Science
Science Department
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Subject Leader Science | Mr S Deighton |
| Science Teach | Mrs J Corbett |
| Science Technicians | Mrs L Bethel |
Science is everything!
In science lessons at Knole Academy we aim to provide the foundations of understanding of the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Students will be given the opportunity to gain knowledge and taught essential methods, processes and use of science in society. This will develop students’ excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena thus encouraging deeper explanations and science-based predictions.
Students are encouraged to work independently and in groups to develop understanding, utilize skills and knowledge in different situations.
All students can access textbooks and resources via Kerboodle, complete homework and revision via SAM learning and Doddle.
We offer numerous extra-curricular revision and intervention sessions for our students to feel fully prepared for their examinations.
Key Stage 3
We follow the National Curriculum in science using the Activate five year which bridges from KS2 work to guide students through to GCSE. Students will study KS3 in year 7 and 8, and will start to move onto the GCSE course in year 9.
Students in KS3 will have 3 end of term assessments as well as interim assessments to check for progress and understanding in the foundations of scientific principles.
Aims
The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
- Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
- Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Topics Studies at KS3
Science skills is the first area taught to year 7 and will form the foundations for all the following chapters.
|
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
|
Science skills |
The periodic table |
|
Particles and their behaviour |
Separation techniques |
|
Elements, atoms and compounds |
Metals and acids |
|
Reactions |
The Earth |
|
Acids and Alkalis |
Electricity and magnetism |
|
Forces |
Energy |
|
Sound |
Motion and pressure |
|
Light |
Health and lifestyle |
|
Space |
Ecosystem processes |
|
Cells |
Adaptation and inheritance |
|
Structure and function of body systems |
|
|
Reproduction |
|
We offer a science club for year 7 and 8 and gardening club for all years.
Key Stage 4
Years 9 - 11 Study The AQA Trilogy and Triple Science
We study AQA Trilogy, a double combined science award, students are able to opt in year 10 to complete three separate science awards.
As the science cirriculum is a 5 (or 7) year journey students are able to transition from KS3 to Ks4 skills whilst in Year 9, in order to provide them with maximum support for their GCSE's.
Aims of the Course
- To acquire a body of scientific knowledge and develop an understanding of science.
- To develop experimental and investigative abilities.
- To develop an understanding of the nature of scientific ideas.
- To develop an understanding of the technological and environmental applications of science and of the economic, ethical and social implications of these.
Science is a National Curriculum core subject and is studied by all students in Key Stage 4. All courses which follow the programmes of study will cover a wide range of scientific topics incorporating aspects of biological, physical and chemical science. Students follow different pathways according to interest and aptitude.
GCSE Combined Science Units Taught in Year 9, 10 & 11
Biology
- Cell Biology
- Organisation
- Infection and Response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostases and Response
- Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
- Ecology
Chemistry
- Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Bonding, Structure and the Properties of Matter
- Quantitative Chemistry
- Chemical Changes
- Energy Changes
- The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change
- Organic Chemistry
- Chemical Analysis
- Chemistry of the Atmosphere
- Using Resources
Physics
- Forces
- Energy
- Waves
- Electricity
- Magnetism and Electromagnetism
- Particle Model of Model
- Atomic Structure
GCSE Chemistry, Physics and Biology
Students with good KS3 exam grades and aptitude towards science are offered three separate GCSEs. Students will cover in-depth a breadth of additional areas in the three scientific disciplines.
Future Opportunities
Science is a good starting point for many Post 16 courses such as IB Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and studies in Health & Social Care. Science forms an important basis for many careers including medical professions, research, engineering, sports science and teaching. It also develops many transferable skills, which will be useful in a variety of other careers not directly linked to science.
Key Stage 5
KS5 IB Biology, IB Chemistry & IB Physics
Please refer to the Post 16 Course Directory 2022-24 for KS5 information by clicking here.
Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities
Interhouse Competitions
In year 10 students will compete in their forms against each other to be crowned the ‘Science Throwdown Champions’
Trips
Big Bang fair – Annually we take science and STEM enthusiasts to the largest STEM event in the south where they can see possible careers and companies advancing in science.
Roller Coaster Science and Conservation
We hold a yearly trip for students focusing on the physics of roller coasters and conservation of organisms. This trip is held for students that show particular aptitude for STEM subjects or really show progress in their learning.
Science week
Every year all KS3 students will have a full week focusing on a particular theme or issue in science, there will often be a competition between individuals and their houses.
Clubs
Science and nature club is held weekly for year 7 and 8 students.
Interventions
Students in KS4 will be invited or welcomed to attend several different interventions in tutor time or after school, to build confidence and improve attainment in their GCSE’s
