Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Students follow the Go Science! Scheme of Work, which follows the National Curriculum programme of study. The scheme puts emphasis on motivation, progression and success. The scheme guides learners through exciting practical lessons that allow good skill development and understanding. Students learn in groups with pupils working at a similar rate of progress.

Key Stage 3 is complete at the end of Year 8.  Students study biology, chemistry and physics topics over two years.

The following topics are taught using Go Science ! 1:

  1. Staying Alive!
  2. Why are we different?
  3. What are things made of?
  4. Be Reactive!
  5. How things move.
  6. Using energy.
  7. Earth, Space and beyond

The following topics are taught using Go Science ! 2:

  1. Systems for survival
  2. How we stay healthy
  3. How do living things interact?
  4. What’s in a reaction?
  5. Heating and cooling
  6. Finding out about light and sound.
  7. Exploring Magnetism
  8. Changing Earth.

The following topics are taught using Go Science ! 3:

  1. Are you fit?
  2. Upsetting the balance
  3. Chemical reactions
  4. Environmental chemistry
  5. Calculating forces
  6. Earth and space
  7. Energy and conservations

Students are encouraged to develop skills in ‘How science works’ topics.  These skills include :

Measurements,

Planning investigations,

Practical techniques,

Explanations,

Controlling variables,

Evaluating scientific ideas and conclusions.

 

Assessment

Students will be assessed in several areas of their work.

APP – Assessing Pupils Progress – project and research based learning.

Summative Assessments – testing at the end of topic.

Formative Assessment – marking of books, peer and self marking according to criteria.

 

Key Stage 4

Year 9, 10 and 11 ­– Triple Science, Two Sciences and Single Science – Pathways to suit all abilities.

Students follow tailored pathways, which suit their aptitude and interest in science.  GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are studied by capable students.  A small number study one single GCSE, whilst most students undertake two GCSEs in Science and Additional Science. 

Students in current year 11 are studying AQA’s Science A specification.  Year 9 and 10  students study Edexcel GCSEs, irrespective of their pathway. Like all schools nationally, Knole Academy is in the process of transition to new 2011 science specification.

A level

The science department currently has students studying GCEs in Applied Science and Psychology.  In 2012 Knole Academy will also run two separate science GCEs: AS Chemistry and AS Biology.