Science
Primary
At Primary we follow the Curriculum in Unity Schools Partnership (CUSP) curriculum which CUSP Science precisely follows the units outlined in the National Curriculum. Through studying CUSP science, pupils become ‘a little more expert’ as they progress through the curriculum, accumulating, connecting and making sense of the rich substantive and disciplinary knowledge. CUSP have taken the National Curriculum Primary Science headlines to define each domain:
CUSP Science is organised into three distinct subject domains: biology, physics and chemistry. Where inter-disciplinary concepts are encountered, such as the particle model, these are taught explicitly and connected across science domains. CUSP Science has sequenced the national curriculum into meaningful and connected ‘chunks’ of content to reduce the load on the working memory as well as creating coherent and strong long-term memories. High frequency, multiple meaning words (Tier 2) are taught explicitly and help make sense of subject specific words (Tier 3).
CUSP Science deliberately pays attention and values the importance of subject content as well as the context it is taught in. Common scientific misconceptions are identified in all CUSP Science learning modules. These misconceptions are made explicit to pupils. Children draw upon substantive and disciplinary knowledge to reason and practise acquiring the conception, whilst repelling the misconceptions. Examples and non-examples are powerful ways of saying what something is and what something isn’t
Secondary
Years 7, 8 and 9
Students study a variety of topics from biology, chemistry and physics throughout Years 7 and 8. Where possible they do so using practical investigations to help develop their ability to work scientifically. In Year 9 students begin a bridging year where they start to cover the topics from AQA GCSE combined science.
Topics studied and content covered include:
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
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In Year 7, all students start to study a small course named ‘working scientifically’. This short course will equip new students with the essential scientific skills they will need to investigate the topics studied. All students will then study and investigate through practical activities the three different scientific disciplines; biology, chemistry and physics. Units include; cell structure and functions of body systems, reproduction, elements, atoms, and compounds, forces, space, sound and light. Students are tested regularly to ensure subject knowledge is at a satisfactory standard in order to progress to the next stage of learning. |
In Year 8, students will have the opportunity to consolidate their learning from Year 7 through a more independent approach with many practical investigations. Topics include; electricity and magnetism, motion and pressure, periodic table, separation techniques, ecosystems, adaptation and inheritance. Students are once again tested regular after each topic to check understanding. Many of the topics studied in this year will appear in their GCSE course.
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In Year 9 students start to study the topics needed for GCSE combined science, in detail to link KS3 knowledge to KS4 knowledge.These foundation topics follow the order of the AQA specification: Cell biology, Organisation, Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure and the properties of matter Forces and Energy. |
Year 10
Course Title: GCSE combined science: trilogy
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification: GCSE (worth two GCSEs)
About the course
This course is for most Year 10 students who have not chosen to use an option to study extra science. Students will study topics in biology, chemistry and physics. They will also develop their understanding of how to work scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do.
How it is assessed
There are six papers: two Biology, two Chemistry and two Physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Each exam is a written exam lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes. Students will either sit all higher tier or all foundation tier papers. Each paper has a total of 70 marks and each paper is worth 16.7% of the double aware GCSE.
Biology topics 1–4: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.
Biology topics 5–7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.
Chemistry topics 8–12: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes.
Chemistry topics 13–17: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.
Physics topics 18–21: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.
Physics topics 22–24: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism
Course Title: GCSE Biology
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification: GCSE
About the course
This course is for Year 10 students who have chosen to use one of their options in additional to their compulsory science lessons to enable them to study three single sciences and who will gain three separate GCSEs for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. As well as studying the content needed students will also develop their understanding of how to work scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do.
How it is assessed
There are two exam papers. Each paper will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Each exam is a written exam lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Each paper has a total of 100 marks and is worth 50% of the GCSE.
Topics 1 – 4: Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.
Topics 5 – 7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.
Course Title: GCSE Chemistry
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification: GCSE
About the course
This course is for Year 10 students who have chosen to use one of their options in additional to their compulsory science lessons to enable them to study three single sciences and who will gain three separate GCSEs for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. As well as studying the content needed students will also develop their understanding of how to work scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do.
How it is assessed
There are two exam papers. Each paper will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Each exam is a written exam lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Each paper has a total of 100 marks and is worth 50% of the GCSE.
Topics 1–5: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes; and Energy changes.
Topics 6–10: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.
Course Title: GCSE Physics
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification: GCSE
About the course
This course is for Year 10 students who have chosen to use one of their options in additional to their compulsory science lessons to enable them to study three single sciences and who will gain three separate GCSEs for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. As well as studying the content needed students will also develop their understanding of how to work scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do.
How it is assessed
There are two exam papers. Each paper will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. Each exam is a written exam lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Each paper has a total of 100 marks and is worth 50% of the GCSE.
Topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.
Topics 5-8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; and Space physics.
