Science

KS3 Science

Key Contact:  Fiona Guest fmg@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

In years 7 and 8 our focus is on developing the key scientific skills that students will need in order to progress on to GCSE, such as the ability to plan and carry out investigative work, and to analyse and make conclusions from data. Students learn Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics on rotation, with plenty of practical work built in to lessons to help develop understanding of key ideas. Our aim is for students to have a curiosity about the world around them and to encourage them to ask questions. Assessment is through a range of knowledge and skills based tasks.

Over the course of KS3 students will explore the fundamentals of each science in theory and then apply them to practical aspects of the course in experiments and investigations and by analysing and evaluating the results. More specifically, in biology they will explore a breadth of topics from cells to whole animal classification. In chemistry from particle models to how metals react, and in physics from the solar system to energy.

By the end of year 8, students will be confident using most of the basic laboratory practical equipment and following practical instructions to safely complete a range of experiments. They will have a good understanding of how science works including identifying a range of variables and being able to represent results in terms of a table and graph using scaffolding. In addition to this, students should have a foundation understanding of the threads of science that will be built upon throughout the later key stages in biology, chemistry and physics.

Course Content

Year 7

Science in year 7 is taught in rotations, with different classes working on the same topics in a different order so that we can maximise the use of practical resources.  Each rotation includes one topic from Biology, one from Chemistry and one from Physics.

• Rotation 1: Cells and microscopy; acids and alkalis; the solar system and beyond
• Rotation 2: Reproduction; solids, liquids and gases; electrical circuits
• Rotation 3: Classification; the rock cycle; forces and their effects
• Rotation 4: Ecology; bubbles, bangs and burning; energy and sustainable living

Year 8

Science in year 8 is taught in rotations, with different classes working on the same topics in a different order so that we can maximise the use of practical resources.  Each rotation includes one topic from Biology, one from Chemistry and one from Physics.

• Rotation 1: Variation and genetics; elements and compounds; forces
• Rotation 2: Nutrition and digestion; mixtures and separating; heat transfers
• Rotation 3: Disease and immunity; metals and their reactions; sound and hearing
• Rotation 4: Exercise and respiration; salts and reactivity; energy transfers

Assessment

Year 7

• Assessment 1: Cells and microscopy plus acids and alkalis
• Assessment 2: The solar system and beyond plus Reproduction
• Assessment 3: Solids, liquids and gases plus electrical circuits
• Assessment 4: The rock cycles plus forces and their effects
• Assessment 5: Bubbles, bangs and burning plus classification
• Assessment 6: Ecology plus energy and sustainable living

Year 8:

• Assessment 1: Variation and genetics plus elements and compounds
• Assessment 2: Forces plus nutrition and digestion
• Assessment 3: Mixtures and separating plus heat transfers
• Assessment 4: Disease and immunity,  plus metals, and their reactions
• Assessment 5: Sound and hearing plus Exercise and respiration
• Assessment 6: End of year assessment

Homework

• In the science department, students in years 7 and 8 will receive one piece of homework per topic.
• The homework tasks will consist of a mixture of online quizzes, creative tasks and research-based activities
• All homework will be set on Teams at a point in the topic which the teacher feels is appropriate.

KS4 Science

GCSE study in the sciences provides the foundation for understanding the material world. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. All students should learn essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They should gain appreciation of how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a small number of key ideas that relate to the sciences and that are both inter-linked and of universal application.

In Key Stage 4 students will meet a wide range of scientific concepts that extend their learning from Key Stage 3  as well as building practical and investigative skills through planning, carrying out and evaluating experiments, developing the ability to interpret data, analyse evidence and make justified conclusions. They will learn how to apply their understanding to unfamiliar contexts and real world applications, developing their critical thinking and mathematical competence.

In years 10 and 11 students have ten Science lessons across a fortnight, split into Biology, Chemistry and Physics and taught by specialists. Most sit Combined Science, which gives them the opportunity to achieve two grades in Science up to a grade 9, with some students also studying additional content to allow them to sit three separate Science GCSEs. Assessment is through written tests using GCSE questions.

