Science

Subject leader

Clive Buchan

clive.buchan@swale.at

Curriculum Intent

At The Turing School, the science curriculum provides a foundation for understanding the world and developing a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. By learning essential knowledge, methods, and processes of science, our students can recognize the power of rational explanation and analyse causes. Our Science curriculum also highlights the significant contribution science has made in the past and its importance in solving global challenges such as climate change, food availability, controlling disease and access to water. 

Moreover, our science curriculum provides students with diverse and valuable career opportunities that are crucial for economic, environmental, and social development, making it an essential component of the school's vision to support and develop successful, confident, and happy young adults. By learning science, students can develop cultural capital, respect for scientific knowledge, and aspirations to innovate and contribute to society.

Curriculum implementation 

Learning Journey

KS3

Pupils will get 7 hours of Science a fortnight.  They will cover all aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Pupils will do practical experiments, analyse data, evaluate and understand how scientists work.

Year 7

(Using the AQA KS3 course)

In terms 1&2 students will study the following topics…

• Practical license

• Particle model

• Periodic table

• Movement

• Cells

In terms 3&4 students will study the following topics…

• Energy

• Energy transfers

• Variation

• Human reproduction

• Metals and non-metals

In terms 5&6 students will study the following topics…

• Acids and alkalis

• Speed

• Gravity

• Investigations

Year 8

(Using the old KS3 course)

In terms 1&2 students will study the following topics…

• Ecology

• Separation techniques

• Sound

• Acids and alkalis

• Diet and health

In terms 3&4 students will study the following topics…

• Light

• Metal reactions

• Genetics

• Cells and babies

In terms 5&6 students will study the following topics…

• Applied forces

• Rocks

• Space

• Practical investigations

Year 9

In terms 1&2 students will study the following topics…

• Rates of reaction

• Health and disease

• Electricity and magnetism 2

• Mixtures and fuels

In terms 3&4 students will study the following topics…

• Inheritance and evolution

• Forces and Rockets

• Lungs and heart

In terms 5&6 students will study the following topics…

• KS3 to GCSE bridging unit

• GCSE skills unit

KS4

Combined science pupils will get 9 hours of Science a fortnight.  

Year 10 triple science students will get 15 hours per fortnight.

The lessons will cover all aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Pupils will do practical experiments, analyse data, evaluate and understand how scientists work.

Year 11 pupils will continue to study the OCR gateway GCSE course.  There is the option of Combined or Triple science (after school sessions for triple)

Year 10 pupils will  study the AQA GCSE course.  There is the option of a Combined course or Triple science.

Combined science gives students 2 GCSE’s (an average of all 3 sciences)

Triple Science gives students 3 GCSE’s (each science is treated as a separate subject and GCSE)

Year 10

(Starting the AQA GCSE course)

In terms 1&2 students will study the following topics…

• B1 - Cell biology

• C1 - Atoms and periodic table

• P1 - Energy

• B2 - Organisation

• C2 - Bonding, structure and properties of matter

In terms 3&4 students will study the following topics…

• P2 - Electricity

• B3 - Infection and response

• C3 - Quantitative chemistry

• P3 - Particle model of matter

In terms 5&6 students will study the following topics…

• B4 - Bioenergetics

• C4 - Chemical changes

• P4 - Atomic structure

• B5 - Homeostasis and response

Year 11

(Finishing off the old OCR gateway course)

In terms 1&2 students will study the following topics…

• B5 - Genes, inheritance and Evolution

• C5 - Predicting and monitoring reactions

• P7 - Energy

In terms 3&4 students will study the following topics…

• B6 - Global challenges

• C6 - Global challenges

• P8 - Global challenges

In terms 5&6 students will study the following topics…

• Revision of content

• Preparation for GCSE exams

Homework

Pupils will receive weekly printed exam questions as homework.  The HW is marked, and the teacher explains how to improve in a lesson during the week.  This makes sure pupils have access to regular exam questions and regular feedback on how to improve.

Additional websites and resources

Combined Science

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z2dqqh

Triple Biology

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z3dj82p

Triple Chemistry

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z92x7hv

Triple Physics

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zwtp6fr

Careers and Enrichment

Taking GCSE Science opens up a wide range of careers, which involve problem-solving skills, technical skill, using the scientific method, logic and reason.

The list below is a small selection of possibilities

• Doctor

• Teacher

• Vet

• Nurse

• Environmental scientist

• Wildlife conservation

• Zookeeper

• Radiographer

• Paramedic

• Marine biologist

• Conservation

• Food industry

• Drug companies

• Electrician

• Tree surgeon

• Aerospace engineer

• Pharmacist

The department will offer a science club and will involve students learning more about the things they love in science.