| Subject Science (KS3 route to KS4 Combined Science) |
| Curriculum Intent: Grace Academy Darlaston aims to cultivate an atmosphere where students not only find enjoyment in science but also develop a deep understanding of the relevance of Biology, Chemistry and Physics to everyday life. Through a curriculum that emphasizes investigative and practical skills, students are encouraged to be inquisitive and ambitious in their pursuit of scientific knowledge. By providing challenging opportunities for hands-on learning, the science curriculum equips students with transferrable skills and enable them to structure facts and opinions to construct their own arguments. |
| Curriculum content KS3 Science Curriculum (Years 7-9) KS3 Science is divided into three main disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The curriculum is designed to build foundational knowledge and develop practical scientific skills. Biology Topics Cells and Organisation – Structure of plant and animal cells, specialised cells, diffusion, osmosis, levels of organisation. Reproduction – Human reproductive system, puberty, fertilisation, plant reproduction. Health and the Human Body – Nutrition, digestion, the circulatory system, respiration. Ecosystems and Interdependence – Food chains/webs, adaptations, biodiversity, human impact. Inheritance and Evolution – Variation, natural selection, evolution, fossils, extinction. Chemistry Topics Particles and States of Matter – Solids, liquids, gases, changes of state, diffusion. Atoms, Elements, and Compounds – Structure of an atom, elements vs compounds, the Periodic Table. Chemical Reactions – Acids and alkalis, neutralisation, combustion, oxidation, conservation of mass. Materials and the Earth – The rock cycle, weathering, recycling, fossil fuels, Earth’s atmosphere. Physics Topics Forces and Motion – Types of forces, balanced/unbalanced forces, speed, pressure. Energy – Energy stores, transfers, renewable and non-renewable energy. Waves – Properties of sound and light, reflection, refraction, how we see and hear. Electricity and Magnetism – Circuits, current, voltage, resistance, electromagnets. Space Science – The solar system, seasons, gravity, phases of the Moon. KS3 Practical Skills Using microscopes, carrying out chemical reactions safely, measuring forces, conducting electrical circuit experiments, analysing data, and forming scientific conclusions. GCSE Combined Science Curriculum (KS4, Years 10-11) At KS4, most students study AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy, which includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics but leads to two GCSE grades instead of three. GCSE Biology Topics Cell Biology – Cell structure, microscopes, cell division, transport in cells. Organisation – The digestive system, the heart, blood, plant transport systems. Infection and Response – Communicable diseases, the immune system, vaccinations. Bioenergetics – Photosynthesis, respiration. Homeostasis and Response – The nervous system, hormones, controlling blood sugar. Inheritance, Variation, and Evolution – DNA, genetic inheritance, evolution, extinction. Ecology – Ecosystems, food chains, biodiversity, human impact on the environment. GCSE Chemistry Topics Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table – Structure of an atom, electron configuration, groups in the periodic table. Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter – Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding, states of matter. Quantitative Chemistry – Conservation of mass, moles, reacting masses. Chemical Changes – Acids and alkalis, electrolysis, reactivity series. Energy Changes – Exothermic and endothermic reactions. The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change – Factors affecting reaction rates, reversible reactions. Organic Chemistry – Hydrocarbons, crude oil, polymers. Chemical Analysis – Testing for ions, chromatography. Chemistry of the Atmosphere – Evolution of the atmosphere, climate change, pollutants. Using Resources – Sustainable development, water purification, recycling. GCSE Physics Topics Energy – Energy stores, efficiency, renewable and non-renewable energy. Electricity – Circuits, resistance, electrical power, mains electricity. Particle Model of Matter – States of matter, density, changes of state, specific heat capacity. Atomic Structure – The structure of an atom, radioactive decay, nuclear radiation. Forces – Contact and non-contact forces, speed, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s Laws. Waves – Properties of waves, electromagnetic spectrum, sound waves. Magnetism and Electromagnetism – Magnets, electromagnets, motors, generators. GCSE Required Practical Activities Students must complete 21 required practicals (7 per subject) covering microscopy, reaction rates, osmosis, electrical circuits, forces, and more. |