All content for both of the courses is examined at the end of year 11, with all students sitting two exams in each Science (1hr10 for Combined and 1hr45 for Separate) to determine their overall grade. Through the course they will also encounter a range of practical work, including a selection of core practicals which are assessed as part of their written exams.

By the end of Y11 students will have a secure understanding of key concepts in all three sciences.  They will demonstrate competence in practical and investigative skills, including planning investigations, safely using scientific equipment, recording observations and evaluating methods and results. They will apply mathematical and analytical skills confidently within scientific contexts and show an awareness of the ethical, environmental and social implications of developments in different areas of science.  Learners will be prepared for progression to A Level sciences, vocational study and other science-related pathways through the development of scientific knowledge, enquiry skills and independent thinking.

Year 9

Key Contacts:

Biology – Lee Moore lm@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
Chemistry – Alicia Upton acu@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
Physics – Clark Davies cwd@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

Students begin to study GCSE Science in year 9, starting with the key fundamentals that bridge the gap between KS3 and KS4, such as cells and microscopy, atomic structure and the use of Maths in Physics. Assessment is through written tests at the end of each topic, beginning to use GCSE questions to allow students to develop a familiarity with the style and language.

Course Content

Biology

• Half Term 1: Topic 1 – Cells and Microscopy
• Half Term 2: Topic 1 – Enzymes and Enzyme Activity
• Half Term 3: Topic 1 – Movement Across Membranes/Topic 5 – Introduction to Pathogens
• Half term 4: Topic 5 – Communicable diseases
• Half Term 5: Topic 5 – Fighting Infection
• Half term 6: Topic 5 – Developing New Medicines

Chemistry

• Half Term 1: Topic 2 – States of matter and separating mixtures
• Half Term 2: Topic 2 – Separating mixtures
• Half Term 3: Topic 1 – Atomic structure and the periodic table
• Half term 4: Topic 8 – The Earth and atmosphere
• Half Term 5: Revision, end of year exam and feedback
• Half term 6: Topic 7 – Rates of reaction

Physics

• Half Term 1: Topic 2 – Maths in physics and motion.
• Half Term 2: Topic 2 – Newton’s laws.
• Half Term 3: Topic 3 – Energy.
• Half term 4: Topic 4 – Waves.
• Half Term 5: Topic 2-4 – PPE revision.
• Half term 6: Topic 6 – Radioactivity.

Assessments

• Assessment 1: Biology topic 1 – Cells and Microscopy
• Assessment 2: Biology topic 1 – Enzymes and transport across membranes
• Assessment 3: Biology topic 5 – Health Disease & Medicines
• Assessment 4: Chemistry topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures
• Assessment 5: Chemistry topic 1 – Atomic structure and the periodic table
• Assessment 6: Chemistry topic 8 – The Earth and atmosphere
• Assessment 7: Chemistry topic 7 – Rates of reaction
• Assessment 8: Physics – Maths and motion
• Assessment 9: Physics – Newton’s laws and Energy
• Assessment 10: Physics – Waves and Radioactivity
• Assessment 11: End of year exam
• Assessment 12: End of year exam

Homework

• In the science department, students in years 9 will receive one piece of homework per topic.
• These tasks will include independent learning, revision, consolidation of knowledge, online tasks and exam style questions.

Biology

Key Contact:  Lee Moore lm@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
Syllabus Information: Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Separate Biology/Combined Biology

Students studying Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Biology develop increasingly secure knowledge and understanding of biological concepts, processes and practical techniques. Over the course of Key Stage 4, learners progress from describing basic biological ideas to explaining and analysing complex interactions within living systems using scientific terminology accurately and confidently.

By the end of Key Stage 4, students will have developed a secure understanding of key biological principles and their application to real-world contexts. They will be able to explain biological processes using accurate scientific terminology, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, and evaluate evidence to form reasoned scientific conclusions.

