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Science
Students initially focus on practical skills and the scientific method learning how to conduct practical experiments and investigate hypotheses. Pupils learn to plan experiments, producing stepwise instructions that are repeatable by other scientists. They learn to use common apparatus found in a laboratory safely and with precision. Processing results, students learn to analyse data, spot patterns and draw conclusions that prove or disprove hypotheses. At the same time, pupils become familiar with the body of scientific knowledge outlined in the National Curriculum and start to learn the numeracy and literacy skills required to succeed at GCSE.
At Prince William School we begin studying GCSE Science at the star of Year 9 following the OCR A specification. Most students take the Combined Science GCSE course, achieving two Science GCSE grades. We stretch our most able students by offering the chance to follow the Separate Science GCSE courses, resulting in separate GCSE grades for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Key Stage 3
In KS3 students are taught a combined science course which is divided into a number of topics which closely follow the Exploring Science course by Pearson. The course seeks to ensure that pupils deepen their understanding and knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics while also improving their skills of scientific enquiry. The course includes opportunities for students to engage in practical work, fieldwork, research, use of ICT, individual and group work, discussions, modelling and evaluation. Teachers also aim to make the teaching of science relevant to students’ lives.
Year 7
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Cells The Particle Model Forces |
Reproduction Atoms Energy |
Muscle and Bone Mixtures and Separation Sound |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Plants and their reproduction Acids and Alkalis Electricity |
Ecosystems Rocks Earth and Space |
Scientific Enquiry |
Year 8
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Respiration Metals Energy Transfer |
Food and Nutrition Periodic Table Fluids |
Unicellular Organisms Combustion Light |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Plant Growth Reactivity Forces in Motion |
Genetics and evolution Making materials Electromagnets |
Scientific Enquiry |
Year 9
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Cells The Particle Mode Changes of State |
Respiration Mixtures Pressure |
Photosynthesis Bonding Motion |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Supplying the Cell Bonding Changes of State |
Challenges of Size Quantitative Chemistry Pressure |
The Nervous System Energetics Motion |
Example of skill progression
Knowledge of particle theory > acids and alkalis > mixtures and separation
Cells > microbes > respiration.
As well as progress in terms of complexity of knowledge, progress is also seen in the confidence with which students apply their knowledge and use subject specific terminology.
Key Stage 4
Whether they are studying for GCSE Combined Science or a GCSE in the three separate sciences, all students will study topics from Biology, Chemistry and Physics from the Gateway Science 9-1 Suite offered by Oxford Cambridge RSA (OCR).
Year 10
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Biology Types of Reaction Motion and Newton’s Laws |
The Challenges of Size Electrolysis Forces in Action |
The Nervous System Predicting reactions and Products Reaction Electricity |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
The Endocrine System Controlling Reactions Magnetism and Magnetic Fields |
Maintaining Internal Environments Equilibria Waves |
Paper 1 revision |
Year 11
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Natural Selection and Evolution Rates of Reaction Radioactivity |
Monitoring and maintaining the Environment Equilibria Energy – Work done / Power and Efficiency |
Feeding the Human Race Improving Processes and Products Physics on the Move |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Monitoring and Maintaining Health Organic Chemistry Powering Earth |
Non-Communicable Diseases Interpreting and Interacting with Earth Systems Beyond Earth |
Example of skill progression
Atomic structure > bonding > electrolysis
Cells > tissues and organs > mitosis
Energy > electricity > work done and power
More challenging topics put the models learned into more advanced contexts. Technical vocabulary is used with increasing confidence and accuracy.
Key Stage 5 - Biology
Biology is one of the most popular A-Level subjects in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects. Biologists are scientists who study the natural world and all the living things in it, from the largest mammals down to our very own microscopic DNA. Because biologists deal with the natural world, their jobs can take them anywhere, from laboratories to zoos, from ocean liners in the arctic to fieldwork in the Amazon jungle.
Biology opens up exciting career possibilities. From conservation to cancer research, biologists are tackling important 21st century challenges. Whatever field you will eventually work in, you will find biology a very rewarding and challenging course which will develop many of the skills essential for a successful career.
Exam structure / weightings
There are three papers that students will take at the end of Year 13:
Biological Processes 2hrs 15mins worth 37% (covering modules 1, 2, 3 and 5),
Biological Diversity 2hrs 15mins worth 37% (covering modules 1, 2, 4 and 6), and
Unified Biology 1hr 30mins worth 26% (covering all modules).
There is also a non-exam component to assess practical skills by showing competency in twelve practical skills over the course of the A Level.
Year 12
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic Components of Living systems Exchange Surfaces in Animals |
Biological Molecules Plant Transport |
Enzymes Classification and Evolution |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Plasma Membranes Communicable Diseases |
Cell Divisions Biodiversity |
Cell Divisions Sampling Techniques |
Year 13
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Photosynthesis Respiration Excretion Ecosystems |
Cellular Control Inheritance Nerves Hormones |
Cloning Biotechnology Manipulating Genomes |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
| Plant and Animal Responses | Revision |
Example of skill progression
Biological Molecules > DNA and enzymes > cell division
Cell microscopy > photosynthesis > plant transport
Key Stage 5 - Chemistry
An understanding of Chemistry and Chemical processes underpins all that we do. It allows us to explain everything from the composition of stars to the processes of life. It touches on a myriad of everyday items, such as your mobile phone battery, preventing corrosion in your car and making the next great breakthrough in drug discovery.
