Science

Overview

All students study the sciences as separate subjects - Biology, Chemistry and Physics - throughout their time at The Swanage School and therefore have the opportunity to take the three science GCSEs if they wish (Triple Science) or to take Combined Science at GCSE (equivalent to two GCSEs).

Science learning is exciting, with practical investigations and experiments bringing it to life. Learning about the natural world enhances lives in an increasingly technological society, and a love and knowledge of science can provide a platform for more advanced studies and can be the foundation stone for a wide range of exciting careers.

Key Stage 3

To encourage students to relate science learning to phenomena in the world around them, we have carefully created our own contextually based Key Stage 3 curriculum by adapting Pearson 'Exploring Science' resources. We use modelling and abstract ideas to further develop and evaluate explanations to teach the sciences in a way that ensures students have the knowledge to enable them to develop curiosity about the natural world, insight into working scientifically, and appreciation of the relevance of science to their everyday lives.

Students are given the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, including scientific research, experiments and group tasks. They decide on the appropriate type of scientific enquiry required to answer their own questions, evaluate their results and identify further questions arising from them.

Throughout the curriculum, students are provided with opportunities to develop their use of scientific vocabulary, including the use of scientific nomenclature, units and mathematical representations.

The KS3 curriculum covers the following topics:

Biology

Biology safety and skills
Cells, tissues, organs and systems
Sexual reproduction in animals
Muscles and bones
Food and nutrition
Ecosystems
Plants and their reproduction
Genetics and evolution
Breathing and respiration
Plant growth
Unicellular organisms
Biology skills for GCSE

Chemistry

Mixtures and separation
Acids and alkalis
The particle model
Atoms, elements and compounds
Combustion
The periodic table
Metals and their uses
Rocks
Making materials
Reactivity

Physics

Energy currency
Electrical current
Forces in action
Sound
The particle model
Light
Solar system
Energy budget
Magnets
Motion

Key Stage 4

Studying science at GCSE builds upon and deepens scientific knowledge and understanding of ideas developed in Key Stage 3.

We follow the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Science specifications. There are two routes that students can follow: GCSE Combined Science (two GCSEs) or the GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics (separate sciences).

Foundation and higher tiered levels further allow for students to sit science exams in a way that best suits them.

Students have the opportunity to complete a range of contextually based activities in the form of assessment frameworks and research projects which are designed to encourage all students to best show what they know and what they can do, so that every student can enjoy science and succeed in their studies.

The Key Stage 4 curriculum covers: