Science
Very few aspects of modern life are unaffected by Science in the 21st century, and it is important that our students have a good understanding of Science so that they can make informed decisions about the implications and benefits of Science in an increasingly scientific and technological world.
Our aim at Banovallum is to give our students the grounding in Science that they need so that they can go some way to understanding the world around them and to make the most out of it! Many of our students choose to continue their studies in Science after Year 11 and our aim is to inspire as well as educate the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Key Stage 3
In KS3 we follow the Exploring Science scheme of work. The course covers the new 2014 National curriculum and is designed to lay the foundations for the new GCSE science course. The course covers the three main science disciplines and introduces key ideas and concepts that are built upon in subsequent years in the school.
The content is divided into 36 thematic Units across the three science disciplines – Biology, Chemistry and Physics with the later units within each Science discipline requiring a higher level of understanding than those placed earlier.
Working Scientifically, Numeracy and Literacy Skills are also embedded throughout the course and will:
- Help them with using data;
- Require them to look at how Science works in the real world;
- Help to explain ideas from other subjects such as maths, geography or history;
- Communicate Scientific ideas effectively to different audiences.
Year 7
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Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
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7A Cells, tissues, organs and systems |
7E Mixtures and separation |
7I Energy |
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7B Sexual reproduction in animals |
7F Acids and Alkalis |
7J Current electricity |
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7C Muscles and bones |
7G The particle model |
7K Forces |
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7D Ecosystems |
7H Atoms, elements and molecules |
7L Sound |
Year 8
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Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
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8A Food and Nutrition |
8E Combustion |
8I Fluids |
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8B Plants and their reproduction |
8F The Periodic Table |
8J Light |
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8C Breathing and respiration |
8G Metals and their uses |
8K Energy transfers |
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8D Unicellular organisms |
8H Rocks |
8L Earth and Space |
Year 9
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Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
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9A Genetics and evolution |
9E Making materials |
9I Forces and motion |
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9B Plant growth |
9F Reactivity |
9J Force fields and electromagnets |
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Start GCSE 9-1 Science |
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Key Stage 4
In KS4 we follow the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Combined Science course. The GCSE in Combined Science should enable students to:
● develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
● develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
● develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
● develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Students should study the sciences in ways that help them to develop curiosity about the natural world, that give them an insight into how science works and that enable them to appreciate its relevance to their everyday lives.
Year 10
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Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
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CB1 Key concepts in Biology (Paper 1 and 2) |
CC1 States of Matter (Paper 3) |
CP1 Motion (Paper 5) |
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CB2 Cells and Control (Paper 1) |
CC2 Methods of separating and Purifying Substances (Paper 3) |
CP2 Forces and Motion (Paper 5) |
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CB3 Genetics (Paper 1) |
CC3 Atomic Structure (Paper 3 and 4) |
CP3 Conservation of Energy (Paper 5) |
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CB4 Natural Selection and Genetic Modification (Paper 1) |
CC4 The Periodic Table (Paper 3 and 4) |
CP4 Waves (Paper 5) |
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CB5 Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines (Paper 1) |
CC5 Ionic Bonding (Paper 3 and 4) |
CP5 Lights and the Electromagnetic Spectrum (Paper 5) |
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CC6 Covalent Bonding (Paper 3 and 4) |
CP6 Radioactivity (Paper 5) |
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CC7 Types of Substance (Paper 3 and 4) |
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CC8 Acids and Alkalis (Paper 3) |
Year 11
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Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
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CB6 Plant Structures and their Functions (Paper 2) |
CC9 Calculations Involving Masses (Paper 3 and 4) |
CP7 Energy – Forces Doing Work (Paper 6) |
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CB7 Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis (Paper 2) |
CC10 Electrolytic Process (Paper 3) |
CP8 Forces and their Effects (Paper 6) |
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CB8 Exchange and Transport in Animals (Paper 2) |
CC11 Obtaining and Using Metals (Paper 3) |
CP9 Electricity and Circuits (Paper 6) |
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CB9 Ecosystems and Material Cycles (Paper 2) |
CC12 Reversible Reactions and Equilibria (Paper 3) |
CP10 Magnetism and the Motor Effect (Paper 6) |
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CC13 Groups in the Periodic Table (Paper 4) |
CP11 Electromagnetic Induction (Paper 6) |
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CC14 Rates of Reaction (Paper 4) |
CP12 Particle Model (Paper 6) |
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CC15 heat Energy Changes in Chemical Reaction (Paper 4) |
CP13 Forces and Matter (Paper 6) |
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CC16 Fuels (Paper 4) |
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CC17 Earth and Atmospheric Science (Paper 4) |
Examination Support
There are a wide range of resources available to students to help them to prepare for examinations, this includes:
- Past examination papers and mark schemes to practise exam style questions. These are available as hard copies or electronically on the secure section of the VLE (Science > Past Papers)
- Access to an electronic copy of the course text book (KS4).
- Teacher marked assessment material and mock examinations.
Useful Websites
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize - Good overall content for both KS3 and KS4. For KS4, please use resources for the Edexcel exam board.
www.pearsonactivelearn.com - Electronic text book and other resources (NOTE: This is a service that the School subscribes to. Log in details for each student which will be provided by the school)