Science
Key Stage 4 Science Curriculum
The Science department at Meopham School has an inclusive curriculum aimed to inspire students to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity around science. We want to deepen scientific understanding through a multitude of techniques. Instilling an appreciation for the world around them, whilst understanding uses and implications of science today and for the future. As students move through the curriculum, they will develop skills into working scientifically and appreciate the value of science in their everyday lives.
The key stage 4 Science curriculum continues with building upon and deepening scientific knowledge and the understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each topic is linked intrinsically to prior knowledge and skills from KS3 and builds in terms of complexity, skills and application, which underpins our spiral curriculum. Our aim is that pupils will develop an appreciation of Science in their everyday lives.
Year 10 Science Curriculum
Year 10 students are currently studying AQA Trilogy is worth two Science GCSE’s and is graded 9-1. Students study a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics over years 10 and 11. They will then sit two exams in each discipline of Science to give a total of 6 exams, which are 1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks per paper, all worth 16.7% each. A summary of this course can be found here.
In year 10 students study the content required for paper 1 of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE. All students study the combined science curriculum. Here units B1-4, C1-5 and P1-4 are studied. At the end of each unit, a test is conducted in class time. This may be a higher or foundation tier depending on the students’ ability, this is decided by the class teacher and overseen by the Head of Science. These results are averaged out and form the basis for the current grade that is reported home during the academic year. Towards the end of year 10 a mock exam is sat as an end of year exam. This is a past GCSE paper and examines the paper 1 content studied through the year. After this mock students begin work on the paper 2 content and study B5, C6 and P5 before the start of the summer break.
GCSE Combined Science AQA Revision Guide is recommended to support students during their independent studying. Please ensure you purchase the correct tier as there is higher and foundation.
Assessment at Key Stage 4 (summary):
The GCSE itself is formed of 6 papers, two each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The exams cover half of the curriculum each and there is no coursework element, 100% of the qualification is examination based.
Year 11 Science Curriculum
Our current year 11 students are completing Combined Science 9-1 with Pearson Edexcel, which is worth two GCSE’s.
A summary of the course can be found here.
Assessment at Key Stage 4 (summary):
Combined Science consists of six externally examined papers that are 70 minutes in length all equate to 60 marks each. Two Biology, two Chemistry and to Physics papers. All papers have an equal weighing of 16.67%, which contributes to the final grades.
Biology Paper 1 includes:
Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology, Topic 2 – Cells and control, Topic 3 – Genetics, Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification, Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines.
Biology Paper 2 includes:
Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology, Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions, Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis, Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals, Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles
Chemistry Paper 1 includes:
Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry, Topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures, Topic 3 – Chemical changes, Topic 4 – Extracting metals and equilibria
Chemistry Paper 2 includes:
Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry, Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table, Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes, Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science
Physics Paper 1 includes:
Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics, Topic 2 – Motion and forces, Topic 3 – Conservation of energy, Topic 4 – Waves, Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum, Topic 6 – Radioactivity
Physics Paper 2 includes:
Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics, Topic 8 – Energy - Forces doing work, Topic 9 – Forces and their effects, Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits, Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect, Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction, Topic 14 – Particle model, Topic 15 – Forces and matter