Course Content

Year 10

• Half Term 1: Topic 2 – Cell and Control
• Half Term 2: Topic 3 – Genetics
• Half Term 3: Topic 4 – Natural selection and Genetic Modification
• Half Term 4: Topic 7 – Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis
• Half Term 5: Topic 6 – Plant Structures and Their Functions
• Half Term 6: Topic 1 – Revisit

Year 11

• Half Term 1: Topic 8 – Exchange and Transport in Animals
• Half Term 2: Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles
• Half Term 3: Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles
• Half Term 4: Revision and PPE Preparation
• Half Term 5: Revision and Exam Technique

Assessment

Year 10

• Assessment 1: Topic 2 – Cells and control
• Assessment 2: Topic 3 – Genetics
• Assessment 3: Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification
• Assessment 4: Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
• Assessment 5: Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions
• Assessment 6: Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions – HSW
• Assessment 7: Year 10 PPE
• Assessment 8: Year 10 PPE

Year 11

• Assessment 1: Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals (a)
• Assessment 2: Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals (b)
• Assessment 3: Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles
• Assessment 4: Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles HSW
• Assessment 5: Year 11 PPE 1
• Assessment 6: Year 11 PPE 1
• Assessment 7: Year 11 PPE 2
• Assessment 8: Year 11 PPE 2

Homework

For GCSE Biology homework will typically be set every 2/3 weeks, nearer assessment/exam points this may become more frequent. These tasks include independent learning, revision, consolidation of knowledge, online tasks and exam style questions.

Useful information, links and resources
Edexcel GCSE Sciences (2016) | Pearson qualifications

Chemistry

Key Contact:  Alicia Upton acu@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
Syllabus Information:  Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Chemistry or Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Combined Science

Across Key Stage 4 students will develop their understanding of how the world around them works from atomic structure, to bonding, to how different substances interact.  They will start to be able to explain the observations they made at a Key Stage 3 level and to see how Chemistry affects the world around them.

By the end of Y11 students will be able to use their understanding of fundamental chemical principles to explain real world observations, such as differences in physical and chemical properties of different elements and compounds, or why changing conditions can affect the rate or equilibrium position of a reaction.

Course Content

Year 10 – Combined Science

• Half Term 1: Topic 1 – Ionic bonding
• Half Term 2: Topic 1 – Covalent and metallic bonding
• Half Term 3: Topic 3 – Acids
• Half Term 4: Topic 3 – Electrolysis
• Half Term 5: PPE revision and feedback, Topic 1 – Calculations involving masses
• Half Term 6: Topic 1 – Calculations involving masses, Topic 4 – Obtaining and using metals

Year 10 – Separate Science

• Half Term 1: Topic 1 – Ionic bonding, covalent and metallic bonding
• Half Term 2: Topic 1 – Covalent and metallic bonding, Topic 3 – Acids
• Half Term 3: Topic 3 – Electrolysis
• Half Term 4: Topic 7 – Energy changes in reactions, Topic 5 – Dynamic equilibrium and transition metals
• Half Term 5: PPE revision and feedback, Topic 1 – Calculations involving masses
• Half Term 6: Topic 1 – Calculations involving masses, Topic 4 – Obtaining and using metals, Topic 5 – Chemical and fuel cells

Year 11 – Combined Science

• Half Term 1: Topic 7 – Energy changes in reactions and dynamic equilibrium, Topic 1 – Bonding revision
• Half Term 2: PPE revision and feedback, Topic 8 – Fuels
• Half Term 3: Topic 6 – Groups of the periodic table
• Half Term 4: Topic 4 – Revision of obtaining metals and electrolysis
• Half Term 5: Revision
• Half Term 6: Exams

Year 11 – Separate Science

• Half Term 1: Topic 5 – Quantitative chemistry
• Half Term 2: PPE revision and feedback, Topics 8 and 9 – Hydrocarbons and fuels
• Half Term 3: Topic 9 – Alcohols, carboxylic acids and polymers
• Half Term 4: Topic 9 – Qualitative analysis, materials and nanoparticles
• Half Term 5: Revision
• Half Term 6: Exams