| Qualification information AQA GCSE Combined Science – Summary of Qualification Information Overview: AQA GCSE Combined Science is a double award qualification, meaning students receive two GCSE grades based on their performance. It covers Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in an integrated format. Assessment Structure: Exam Board: AQA Course Codes: Trilogy (8464) – Most common route Grades Awarded: 9-9 to 1-1 (double grading system) Exam Papers: Six Papers (1hr 15min each, 70 marks per paper) Biology Paper 1: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection & Response, Bioenergetics Biology Paper 2: Homeostasis & Response, Inheritance, Variation & Evolution, Ecology Chemistry Paper 1: Atomic Structure, Bonding, Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Changes, Energy Changes Chemistry Paper 2: Rate of Reaction, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the Atmosphere, Using Resources Physics Paper 1: Energy, Electricity, Particle Model, Atomic Structure Physics Paper 2: Forces, Waves, Magnetism & Electromagnetism Key Features: Tiered Entry: Foundation (Grades 1-1 to 5-5) Higher (Grades 4-4 to 9-9) Required Practical Activities (RPAs): 21 practicals that students must be familiar with for exam questions Maths Component: ~20% of marks involve maths skills (higher for Physics) Progression Routes: Suitable for A-Level Sciences, Applied Science, and vocational routes Leads to careers in healthcare, engineering, environmental science, etc. |
| Out of hours enhancements When studying National Curriculum Science, AQA Combined Science, or AQA Triple Science, students can enhance their learning both at home and outside the home through various resources and activities. Learning at Home a) Online Revision and Study Websites BBC Bitesize (www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize) Covers KS3 & GCSE with videos, quizzes, and summary notes. Seneca Learning (www.senecalearning.com) Interactive revision for KS3 & GCSE Science with AI-powered quizzes. Freesciencelessons (www.freesciencelessons.co.uk) Short, topic-specific videos for AQA Combined & Triple Science. GCSE Pod (www.gcsepod.com) Concise audio-visual GCSE science revision (subscription required). Physics and Maths Tutor (www.physicsandmathstutor.com) Past papers, revision notes, and topic-based questions. Cognito (www.cognitoedu.org) High-quality revision videos and quizzes for GCSE Science. b) Science YouTube Channels Primrose Kitten – GCSE revision, exam techniques. FuseSchool – Animated science lessons. SciShow – Fun science explanations. MinutePhysics – Quick explanations of physics concepts. c) Science Experiments at Home Grow crystals using salt/sugar solutions. Test reaction rates with vinegar and baking soda. Make a lemon battery to study electricity. Study osmosis using potatoes in saltwater. d) Science Apps & Online Tools GCSE Revision App (Apple/Google Play) – Topic quizzes. BBC Science iPlayer – Educational science videos. The Royal Society of Chemistry App – Interactive chemistry lessons. 2. Out-of-Home Learning Opportunities a) Science Museums & Centres Science Museum (London) – Hands-on exhibits on energy, space, and forces. Natural History Museum (London) – Fossils, evolution, and geology. The Eden Project (Cornwall) – Climate and biodiversity learning. Thinktank Science Museum (Birmingham) – Interactive physics and chemistry zones. The Royal Observatory (Greenwich) – Space physics and astronomy. Eureka! (Halifax) – Interactive science for younger students. b) Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Centres ZSL London Zoo & Whipsnade Zoo – Evolution, ecosystems, and conservation. The Deep (Hull) – Marine biology and ocean ecosystems. Chester Zoo – Adaptations, habitats, and conservation projects. c) Field Trips & Outdoor Science Nature Reserves (RSPB, National Trust) – Ecology and biodiversity. Rock Formations & Caves (Cheddar Gorge, Peak District) – Geology and weathering. Planetariums & Stargazing Events – Understanding space physics. d) Science Workshops & Clubs After-school STEM clubs – Robotics, engineering, and hands-on experiments. Local university outreach events – Free science taster sessions. British Science Week (March) – Public events, talks, and experiments. |
| Subject Science (KS3 route to KS4 Triple Science) |
