Science
Science Curriculum Intent
Vision for Science Education
Aligned with Blenheim’s vision of being an outstanding institution at the heart of the community, our Science department strives to cultivate a generation of leaders and innovators who embrace a growth mindset and are empowered to achieve their full potential. We envision a Science curriculum that serves as a cornerstone of Blenheim's commitment to excellence, providing students with the broadest possible school experience and equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern world.
Ethos of Science Education
At Blenheim High School, we operate on the principles of a growth mindset, where attributes like hard work, resilience, innovation, and improvement are not only encouraged but expected. Through a culture of high expectations and support from the #TeamBlenheim community, we nurture students to become active participants in their own learning journey, fostering a sense of curiosity, determination, and ambition in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
Facilities
Science lessons are taught in twelve modern laboratories, fully equipped for all school practical activities.
KS3 Science
Students follow the AQA Activate KS3 Science course in Year 7 and Year 8 in preparation for their AQA GCSE Science course in Year 9.
The KS3 syllabus uses big ideas and mastery goals to engage and inspire students. The syllabus develops working scientifically and practical skills which are essential to success at GCSE. The curriculum is spiral in design which means that each ‘big idea’ is studied across Year 7 and Year 8 with sub-topics building in complexity as students mature.
Topics Studied
|
Big Idea |
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
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Forces |
Forces & Motion |
Contact Forces & Work Done |
|
Electromagnets |
Electricity & Magnets |
|
|
Energy |
Forms of Energy |
Heat & Pressure |
|
Waves |
Waves & Sound |
Wave Effects & Light |
|
Matter |
Particle Model, Elements & |
Periodic Table |
|
Reactions |
Acids & Alkalis |
Types of Reactions, Metals & Non-Metals, & Chemical energy |
|
Earth |
|
Earth Resources & Climate |
|
Organisms |
Cells |
Movement, Breathing & Digestion |
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Ecosystems |
Ecosystems & Plant Production |
Respiration & Interdependence |
|
Genes |
Human Reproduction |
Variation, Evolution & Inheritance |
Assessment
Students are regularly assessed through Key Assessments and Tri-Weekly assessment. Each half term students receive either a Key Assessment which is summative, or a Tri-Weekly which is formative.
What skills will students develop
“Working scientifically” is an important feature of the course and areas of focus include: fundamental investigative ideas; observation as a stimulus to investigation; designing investigations; predicting outcomes; recording measurements; presenting, interpreting and evaluating data.
Homework
Students are set regular homework in accordance with the school’s Homework Timetable which is often published on the ‘Show my Homework’ webpage. Tasks are designed to support and consolidate the work covered in lessons and may include a variety of written or investigative assignments, online activities and quizzes, independent research or revision.
How Parents Can Help
- Discuss current Science advances with your child and encourage an interest in Science topics in the news.
- Take an interest in the homework set, checking that it is completed on time and to your child’s best standard.
- Encourage your child to thoroughly review the work covered in class regularly and revise for end of topic tests and Key Assessments.
Useful Links
- www.kerboodle.com Students log in with their usual school username. The password will be the same as their username until they login for the first time. They will then be asked to change their password. We recommend they use the same password that they use for the school PCs. Institution code is ahc2.
This provides access to the AQA Activate 1 and 2 textbooks used in class for each of the Sciences. Activities, worksheets and interactive tasks are also found here to assist with revision.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zng4d2p
Great revision summaries and short quizzes to test understanding. - www.fuseschool.org
Register for free to access engaging videos covering all GCSE Science topics.
KS4 Combined Science GCSE
Exam Board
Students study AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) and receive two (linked) GCSE grades.
Full course specification
Link to Personal Learning Checklists
All students receive separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons taught by subject specialists.
Course Details
All students in Key Stage 4 at Blenheim study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as part of the AQA Combined Science syllabus, which is a double award and results in two GCSEs. The course content in Combined Science provides students with the understanding and knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics that is relevant to everyday life.
During the course, Combined Science builds upon knowledge and understanding from Key Stage 3 to develop questioning, analytical and evaluative skills beyond the core practical skills. The course has a strong mathematical element (20%) built into all three disciplines. Students also focus on developing practical experimental skills and the application of these skills to exam questions.
|
Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
|
|
|
How students are assessed
|
Exam x 2 (1.25 hrs) |
Biology |
33.3% of the qualification |
|
Exam x 2 (1.25 hrs) |
Chemistry |
33.3% of the qualification |
|
Exam x 2 (1.25 hrs) |
Physics |
33.3% of the qualification |
Students must complete 16 Required Practicals across Biology, Chemistry and Physics as part of their Science GCSE’s which are assessed in the external examinations.
Science exams are tiered with Higher and Foundation entry possible for both pathways. Students must sit the same tier across all three sciences. Higher Tier enable students to access grade 9-5 and Foundation Tier enable students to access grades 5-1.
Mathematical Content + Equations
Students should know how to apply two lists of Physics equations: one is learnt by students and the second is provided as an insert in the external examinations.
In Combined Science maths skills will make up 20% of the marks allocated and be in the ratio 1:2:3. In other words for every one mark of maths in Biology there must be two in Chemistry and three in Physics.
Download all Combined Science Equations
What Skills will Students Develop?
“Working scientifically” is an important feature of the course and areas of focus include: fundamental investigative ideas; observation as a stimulus to investigation; designing investigations; predicting outcomes; recording measurements; presenting, interpreting and evaluating data
Homework
Homework is set regularly and is designed to either prepare for, or consolidate knowledge and understanding that is central to the course. As the course progresses, there is also an increasing emphasis on the skills required for success in the externally set examinations. Being a motivated, independent learner is key to success in this course as some content will be delivered through distance learning. All Homework is set on Satchel One.
How Parents Can Help
- Discuss current Science advances with your child and encourage an interest in Science topics in the news.
- Take an interest in the homework set, checking that it is completed on time and to your child’s best standard.
- Encourage your child to thoroughly review the work covered in class regularly and revise for end of topic tests.
Useful Links
- www.kerboodle.com Students log in with their usual school username. The password will be the same as their username until they login for the first time. They will then be asked to change their password. We recommend they use the same password that they use for the school PCs. Institution code is ahc2.
This provides access to textbook used in class for each of the Sciences, worksheets and interactive tasks to assist with revision.
Great revision summaries and short quizzes to test understanding.
Students will be given a login for this platform. It has very useful videos, multiple choice questions and practice questions. It is a common homework task.
Students will be given a login for this platform too. It is an excellent revision tool containing multiple choice questions and practice questions. It is a common homework task.
