course builds on the skills developed in KS3 but offers additional extension and depth to challenge students. All subjects are taught by specialist teachers and are examined through terminal examinations in June of Year 11. This pathway is an excellent route into further scientific study at A-level and beyond.
Science GCSE Curriculum Overviews
Sixth Form
AQA A Level Biology: This course is aimed at students with a future interest in biological research or a vocation (such as medicine, veterinary science, microbiology or pharmacology). Topics of study topics include; biological molecules, cell structure and division, homeostasis, populations and ecosystems. The course is terminally assessed at the end of Year 13.
AQA A Level Chemistry :This course is suitable for students who wish to study Chemistry to a higher level or pursue a career in medicine, engineering or earth sciences such as Geology. Topics of study include organic, inorganic and physical Chemistry. The course is assessed via terminal examinations at the end of Year 13.
AQA A Level Physics: This course is aimed at students who wish to study Physics or Astronomy at a higher level or pursue a career in engineering, astronomy, medicine or communications. Topics of study include particles, mechanics, waves, electricity, fields, thermal physics and gases. The course is terminally assessed at the end of Year 13.