Science

Intent

The Science curriculum ensures that children develop a curiosity and love of the world around them through offering a range of practical and theoretical learning. Pupils will understand the scientific problems facing the modern world and learn how to develop their scientific enquiries through their own and taught knowledge.

We aim to:

excite and inspire pupil through practical lessons
develop and understand a range of knowledge through the topics of biology, chemistry and physics
ensure pupils have the scientific knowledge to use in the world today and the future

At KS3 we ensure that we build on the scientific knowledge and concepts taught in KS2. We develop the pupils’ understanding of how to work scientifically in the following areas:

Biology

Structure and function of living organisms
Material cycles and energy
Interactions and interdependencies
Genetics and evolution

Chemistry

The particulate nature of matter
Atoms
Elements and compounds
Pure and impure substances
Chemical reactions
Energetics
The periodic table
Materials
Earth and atmosphere

Physics

Energy
Motion and forces
Waves
Electricity and electromagnetism
Matter
Space physics

In KS4 we follow the AQA combined science: trilogy. There are six written papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas covered throughout KS4. Each written paper is 1hr 15mins. The pupils’ final Double award (eg 9-9, 9-8). is based on the total across all six papers.

Implementation

Subject specialists have given consideration and thought to the sequence and rationale of the curriculum; why we teach the content we do and in the order that we do. This is to ensure knowledge is not isolated information; it is connected knowledge that enables comprehension.

At Key Stage 3, the full National Curriculum is delivered. The Science curriculum is organised into topics. Each topic builds on prior knowledge allowing connections to be made and enables knowledge to be transferable. In Science we believe this facilitates deeper comprehension. The topic content taught is chosen so lessons focus on developing deeper understanding and capacity for skilful performance.

At Key Stage 4, the full AQA Combined Science and separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications are delivered. Content is structured into topics. The curriculum is designed to ensure students can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

scientific ideas
techniques and procedures
apply their knowledge and understanding of these scientific principles and analyse information and ideas to interpret and evaluate
make judgments
draw conclusions
develop and improve experimental procedures. Each lesson builds on prior learning
allowing connections to be made between content Units have been organised and designed to promote learning and provide depth and breadth of understanding

Impact

In 2024, 100% of students achieved Grade 4 and above with 50% of students achieving Grade 5 and above. The course will cover a wide range of topics and will help to build skills and knowledge that will enable students to understand the living, material, and physical worlds, as well as a multitude of transferable skills that are invaluable for numerous routes post GCSE.

Examination

AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) Six papers - 75 minutes - all of equal weighting: two in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Assessment is by 100% final examination

How are students supported in Science?

Students at MEPA Academy are supported through a range of reasonable adjustments personalised to the student. The reasonable adjustments include but are not exhaustive to: providing templates for graph, tables, grids to students, use of Pencil grips/Easy Writer pens and pencils, scribing for students, providing extra time, use of writing slope, effective and appropriate seating, directed questions, use of Rest/calm/movement breaks. Teachers use a range of reasonable adjustments for each student to maximise their opportunities to learn.

Extra Curricular and Enrichment

To Read

Horrible Science Book Series
Our Planet: The official children’s companion to the Netflix Documentary Series by Matt Whyman
Guardians of the Planet: How to be an Eco-Hero. By Clive Gifford
Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete Disgusting Guide to the Human Body: A complete ( and Completely Disgusting) Guide to the Human Body. By Adam Kay
Outdoor Maker Lab – Exciting Experiments for Budding Scientists. By Robert Winston
Home Lab: Exciting Experiments for Budding Scientists. By Robert Winston
Science Lab – Fantastic Projects for Young Scientists. By Robert Winston
Earth Heroes: Twenty Inspiring Stories of People Saving our World. By Lily Cyu
Newsround Science and Nature
BBC Science Twitter

To Watch

Science Fair (Disney+)
Our Planet – David Attenborough (Netflix)
Weird but True! (Disney+)
Climate Change the facts – David Attenborough (BBC iPlayer)
Before the Flood – National Geographic (Disney+)

To Listen

Podcasts:

Brains on!
Science Talk Radio
Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
The Show about Science
BBC Science Podcasts

To Visit

Eureka Science Club! Tuesdays at 330 in Ag3.
Natural History Museum – London
Science Museum – London
Port Lympne Zoo
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Royal Observatory Greenwich

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Awareness and Learning

Understanding our environment, it’s a Green World, natural resources, earth science, ecosystems, interdependence, medical ethics

Careers Related Learning

Science has its obvious career links in the scientific world but also close links to working within specialist professional organisations like the NHS. However, science has many transferable skills including those involving analysis and critical thinking.