Science
Intent:
At Twickenham School we believe that science forms an essential part of a good education for all students. The aim of the Twickenham School Science Department is to ensure that all students enjoy science, are aware of the applications of science beyond the classroom and leave us with a strong pass in science/ We will achieve this in a number of ways:
- building on prior learning in key stages 1 and 2 in order to develop a life-long enthusiasm for science
- encouraging all students to consider further study of science and entry to scientific careers post-16 and beyond
- developing students’ interest in science in the wider world through activities such as school visits, science clubs and competitions.
We will make sure that all students have the opportunity to make outstanding progress in science in the following ways:
- by recognising each students’ current needs and setting them as appropriate so that they receive the appropriate level of challenge
- by recognising that students do not always make linear progress and ensuring that setting arrangements are regularly reviewed and students have opportunities to move between sets
- by using a wide variety of teaching methods, including hands-on practical work
- by using assessment to inform students on how to further improve their learning
- by ensuring very able scientists have are suitably challenged and are able to study separate sciences at GCSE
Specialist teaching
Years 7 to 10 will be taught by specialist teams with separate teachers of biology, chemistry and physics. For years 7 to 9 students are taught on a carousel, regularly changing teachers and specialisms. In years 10 and 11 students have separate biology, chemistry and physics teachers.
All students have separate exercise books for biology, chemistry and physics.
The rationale for specialist teaching is:
- to enable students to understand that science consists of three different academic disciplines and be able to identify their interests, strength and areas for development in each
- to enable students to make informed choices about post-16 study and careers in science
- to enable the science department to continue to develop a high quality curriculum that is well resourced by working in specialist teams.
Setting in science
Year 7 science classes are taught as mixed ability groups. However, setting may occur during Year 7 is this is thought to be in the best interest of students.
Years 8 to 11 are taught in ability sets. Arrangements for setting are regularly reviewed and there are termly opportunities for students to move between sets.
Key stage 3
Twickenham School Science Department delivers key stage 3 across two years in Years 7 and 8. The curriculum fully complies with the national curriculum and is sequenced to ensure that topics are delivered in a logical way in order to develop students’ knowledge and skills. The curriculum is also being developed to ensure early introduction on knowledge and skills relevant to GCSE sciences, for example, by introducing some of the required practicals such as microscopy or simple calculations using physics equations.
Links are made to key stage 1 and 2 science in order to build on prior learning. To facilitate this Twickenham School has developed a number of links with local primary schools, for example, offering on-site science lessons for Key Stage 2 students and running joint science clubs.
Curriculum Sequence
Implementaton:
|
Year |
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
7 |
Passport to Science Cells |
Particles & their Behaviour Forces |
Structure & function of body systems Elements, atoms and compounds |
Chemical reactions Waves- Sound and light |
Reproduction Acid and Alkali |
The Periodic Table Space and the Universe |
|
8 |
Health and Lifestyle Separation techniques 1 (Filtration and Evaporation) |
Separation techniques 2 (Chromatography and distillation) Electricity and Magnetism |
Ecosystem processes Metals and acids |
Energy Adaptation and inheritance |
The Earth/history of the atmosphere and the carbon cycle Motion and pressure |
GCSE Required Practical |
Year 9
Students begin GCSE sciences in Year 9 by following a GCSE transition course. This course is based on the AQA GCSE biology, chemistry and physics specifications and covers key knowledge and skills. The course builds on prior knowledge from Key Stage 3 and topics have been chosen to engage and enthuse students.
All students follow the same curriculum in Year 9 which will allow them to choose separate or combined sciences for study in Years 10 and 11.
Year 9 GCSE Transition Science Course
|
Biology 1 – An introduction to cell biology and microscopy 6 weeks / 30 lessons |
|
Cell structure 4.1.1
Cell division 4.1.2
Extension: Culturing microorganisms 4.1.1.6, including RP2 |
|
Biology 2 – Enzymes and the digestive system 6 weeks / 30 lessons |
|
Principles of organisation 4.2.1 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems 4.2.2
Extension: Investigating the effect of pH on enzyme activity |
|
Chemistry 1 – Chemical changes: the reactions of metals and acids 6 weeks / 30 lessons |
|
Metal oxides 4.4.1 The reactivity series 4.4.1.2 Extraction of metals and reduction 4.4.1.3 Reactions of acids 4.4.2
Extension: Titrations, including RP2 (technique only, not complex calculations) Balanced equations and simple calculations can be introduced as appropriate |
|
Chemistry 2 – Principles of bonding and structure 6 weeks / 30 lessons |
|
A simple model of the atom 4.1.1
Introduce the periodic table but do not cover its history Chemical bonds, ionic and covalent 4.2.1
Extension: practical work to investigate ionic and covalent compounds |
|
Physics 1 – Electrical circuits 6 weeks / 30 lessons |
|
Electricity 4.2
Extension – static electricity This topics gives an opportunity to introduce physics equations and calculations |
|
Physics 2 – Energy 6 weeks / 30 lessons |
|
Energy changes in a system 4.1.1
Extension – investigating thermal conductivity 4.1.2.1, including RP2 This topics gives an opportunity to further introduce physics equations and calculations |
Key Stage 4
Years 10 and 11
Students currently either opt to follow the AQA GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics or AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy courses.
Curriculum Sequence
Implementaton:
|
Year |
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
10 |
Biology – Infection and response Chemistry – chemical changes Physics – Particle model of matter
|
Biology – Bioenergetics Chemistry – quantitative chemistry Physics – Atomic structure |
Biology – Bioenergetics Chemistry – Energy changes Physics - Forces |
Biology – Homeostasis and response Chemistry – The rate and extent of chemical change Physics - Forces |
Biology – Homeostasis and response Chemistry – The rate and extent of chemical change Physics - Forces |
Year 10 mocks exams based on science paper 1 topics GCSE Physics only – Space science
|
|
11 |
Biology – Inheritance and selection Chemistry – Organic chemistry
|
Physics – Forces Chemistry – Chemical analysis |
Chemistry – Chemistry of the atmosphere / Using resources Physics - Waves |
Biology – Ecology Physics – Magnets and electromagnetism |
Exam preparation and terminal examinations |
Exam preparation and terminal examinations |