Further information on the AQA science courses
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse
Year 11
Course Title: GCSE Science
Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification: GCSE
About the course
This course is for Year 11 students who have not chosen to use one of their options in addition to their compulsory science lessons. Some Year 11 students gained this qualification in Year 10, others are studying it in year 11. As well as studying the content needed students will also develop their understanding of how to work scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do.
Unit B1
- Classification, variation and inheritance
- Responses to a changing environment
- Problems of, and solutions to a changing environment
Unit C1
- The Earth’s sea and atmosphere
- Materials from the Earth
- Acids
- Obtaining and using metals
- Fuels
Unit P1
- Visible light and the Solar System
- The electromagnetic spectrum
- Waves and the Universe
- Waves and the Earth
- Generation and transmission of electricity
- Energy and the future
How it is assessed
Students sit three written exams each lasting for one hour for units B1, C1 and P1. Each exam will have a total of 60 marks and is worth 25% of the GCSE. Students can sit higher or foundation tier papers for the exams and do not have to sit all Higher or all Foundation. Students must also complete a controlled assessment during normal science lessons which is also worth 25% of the GCSE. There are three controlled assessments available, students can complete both and submit the best marks for each section.
Course Title: GCSE Additional Science
Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification: GCSE
About the course
This course is for some of the Year 11 students who have not chosen to use one of their options in addition to their normal science lessons. Some students will take this qualification in addition to GCSE science. As well as studying the content needed students will also develop their understanding of how to work scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do.
Unit B2
- The building blocks of cells
- Organisms and energy
- Common systems
Unit C2
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Ionic compounds and analysis
- Covalent compounds and separation techniques
- Groups in the periodic table
- Chemical reactions
- Quantitative chemistry
Unit P2
- Static and current electricity
- Controlling and using electric current
- Motion and forces
- Momentum, energy, work and power
- Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
- Advantages and disadvantages of using radioactive materials
How it is assessed
Students will sit three written exams each lasting for one hour for units B1, C1 and P1. Each exam will have a total of 60 marks and is worth 25% of the GCSE. Students can sit Higher or Foundation tier papers for the exams and do not have to sit all Higher or all Foundation. Students must also complete a controlled assessment during compulsory science lessons which is also worth 25% of the GCSE. There are three controlled assessments available, students can complete both and submit the best marks for each section.
Course Title: GCSE Biology
Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification: GCSE
About the course
This course is for Year 11 students who have chosen to use one of their options in addition to their compulsory science lessons to enable them to study three separate sciences and who will gain three separate GCSEs for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. As well as studying the content needed students will also develop their understanding of how to work scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do.
Unit B1
- Classification, variation and inheritance
- Responses to a changing environment
- Problems of, and solutions to a changing environment
Unit B2
- The building blocks of cells
- Organisms and energy
- Common systems
Unit B3
- Control systems
- Behaviour
- Biotechnology
How it is assessed
Students will sit three written exams each lasting for one hour for units B1, B2 and B3. Each exam will have a total of 60 marks and is worth 25% of the GCSE. Students can sit higher or foundation tier papers for the exams and do not have to sit all higher or all foundation. Students must also complete a controlled assessment during compulsory science lessons which is also worth 25% of the GCSE. There are two controlled assessments available, students can complete both and submit the best marks for each section.
Course Title: GCSE Chemistry
Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification: GCSE
About the course
This course is for Year 11 students who have chosen to use one of their options in additional to their compulsory science lessons to enable them to study three separate sciences and who will gain three separate GCSEs for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. As well as studying the content needed students will also develop their understanding of how to work scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do.
Unit C1
- The Earth’s sea and atmosphere
- Materials from the Earth
- Acids
- Obtaining and using metals
- Fuels
Unit C2
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Ionic compounds and analysis
- Covalent compounds and separation techniques
- Groups in the periodic table
- Chemical reactions
- Quantitative chemistry
Unit C3
- Qualitative analysis
- Quantitative analysis
- Electrolytic processes
- Gases, equilibria and ammonia
- Organic chemistry
How it is assessed
Students will sit three written exams each lasting for one hour for units C1, C2 and C3. Each exam will have a total of 60 marks and is worth 25% of the GCSE. Students can sit Higher or Foundation tier papers for the exams and do not have to sit all Higher or all Foundation. Students must also complete a controlled assessment during normal science lessons which is also worth 25% of the GCSE. There are two controlled assessments available, students can complete both and submit the best marks for each section.
Course Title: GCSE Physics
Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification: GCSE
About the course
This course is for Year 11 students who have chosen to use one of their options in additional to their compulsory science lessons to enable them to study three separate sciences and who will gain three separate GCSEs for biology, chemistry and physics. As well as studying the content needed students will also develop their understanding of how to work scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do.
