Science
Key Stage 3 Science Curriculum
The Science department at Meopham School has an inclusive curriculum aimed to inspire students to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity around science. We want to deepen scientific understanding through a multitude of techniques. Instilling an appreciation for the world around them, whilst understanding uses and implications of science today and for the future. As students move through the curriculum, they will develop skills into working scientifically and appreciate the value of science in their everyday lives.
We deliver an inclusive, bespoke key stage 3 curriculum. This provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which not only encompasses the National Curriculum but is also broader. With this diverse curriculum we aspire to equip our learners with a variety of transferable skills. This also aids to deepen pupils’ understanding of Science in the media, to initiate a genuine interest and desire around scientific topics. Our aim is to ensure all students are able to access our curriculum and have a genuine enthusiasm towards Science.
Useful website for KS3: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p
Key Stage 4 Science Curriculum
The Science department at Meopham School has an inclusive curriculum aimed to inspire students to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity around science. We want to deepen scientific understanding through a multitude of techniques. Instilling an appreciation for the world around them, whilst understanding uses and implications of science today and for the future. As students move through the curriculum, they will develop skills into working scientifically and appreciate the value of science in their everyday lives.
The key stage 4 Science curriculum continues with building upon and deepening scientific knowledge and the understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each topic is linked intrinsically to prior knowledge and skills from KS3 and builds in terms of complexity, skills and application, which underpins our spiral curriculum. Our aim is that pupils will develop an appreciation of Science in their everyday lives.
Students are currently studying AQA Trilogy is worth two Science GCSE’s and is graded 9-1. Students study a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics over years 10 and 11. They will then sit two exams in each discipline of Science to give a total of 6 exams, which are 1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks per paper, all worth 16.7% each. A summary of this course can be found here.
Recommended revision guide is the CGP GCSE Combined Science Trilogy AQA Revision Guide this can be purchased online. This can be used to support during their independent studying. Please ensure you purchase the correct tier as there are higher and foundation.
Assessment at Key Stage 4 (summary):
The GCSE itself is formed of 6 papers, two each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The exams cover half of the curriculum each and there is no coursework element, 100% of the qualification is 100% examination based.
Useful website for KS4: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8r997h
Key Stage 5 – A level Biology
Examining Body:
AQA
Overview of the course:
AQA Biology AS/A Level – The course takes students into the molecular detail of biological substances and processes such as Photosynthesis, how your body turns DNA code into proteins like enzymes and how these enzymes work. The course also takes a wider view of processes such as ecological development and speciation. A full course summary can be found here.
What Will You Study:
What will I study in Year 12?
Unit 1 – Biological Molecules
Carbohydrate, lipid and protein structure.
DNA structure.
The role of water and ions.
Unit 2 – Cells
Cell structure and function.
Microscopy.
Immune recognition and response.
Unit 3 – Organisms and Exchange
Gas exchange.
Digestion and absorption.
Mass transport.
Unit 4 – Genes and Variation
DNA, genes and chromosomes.
Protein synthesis.
Biodiversity and adaptations.
What will I study in Year 13?
Unit 5 – Energy Transfers of Organisms
Photosynthesis and Respiration.
Nutrient Cycles.
Unit 6 – Response to the Environment
Nervous Control.
Homeostasis.
Unit 7– Genetics and Evolution
Inheritance and evolution.
Speciation and Ecosystems.
Unit 8—Control of Gene Expression
Mutations, Cancer and Gene Therapy
Assessment:
AS Assessment: Two written papers
Paper 1 – Any content from units 1-4 (75 marks)
Paper 2 – Any content from units 1-4 (75 marks)
Each 1hour and 30 minutes long and is worth 50% of the AS
A2 Assessment: Three written papers
Paper 1—Content from Units 1-4 (91 marks) 35% of A level
Paper 2—Content from units 5-8 (91 marks) 35% of A level
Paper 3—Content from units 1-8 (78 marks) 30% of A level
Possible Career Paths:
Students will require this A-level for courses such as medicine and veterinary. It is also fundamental for biomedical science, forensics or pharmaceutical science. The skills obtained are extremely favourable to employers if students wish to pursue employment following A levels across a wide range of industries including animal care.