KS4 Science

Curriculum Content

The Science curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and covers the four Attainment Targets (ATs).

AT1 SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS
Designing, carrying out and interpreting investigations.

AT2 LIFE AND LIVING PROCESSES
Structures and processes which characterise organisms; diversity and continuity of life; ecosystems.

AT3 MATERIALS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Chemical patterns and their classification; formulae and equations; energy and reactions; making new materials and their properties; atmosphere and weather; rock cycle and earth structure.

AT4 PHYSICAL PROCESSES
Forces and motion; electricity and magnetism; waves; energy resources and energy transfer; radioactivity; the earth and beyond.

Teaching Methods

Pupils are taught in sets in both years 10 and 11. The syllabus content is divided into Physics (AT4), Chemistry (AT3) and Biology (AT2).

Science teaching occupies six periods per week in Year 10 and three periods per week in Year 11.

Resources

The laboratories are well resourced and pupils have access to a variety of sources of information in the three disciplines. Trained technicians are on hand to help prepare practical material when needed.

Skills and Knowledge

The course provides opportunity for all pupils to work to a level of the National Curriculum according to ability. Pupils continue to work scientifically and acquire knowledge and understanding of scientific facts. Practical and investigative skills are also further developed as required for AT1.

Assessment

Pupils are entered for the AQA examination. There is a written examination, which accounts for 80% of the marks, and an internal assessment of practical skills, which accounts for 20% of the marks. During the two year course pupils are continually being assessed internally through classwork, homework, end of topic tests and end of year examinations. The work is equivalent to two GCSE subjects and a double GCSE grade is awarded to those who are successful.

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