Science

Key Stage 3 overview

In KS3, students study a science programme based on the National Curriculum. The course is designed to follow on from their KS2 studies, building on knowledge and skills developed at primary school and ensure a smooth transition in their learning. It will continue this development and prepare the students with the tools and confidence required for the challenges that the GCSE courses will present.

The KS3 course will stimulate students’ curiosity about the physical and natural world around them, as well as developing the key scientific skills they need now and in the future. Students are faced with challenging activities which encourage engagement and allow teachers to stretch and support students individually.

Classes are set by ability throughout KS3 with a wide range of topics involving all three main science areas being covered in order to produce well-rounded scientists with an impressive range of knowledge and skills.

Key Stage 4 overview

There are two routes of study leading to GCSE qualifications. Once students have embarked on these routes, it is not possible at a later stage to switch although there may be some movement between groups on the same route as students continue to develop. The route students take will be determined by their option choices taken towards the end of Key Stage 3.

It is judged to be better for students to achieve two high grades rather than three lower ones. This will enhance the chances of the students gaining entry into KS5 education and securing a place on their chosen A level courses.

Combined Science (Double Science):

Students will follow the AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) specification which will lead to the award of two GCSE qualifications in Combined Science. Grades will either be identical e.g. 5,5 or adjacent e.g. 6,5 or 5,4.

Progress will be monitored throughout the course through a series of assessments; there is no coursework in Combined Science. This is a linear course and students will be graded in the summer of Year 11 after sitting six exams of 1 hour 15 minutes in length (2 Biology, 2 Chemistry and 2 Physics). The GCSE exams are available in both Foundation and Higher Tier but students must sit all papers at the same tier.

Taking this course will not prevent students from studying the sciences at A level and beyond.

Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics):

Students will study all of the modules covered by students studying Combined Science but will study certain areas in more detail; they will also study additional topics.

Progress will be monitored throughout the course through a series of assessments; As with Combined Science, there is no coursework.

In the Summer of Year 11 students will sit 2 Biology papers, 2 Chemistry papers and 2 Physics papers. Each paper is 1hour 45minutes in length. The GCSE exams are available in Foundation and Higher Tier and will lead to the award of three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils may have the option to take each Science at a different tier but both Subject papers must be at the same tier.

Qualification assessment overview to read:
100% terminal external assessments in the summer of Year 11.
A minimum of six required practicals per subject will be studied which will be represented in 30% of the questions in each paper.

Qualification assessment overview

0% of internal assessment and 100% of external assessment
When do internal assessments take place? There are none
When do external assessments take place? Summer of Year 11 – Terminal examinations
Required practicals are an integral part of the terminal assessment

Curriculum maps

How can parents support their child and Sir Thomas Boughey Academy with Science?

There are a number of ways a parent can support their child at Sir Thomas Boughey with Science.

Below are some of the ways in which you can:

Buy and use revision guides
Ask them if there’s anything they’re struggling with – and do something about it
Encourage them to read more
Encourage them to subscribe to educational subscribers on social media such as YouTube
Stay in touch with their teachers
Devise fun ways to test them
Watch scientific documentaries with them
Encourage dinner table debate by leading family discussions on science-related topics
Take them on educational trips to places like the Zoo
Reward them for good results