Curriculum Overview
Department: Science
Department Lead: M. Hill
Qualification: AQA Trilogy Double Award GCSE Science
Science is the curiosity and search for knowledge of how concepts work and why they work in this way, using observation and experimentation. Science works alongside many different subjects to support the development and understanding of our world today. During science lessons, our students will develop skills in communication and working with others to test concepts for themselves.
Topics Covered
The topics covered in science will cover a wide range of concepts in the three science disciplines Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These include:
Biology topics: Cell Biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.
Chemistry topics: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes, The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources.
Physics topics: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure, Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism
Key Skills
The principle focus of Science at HAPS is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Our young people will begin to see the connections between these subjects and become aware of some of the ‘big ideas’ underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding. The order of the units has been chosen by thinking about the connections between topics in each subject area of biology, chemistry and physics. This has been mapped through a two-year plan to ensure significant opportunities for progression by all students. The content aims to deepen scientific knowledge, ensuring key concepts are understood.
Assessment and Feedback
Students complete a baseline assessment on entry. The results of which are used to create individual learning pathways. Summative end of topic questions are used to identify any gaps in learning and targeted intervention to ensure students progress from their starting points.
Links to Everyday Life
Science is an important core subject. At HAPS we want our students to understand how important scientists and engineers are really are, as they literally shape the world around us.
Career Pathways
Science career pathways are endless and range from archaeologists to veterinarian and ‘everything else’ in between. If your future ambitions lie outside of the mould of traditional careers, there are some alternative options that fuse together science with other areas for a really unique career including; scientific illustrator or even a politician!