Science

Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.  St Wilfrid’s Academy also recognises the importance of working to enable young people of all backgrounds and abilities to learn about inspiring role models, understand real world applications of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects and experience hands-on STEM activities that motivate, inspire and bring learning and career opportunities to life.

Curriculum Coverage Pre-KS4 Assessment Hub

Key Stage 3 is divided into four areas which often overlap with each other. These are:-

Biology: This includes topics such as cells and their functions, humans as organisms, living things in their environment and plants as organisms.

Chemistry: Topics include elements and the Periodic Table, acids and bases, chemical changes and properties of metals.

Physics: in this strand, pupils study electricity and magnetism, forces and motion, light and sound and energy changes.

Working Scientifically: this involves learning skills in planning and carrying out experiments. The emphasis is on solving problems, safely using appropriate equipment and learning to evaluate evidence.

In Key Stages 2 and 3 at St Wilfrid’s Academy, students study a thematic curriculum, designed to re-engage students with learning during their short assessment period.  Each half term the learning is planned around a different theme, with appropriate Enrichment trips and visits.  The Science is planned to fit in with these themes, for example for the theme Carnival the students studied the structure of the eye and how different animal eyes are adapted for function, incorporating a cow eye dissection.  They also studied the manufacture of fireworks and participated in a circus skills Enrichment workshop.

Curriculum Coverage in KS4

Year 10

In Year 10 the students complete the AQA Entry Level Certificate in Science. This gives them a chance to engage and enjoy science again, as many of our students arrive with a negative view of the subject since leaving mainstream. This qualification gives students a more hands on approach to science and involves more practical lessons than are possible during GCSE courses which engages students more effectively, ready for their GCSEs the following year.

In this course we cover three units :

Biology – The Human Body. In this unit we cover the human body as a whole, delving deeply into the workings of different areas, including specialised cells, the circulatory and digestive systems, respiration, vaccination and hormones.

Chemistry – Elements, Mixtures and Compounds. In this unit we cover information atoms, elements and compounds, solids, liquids and gasses, separating mixtures and chromatography and metals and alloys.

Physics – Energy, forces and the structure of matter. In this unit we look at energy transfers and resources, forces and work, speed and stopping distances and atoms and nuclear radiation.

Each of these units involves an externally set assignment (exam papers) and a teacher devised assessment (practical write up).  This course develops skills in communication, questioning, observation and prediction through written and practical work. Students will also practice their literacy skills by ensuring they are using good SPAG and extended writing to explain and evaluate their practical work.

Year 11

Year 11 students study AQA Biology GCSE which is graded 1 – 9 with 9 being the highest grade.  The units studied are:

Lessons will incorporate tasks and activities to improve scientific thinking skills, developing and building on concepts to aid relearning.  Assessment of students understanding of the curriculum is constant and low stake using quizzes, single exam questions, plenary independent tasks and GCSE Pod.  This allows the learning to be personalised to meet the needs of the students.  The students will sit 2 exam papers at the end of Year 11 and will complete required practical’s throughout the course.