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KS4 GCSE Combined & Triple Science (EBacc)

Intent

Regardless of whether students are following the GCSE Combined Science or Separate Science GCSE pathway, the Science curriculum is designed to encourage students to think critically, reason logically and question the world around them. By undertaking experiments they design themselves, they collect and analyse data and justify their findings. The level of challenge is differentiated to meet all students’ needs. Scaffolding and support are always available for any student who needs it.

Combined Science and Triple Science follow the same curriculum, however triple science goes into more depth and has more content within the subject headings below.

Schedule of Learning

  • Module 1: Digestion, transportation in cells, DNA,  mixtures, bonding, metals & non-metals: current, resistance, potential difference, atoms, isotopes
  • Module 2: Cell division, variation and evolution, classification: chemical analysis, structure and bonding of carbon: series and parallel circuits, Ohm’s law calculations, domestic uses & safety
  • Module 3: Photosynthesis, uses of glucose, animal organisation, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, quantitative chemistry, neutralisation reactions, soluble salts, energy stores and transfers, specific heat capacity and magnetism.
  • Module 4: Sexual and asexual reproduction, cell division, genetics, reactivity of metals, electrolysis, extraction of metals, energy resources, power, energy transfers and the National Grid. 
  • Module 5: Genetic engineering, selective breeding, evolution, fossils, extinction, resistant bacteria, higher quantitative chemistry, concentration, pH scale, neutralisation, radioactive decay, nuclear radiation, half-life and radioactive contamination. 
  • Module 6: Waves, electromagnetic waves, photosynthesis, adaptations, interdependence, competition, organisation of an ecosystem, reversible reactions and organic chemistry.

Scheme of Learning

  • Module 1: Homeostasis & response, central nervous system, hormonal control in humans, menstrual cycle: rates of reaction, equilibrium; forces, reaction time, braking and stopping distances, momentum and waves.
  • Module 2: Electromagnetic waves & magnetism, Adaptations, interdependence and competition, Organisation of an ecosystem and ecology. 
  • Module 3-4: Carbon, nitrogen & water cycles, biodiversity, ecosystems: energy changes, greenhouse gases, pollution & sources, recycling, LCA, using Earth’s resources: resultant forces, free body diagrams, distance-time graphs, velocity-time graphs. 
  • Module 5-6: Revision & exam practise. GCSE examinations.

Implementation

A fully digital and interleaved curriculum is at the heart of what we do in Science. This is not simply a 2-year scheme of learning, it is part of a 5-year plan that fully covers the National Curriculum. Trips and visits are undertaken to underpin knowledge and to offer students as insight to future career pathways. Many trips are cross-curricular to make students even more aware of how science is involved in many parts of everyday life and is enriched by an understanding of other academic disciplines.

Alongside the schemes of learning, we have developed knowledge organisers for each year group, these combined with low-stakes testing, enables our students to master keywords and concepts as well as keep the learning fresh in their minds.

Our assessments are designed to ascertain a student’s strengths and areas for development. Students are provided with personalised feedback and steps to ensure progression. They also provide teachers with detailed information with regard to knowledge gaps so that they can further support students’ learning by offering targeted revision sessions after school.

Impact

Students build on their KS3 knowledge and understanding and consequently are well-prepared for GCSE. Through studying carefully differentiated lessons and resources, and using our bespoke assessment and monitoring, our students’ skills and knowledge continue to increase. Our lessons are designed to link to a plethora of careers so students are given a solid base to make informed and comprehensive decisions about their future.

Assessment

For more information, please read our assessment recording and reporting cycle.

KS4: GCSE Triple Science (EBacc)

Information coming soon