Unit P1
- Visible light and the Solar System
- The electromagnetic spectrum
- Waves and the Universe
- Waves and the Earth
- Generation and transmission of electricity
- Energy and the future
Unit P2
- Static and current electricity
- Controlling and using electric current
- Motion and forces
- Momentum, energy, work and power
- Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
- Advantages and disadvantages of using radioactive materials
Unit P3
- Radiation in treatment and medicine
- X-rays and ECGs
- Production, uses and risks of ionising radiation from radioactive sources
- Motion of particles
- Kinetic theory and gases
How it is assessed
Students will sit three written exams each lasting for one hour for units P1, P2 and P3. Each exam will have a total of 60 marks and is worth 25% of the GCSE. Students can sit Higher or Foundation tier papers for the exams and do not have to sit all higher or all foundation. Students must also complete a controlled assessment during normal science lessons which is also worth 25% of the GCSE. There are two controlled assessments available, students can complete both and submit the best marks for each section.
For further information on the individual Edexcel science GCSEs that Year 11 are studying: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/science-2011-individual.html#tab-2
Sixth Form
Years 12 & 13
Students can study A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at Merchants’ Academy.
Course Title: Biology
Exam Board: OCR
Qualification: AS/A level Biology A (Advancing Biology)
Course Content Overview
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Biology
Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
Module 3 – Exchange and transport
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
Module 1. – Development of practical skills in Biology
Overview of content: Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation.
Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
Overview of content: Cell structure; Biological molecules; Nucleotides and nucleic acids; Enzymes; Biological membranes; Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation.
Module 3 – Exchange and transport
Overview of content: Exchange surfaces, Transport in animals, Transport in plants.
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease
Overview of content: Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system, Biodiversity , Classification and evolution.
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
Overview of content: Communication and homeostasis, Excretion as an example of homeostatic control, communication, Hormonal communication, Plant and animal responses, Photosynthesis, Respiration.
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
Overview of content: Cellular control, Patterns of inheritance, Manipulating genomes, Cloning and biotechnology, Ecosystems, Populations and sustainability.
How each module is assessed
For further information:
http://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-biology-a-h020-h420-from-2015/#
Course Title: Chemistry A
Exam Board: OCR
Qualification: AS/A Level
About the course
Chemistry is an essential qualification for a large number of careers as well as being an excellent subject to study alongside any other A Level.
In the first year of Chemistry students will cover topics such as practical lab skills, atomic structure, the periodic table and its reactions, bonding, energetics, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry and much more. In the second year students will take their understanding further to include further ideas in physical chemistry as well as expand understanding of all the functional groups in organic chemistry.
Overview of content
Students study:
- Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
- Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
- Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
- Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
- Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis
Component 1:
Overview of content: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry
Contribution to final grade: 37%
How it is assessed 2 hours 15 minutes written paper
Component 2:
Overview of content: Synthesis and analytical techniques
Contribution to final grade: 37%
How it is assessed 2 hours 15 minutes written paper
Component 3:
Overview of content: Unified chemistry
Contribution to final grade: 26%
How it is assessed 1 hour 30 minutes written paper
For further information: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-chemistry-a-h032-h432-from-2015/
Course Title: A Level in Physics A
Exam Board: OCR
Qualification: A level
About the course
Physics A – a content-led approach. A flexible approach where the specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of physics. As students progress through the course they will build on their knowledge of the laws of Physics, applying their understanding to solve problems on topics ranging from sub-atomic particles to the entire universe. For A level only, the Practical Endorsement will also support the development of practical skills.
Overview of content
Students study content which is split into six teaching modules:
- Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics
- Module 2 – Foundations of physics
- Module 3 – Forces and motion
- Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons
- Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics
- Module 6 – Particles and medical physics
Component 1: Modelling physics
Overview of content
This component is worth 100 marks and is split into two sections and assesses content from teaching modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Learners answer all questions.
Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 15 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions. This section of the paper is worth 85 marks.
Contribution to final grade: 37%
How it is assessed
External Examination
Component 2: Exploring physics
Overview of content
This component is worth 100 marks and is split into two sections and assesses content from teaching modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Learners answer all questions.
Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 15 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions. This section of the paper is worth 85 marks.
Contribution to final grade: 37%
How it is assessed
External Examination
Component 3: Unified physics
Overview of content: This component assesses content from across all teaching modules 1 to 6. Learners answer all questions. This component is worth 70 marks. Question styles include short answer (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions.
Contribution to final grade: 37%
How it is assessed
External Examination
Component 4: Practical endorsement in physics
Overview of content
Performance in this component is reported separately to the performance in the A level as measured through externally assessed components 01 to 03. This non-exam assessment component rewards the development of practical competency for physics and is teacher assessed.
Students complete a minimum of 12 assessed experiments covering the technical skills (together with the use of apparatus and practical techniques) specified in Section 5h. Learners may work in groups but must be able to demonstrate and record independent evidence of their competency. Teachers who award a pass to their learners need to be confident that the learner consistently and routinely exhibits the competencies listed in Section 5h before completion of the A level course.
Contribution to final grade: Nil
How it is assessed
Internal observations and assessment by teachers
Further information: scienceGCE@ocr.org.uk