Aims
Our curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
KS3 Curriculum 2015-16
Year 7 and 8
At KS3 pupils begin their study of science by learning how to work scientifically. Through the content across all three disciplines, pupils are taught about: scientific attitudes, experimental skills and investigations, analysis and evaluation, measurement.
Subject Content
- Biology: Structure and function of living organisms, Material cycles and energy, Interactions and interdependencies and Genetics and evolution
- Chemistry: The particulate nature of matter, Atoms, elements and compounds, Pure and impure substances, Energetics, Chemical reactions, The Periodic Table, Materials, and Earth and atmosphere
- Physics: Energy, Motion and forces, Waves, Electricity and electromagnetism, and Matter
Let’s Think Secondary Science.
The staff at HTA were involved in the pilot project for LTSS. It uses a teaching approach which challenges students’ current level of thinking, encourages students to learn through co-operation with their peers, and develop their meta-cognitive skills, including the ability to reason, assess arguments and solve problems.
KS4 Curriculum 2016 – 2017
Year 9
The year 9 curriculum further develops key skills and key ideas from key stage 3 as well as preparing students for their GCSE courses.
Year 10
Pupils in Year 10 will be studying the new specification, AQA TRILOGY GCSE which is made up of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All students will be examined at the end of year 11.
Students studying triple science will follow the new AQA Triple Science specification and will be examined on all components at the end of year 11.
Year 11
In Year 11 pupils will be studying the AQA Additional Science GCSE. Pupils that have chosen science as an option will be studying for AQA Physics, Biology and Chemistry GCSE.
Assessment: Examination in Biology, Chemistry, Physics each worth 25% of the overall grade and a Controlled test worth 25% of the overall grade for Additional Science. Triple science students will sit papers in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Again 25% of the overall grade is a controlled assessment unit.
KS5 Curriculum 2016 – 2017
AS and A Level Biology –WJEC/Eduqas
AS and A2 Chemistry – AQA
AS and A2 Phyisics –Edexcel
BTEC Applied Science – Edexcel
STEM Club
The department runs a very popular after school STEM club. The activities are chosen by the students and are supported by A’level scientists.
Other Enrichment activities include working with STEM ambassadors and other visiting scientists.