The A level specification places a particular emphasis on the development of practical skills and chemical literacy and there are twelve required practicals that all students must conduct and write up over the course of the two years.
Exam structure / weightings
There are three papers that pupils will take at the end of Year 13;
Periodic Table, elements and Physical Chemistry;
Synthesis and Analytical Techniques; and
Unified Chemistry
Please click this link to view the full course specification.
Year 12
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry | Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry | Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
| Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy | Module 4 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis | Module 4 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis |
Year 13
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements | Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements |
Module 6 – Further Organic Chemistry and Analysis |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
| Module 6 – Further Organic Chemistry and Analysis | Revision |
Example of skill progression
Atomic structures > bonding > transition metals
Atomic structure > shapes and bond angles (electron pair repulsion theory) > mechanisms
Building on the limitations of previous models learned, students are introduced to more advanced models and ideas.
Key Stage 5 - Physics
Physics is one of the most challenging and the most exciting subject Post-16 has to offer. Want to measure the speed of sound in air to 98% accuracy? Fancy practically determining the wavelength of laser light by measuring a few lengths and angles? Interested in measuring absolute zero in the laboratory? Then A Level physics is the subject for you.
Walk the footsteps of Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Einstein and Higgs. Challenge yourself to examine energy and matter at the quantum level, and spend your time thinking and discussing fundamental questions about the Universe.
Students need to be highly committed, and willing to put in an Outstanding Effort to achieve well.
Exam structure / weightings
There are three exams at the end of Year 13, which are worth 30%, 30% and 40% respectively. All three can draw on any topic within the syllabus, with the third, longest exam being most likely to ask questions about the core practicals in the A Level syllabus.
Please click this link to view the full course specification.
Year 12
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Foundations of Physics Forces of Motion |
Forces of Motion |
Charge and Current Energy, Power and Resistance |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Electrical Circuits Waves 1 |
Waves 2 |
Quantum Physics |
Year 13
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Transport on Track Further Mechanics and Electric Motors in trains |
The Medium is the Message Communications industry is the context for more waves exploration Probing the Heart of Matter Particle Physics and all the mechanics of fundamental Physics |
Build or Bust Simple harmonic motion and is taught through earthquakes and building design |
| Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|
Reach for the Stars Nuclear Physics, Stellar Evolution and measuring the universe is taught by gazing at the stars |
Revision |
Example of skill progression
Charge and Current > Capacitance > Electric Fields
Waves > Quantum Physics > Medical Imaging
Careers and progression
Qualification pathways
The GCSE offered at KS4 prepares students perfectly for the A levels offered at KS5, which in turn prepares students for further study at degree or employment in a scientific sector.
Career Opportunities
Biology
Medicine, nursing, midwifery, veterinary science, dentist, physiotherapy, biomedical Science, sport science, marine biology, zoology, microbiologist, ecologist, biotechnology, forensic science, nutritionist.
Chemistry
Chemical industry, medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical industry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, forensic science
Physics
Engineering, scientific research, medicine, architecture, astronomer, geophysicist, meteorologist, nanotechnologist, radiation protection practitioner, sound engineer, software engineer, telecommunications researcher.
Example of successful progressions
18 students from Y13 progressed to reading scientific subjects at university in 2019, including 3 reading medicine and 2 veterinary science.
Examples of links to Gatsby benchmark 4 (Linking curriculum to careers)
Through KS4 specific lessons have been identified where the curriculum knowledge links to specific careers. For example linking Instrumental Methods of Analysis to the work of an analytical chemist. These links are reinforced with additional detail through KS5.
The KS3 science enquiry investigations links the skills students are developing to careers. For example, the ‘Who’s Cheating on the Vinegar’ practical draws links with the role of a food technologist.
Examples of link to Gatsby benchmark 5 (encounters with employers)
Anglian water – problem solving (including teamwork and employability skills) day for all Y12 and Y13 STEM students. Currently planning a similar day for Y7 students
Dr Ben Evan, an Aerospace professor involved in the Bloodhound project (breaking the world land speed record), is making a presentation to Y10, 12 and 13 students in January 2020
Visit to RAF Cranwell with Y12 and 13 students – investigating circular motion at UK’s newest centrifuge facility including discussions around career pathways in the RAF
Planning for Perkins and Amazon trips to view factory facilities and production lines
The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK.
The Big Bang Fair aims to show young people aged 7 to 19 the exciting and rewarding opportunities out there for them with the right experience and qualifications, by bringing classroom learning to life.
Employability skills
Numerical and calculation skills including units conversions and rearranging algebraic equations
Logical sequencing and problem solving
Modelling and exploring the limitation of any model
Planning and developing a risk assessment
Analysis and presentation of data
Drawing conclusions and making evaluations from data
Academic rigour.
Presenting to small groups / classes