| Curriculum Intent: Grace Academy Darlaston aims to cultivate an atmosphere where students not only find enjoyment in science but also develop a deep understanding of the relevance of Biology, Chemistry and Physics to everyday life. Through a curriculum that emphasizes investigative and practical skills, students are encouraged to be inquisitive and ambitious in their pursuit of scientific knowledge. By providing challenging opportunities for hands-on learning, the science curriculum equips students with transferrable skills and enable them to structure facts and opinions to construct their own arguments. |
| Curriculum content KS3 Science Curriculum (Years 7-9) KS3 Science is divided into three main disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The curriculum is designed to build foundational knowledge and develop practical scientific skills. Biology Topics Cells and Organisation – Structure of plant and animal cells, specialised cells, diffusion, osmosis, levels of organisation. Reproduction – Human reproductive system, puberty, fertilisation, plant reproduction. Health and the Human Body – Nutrition, digestion, the circulatory system, respiration. Ecosystems and Interdependence – Food chains/webs, adaptations, biodiversity, human impact. Inheritance and Evolution – Variation, natural selection, evolution, fossils, extinction. Chemistry Topics Particles and States of Matter – Solids, liquids, gases, changes of state, diffusion. Atoms, Elements, and Compounds – Structure of an atom, elements vs compounds, the Periodic Table. Chemical Reactions – Acids and alkalis, neutralisation, combustion, oxidation, conservation of mass. Materials and the Earth – The rock cycle, weathering, recycling, fossil fuels, Earth’s atmosphere. Physics Topics Forces and Motion – Types of forces, balanced/unbalanced forces, speed, pressure. Energy – Energy stores, transfers, renewable and non-renewable energy. Waves – Properties of sound and light, reflection, refraction, how we see and hear. Electricity and Magnetism – Circuits, current, voltage, resistance, electromagnets. Space Science – The solar system, seasons, gravity, phases of the Moon. KS3 Practical Skills Using microscopes, carrying out chemical reactions safely, measuring forces, conducting electrical circuit experiments, analysing data, and forming scientific conclusions. GCSE Combined Science Curriculum (KS4, Years 10-11) At KS4, most students study AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy, which includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics but leads to two GCSE grades instead of three. GCSE Biology Topics Cell Biology – Cell structure, microscopes, cell division, transport in cells. Organisation – The digestive system, the heart, blood, plant transport systems. Infection and Response – Communicable diseases, the immune system, vaccinations. Bioenergetics – Photosynthesis, respiration. Homeostasis and Response – The nervous system, hormones, controlling blood sugar. Inheritance, Variation, and Evolution – DNA, genetic inheritance, evolution, extinction. Ecology – Ecosystems, food chains, biodiversity, human impact on the environment. GCSE Chemistry Topics Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table – Structure of an atom, electron configuration, groups in the periodic table. Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter – Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding, states of matter. Quantitative Chemistry – Conservation of mass, moles, reacting masses. Chemical Changes – Acids and alkalis, electrolysis, reactivity series. Energy Changes – Exothermic and endothermic reactions. The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change – Factors affecting reaction rates, reversible reactions. Organic Chemistry – Hydrocarbons, crude oil, polymers. Chemical Analysis – Testing for ions, chromatography. Chemistry of the Atmosphere – Evolution of the atmosphere, climate change, pollutants. Using Resources – Sustainable development, water purification, recycling. GCSE Physics Topics Energy – Energy stores, efficiency, renewable and non-renewable energy. Electricity – Circuits, resistance, electrical power, mains electricity. Particle Model of Matter – States of matter, density, changes of state, specific heat capacity. Atomic Structure – The structure of an atom, radioactive decay, nuclear radiation. Forces – Contact and non-contact forces, speed, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s Laws. Waves – Properties of waves, electromagnetic spectrum, sound waves. Magnetism and Electromagnetism – Magnets, electromagnets, motors, generators. Space – life cycle of stars, expanding universe and big bang theory GCSE Required Practical Activities Students must complete 21 required practicals (7 per subject) covering microscopy, reaction rates, osmosis, electrical circuits, forces, and more. |
