Science Curriculum Statement
Aims
Our Science curriculum aims to enable students to develop their scientific knowledge, practical skills and understanding of the world around them. Students are encouraged to recognise how science relates to everyday life and to develop the confidence to apply their knowledge with increasing fluency and independence, both within school and beyond.
We aim to provide an accessible and engaging Science curriculum which enables all students to make progress from their individual starting points and work towards an appropriate qualification.
Teaching and Delivery
Teaching is tailored to meet the individual needs of our students. Students are assessed on arrival to help identify their starting points and determine the most appropriate pathway.
Lessons are delivered through schemes of work for each key stage and qualification pathway. These can be adapted according to individual needs, prior knowledge, rates of progress and student feedback.
The overall aim within the classroom is to provide a stimulating and varied approach to learning. Teaching methods may include:
- teacher explanation and discussion;
- collaborative activities;
- directed study;
- independent research;
- educational videos and online resources;
- practical investigations and demonstrations;
- examination-style questions and retrieval activities.
Regular assessment is used to identify progress, address gaps in knowledge and inform future teaching.
Assessment
At KS3, students complete in-house end-of-topic assessments to establish their understanding and monitor progress.
At GCSE level, students complete regular assessments, including examination-style questions and practice papers, to measure progress towards their GCSE target grade.
Formal mock examinations are scheduled throughout the GCSE course, including mocks in Year 10 and Year 11.
Where students follow an alternative accreditation pathway, assessment is completed in accordance with the requirements of the relevant qualification.
KS3 – Year 9
Year 9 students follow a broad Science curriculum covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The curriculum is designed to build on prior learning, strengthen core scientific knowledge and prepare students for progression into KS4.
Topics may include:
- Cells and Organisation
- Genes and Inheritance
- Variation and Survival
- Atoms, Molecules and the Periodic Table
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- The Earth and Atmosphere
- Forces and Motion
- Energy and Energy Transfer
- Waves
- Electricity and Magnetism
- The Earth and Space
Alongside subject knowledge, students develop their ability to work scientifically through practical investigation, observation, analysis, evaluation and interpretation of scientific information.
KS4 – Years 10 and 11
For the majority of students, the main Science qualification pathway at KS4 is AQA GCSE Biology.
Students begin the GCSE Biology course in Year 10 and continue through Year 11, allowing sufficient time to develop a secure understanding of the subject, revisit key concepts and prepare thoroughly for the final examinations.
The course covers:
- Cell Biology
- Organisation
- Infection and Response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and Response
- Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
- Ecology
Students also develop their practical, mathematical and scientific enquiry skills throughout the course.
The qualification is available at Foundation and Higher Tier. Students are entered for the tier most appropriate to their attainment, progress and individual needs.
The course is assessed through two written examinations at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1 – 1 hour 45 minutes
Topics assessed:
- Cell Biology
- Organisation
- Infection and Response
- Bioenergetics
Paper 2 – 1 hour 45 minutes
Topics assessed:
- Homeostasis and Response
- Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
- Ecology
Each paper contributes 50% towards the final GCSE grade.
Alternative Science Pathways
Although AQA GCSE Biology is the main KS4 pathway, we recognise that students have different starting points, needs and levels of readiness.
Where GCSE Biology is not considered an appropriate pathway, students may follow an alternative accredited Science programme.
This may include:
- OCR Entry Level Certificate in Science;
- AQA Unit Award Scheme Science;
- another suitable accredited pathway appropriate to the individual student.
These pathways are considered on an individual basis and are selected according to the student’s needs, prior attainment and ability to access the curriculum successfully.
The AQA Unit Award Scheme may be used to recognise smaller steps of achievement and provide students with certificates for successfully completed units. This can support students in building confidence and demonstrating progress where a full qualification is not yet appropriate.
Exceptional GCSE Pathways
In exceptional circumstances, a student may follow a broader GCSE Science pathway, such as Combined Science, where this is considered appropriate to their prior attainment, academic ability and individual circumstances.
This would not form part of the standard Science offer and would be agreed on an individual basis.
Progression
Our Science curriculum is designed to provide a clear progression route:
Year 9 – Broad KS3 Science
leading to
Years 10–11 – AQA GCSE Biology
for the majority of students.
Alternative accreditation is available where appropriate to ensure that every student is able to experience success, demonstrate progress and leave with meaningful recognition of their scientific learning.
Contact:
Science Team, Bozena Baker (bozena.baker@thetutorialfoundation.co.uk) Lily Truong (lily.truong@thetutorialfoundation.co.uk), Josie Furness (josie.furness@thetutorialfoundation.co.uk)