Assessment

Year 10

• Assessment 1: Topic 1 – Ionic bonding
• Assessment 2: Topic 1 – Covalent and metallic bonding
• Assessment 3: Topic 3 – Acids
• Assessment 4: Topic 3 – Electrolysis
• Assessment 5: Year 10 PPE
• Assessment 6: Year 10 PPE
• Assessment 7: Topic 4 – Obtaining and using metals (plus transition metals for separate scientists)
• Assessment 8: Topic 1 – Calculations involving masses

Year 11 – Combined Science

• Assessment 1: Topic 7 – Energy changes and dynamic equilibrium
• Assessment 2: Topic 1 – Bonding revision
• Assessment 3: Year 11 PPE 1
• Assessment 4: Year 11 PPE 1
• Assessment 5: Topic 8 – Fuels
• Assessment 6: Topic 6 – Groups of the periodic table
• Assessment 7: Year 11 PPE 2
• Assessment 8: Year 11 PPE 2

Year 11 – Separate Science

• Assessment 1: Topic 7 – Energy changes and dynamic equilibrium
• Assessment 2: Topics 8 and 9 – Hydrocarbons and fuels
• Assessment 3: Year 11 PPE 1
• Assessment 4: Year 11 PPE 1
• Assessment 5: Topic 6 – Groups of the periodic table
• Assessment 6: Topic 9 – Qualitative analysis
• Assessment 7: Year 11 PPE 2
• Assessment 8: Year 11 PPE 2

Homework

For GCSE Chemistry homework will typically be set every 2/3 weeks, nearer assessment/exam points this may become more frequent. These tasks include independent learning, revision, consolidation of knowledge, online tasks and exam style questions.

Useful information, links and resources

Edexcel GCSE Sciences (2016) | Pearson qualifications

Physics

Key Contact:  Clark Davies cwd@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
Syllabus Information: Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Separate Physics or Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Combined Science

In Key Stage 4 Physics, students build a strong understanding of the key ideas that explain how the world works. They learn about important concepts and develop the skills needed to use maths to solve problems and explain scientific ideas clearly.

By the end of Key Stage 4, students will have developed a strong understanding of key physics ideas and how they apply to everyday life. They will be able to explain scientific processes using appropriate terminology, as well as analyse and interpret different types of data to draw sensible, evidence-based conclusions.

Course Content

Year 10

• Half Term 1: Topic 5 – Electromagnetic spectrum
• Half Term 2: Topic 8 – Work and power. We also do some recap on energy and motion.
• Half Term 3: Topic 9 – Forces and vectors.
• Half Term 4: Topic 10 and 7 – Electricity and Astrophysics.
• Half Term 5: Topic 14 – Particles
• Half Term 6: Topic 14 – Finish particles. We also do the second half of electricity (topic 10).

Year 11

• Half Term 1: Topic 12 – Magnetic fields. We also recap radioactivity and complete the second half of the topic.
• Half Term 2: Topic 12,13 – We finish magnetic forces and start Induction.
• Half Term 3: Topic 13, 14 – We finish Induction and recap particles.
• Half Term 4: Topic 15 – Materials. We also start revision for the final exams.
• Half Term 5: Revision and Exam Technique

Assessment

Year 10

• Assessment 1: Waves and electromagnetic spectrum
• Assessment 2: Work, Power, KE and GPE.
• Assessment 3: Momentum, Forces, moments and Gears.
• Assessment 4: Electricity and Astro.
• Assessment 5: Particles.
• Assessment 6: Electricity part 2.
• Assessment 7: Year 10 PPE
• Assessment 8: Year 10 PPE

Year 11

• Assessment 1: Radioactivity.
• Assessment 2: Magnetic fields and induction.
• Assessment 3: Materials.
• Assessment 4: Equations.
• Assessment 5: Year 11 PPE 1
• Assessment 6: Year 11 PPE 1
• Assessment 7: Year 11 PPE 2
• Assessment 8: Year 11 PPE 2

Homework

For GCSE physics homework will typically be set every 2/3 weeks, nearer assessment/exam points this may become more frequent. These tasks include multiple choice forms quizzes, independent learning, revision, consolidation of knowledge, online tasks and exam style questions.

Useful information, links and resources

Edexcel GCSE Sciences (2016) | Pearson qualifications