| Qualification information AQA GCSE Triple Science – Qualification Summary Overview: AQA GCSE Triple Science awards students three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics instead of a combined grade. Each subject is assessed independently, giving students a more in-depth understanding of scientific concepts. Assessment Structure: Exam Board: AQA Course Codes: Biology (8461) Chemistry (8462) Physics (8463) Grades Awarded: 9 to 1 (each subject receives an individual GCSE grade) Exam Papers: Each subject has two papers, making a total of six papers: Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes per paper Marks per Paper: 100 Question Types: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response Biology Paper 1: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection & Response, Bioenergetics Paper 2: Homeostasis & Response, Inheritance, Variation & Evolution, Ecology Chemistry Paper 1: Atomic Structure, Bonding, Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Changes, Energy Changes Paper 2: Rate of Reaction, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the Atmosphere, Using Resources Physics Paper 1: Energy, Electricity, Particle Model, Atomic Structure Paper 2: Forces, Waves, Magnetism & Electromagnetism, Space Physics (only in Triple Science) Key Features: No Combined Grade: Each subject is assessed and graded separately. Tiered Entry: Foundation (Grades 1-5) Higher (Grades 4-9) Required Practical Activities (RPAs): 10 per subject (30 in total), with questions on these in exams. Maths Component: Biology: ~10% Chemistry: ~20% Physics: ~30% Differences Between Triple and Combined Science: Triple Science covers the same topics but in more depth. Physics includes Space Physics, which is not in Combined Science. Triple Science is often preferred for students wanting to study A-Level Sciences or STEM careers. Progression Routes: A-Level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Applied Science, Engineering, Medicine, and other science-related careers |
| Out of hours enhancements When studying National Curriculum Science, AQA Combined Science, or AQA Triple Science, students can enhance their learning both at home and outside the home through various resources and activities. Learning at Home a) Online Revision and Study Websites BBC Bitesize (www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize) Covers KS3 & GCSE with videos, quizzes, and summary notes. Seneca Learning (www.senecalearning.com) Interactive revision for KS3 & GCSE Science with AI-powered quizzes. Freesciencelessons (www.freesciencelessons.co.uk) Short, topic-specific videos for AQA Combined & Triple Science. GCSE Pod (www.gcsepod.com) Concise audio-visual GCSE science revision (subscription required). Physics and Maths Tutor (www.physicsandmathstutor.com) Past papers, revision notes, and topic-based questions. Cognito (www.cognitoedu.org) High-quality revision videos and quizzes for GCSE Science. b) Science YouTube Channels Primrose Kitten – GCSE revision, exam techniques. FuseSchool – Animated science lessons. SciShow – Fun science explanations. MinutePhysics – Quick explanations of physics concepts. c) Science Experiments at Home Grow crystals using salt/sugar solutions. Test reaction rates with vinegar and baking soda. Make a lemon battery to study electricity. Study osmosis using potatoes in saltwater. d) Science Apps & Online Tools GCSE Revision App (Apple/Google Play) – Topic quizzes. BBC Science iPlayer – Educational science videos. The Royal Society of Chemistry App – Interactive chemistry lessons. 2. Out-of-Home Learning Opportunities a) Science Museums & Centres Science Museum (London) – Hands-on exhibits on energy, space, and forces. Natural History Museum (London) – Fossils, evolution, and geology. The Eden Project (Cornwall) – Climate and biodiversity learning. Thinktank Science Museum (Birmingham) – Interactive physics and chemistry zones. The Royal Observatory (Greenwich) – Space physics and astronomy. Eureka! (Halifax) – Interactive science for younger students. b) Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Centres ZSL London Zoo & Whipsnade Zoo – Evolution, ecosystems, and conservation. The Deep (Hull) – Marine biology and ocean ecosystems. Chester Zoo – Adaptations, habitats, and conservation projects. c) Field Trips & Outdoor Science Nature Reserves (RSPB, National Trust) – Ecology and biodiversity. Rock Formations & Caves (Cheddar Gorge, Peak District) – Geology and weathering. Planetariums & Stargazing Events – Understanding space physics. d) Science Workshops & Clubs After-school STEM clubs – Robotics, engineering, and hands-on experiments. Local university outreach events – Free science taster sessions. British Science Week (March) – Public events, talks, and experiments. |