Science

Science KS3

  • Here at Connie Rothman’s, we aim to develop a sense of awe and wonder at the world around us and explore the way everything interconnects. This is achieved by following a bespoke KS3 chemistry, biology and physics programme that compliment and connect with each other, for each KS3 cohort.  It is designed to encourage the development of knowledge and understanding in science through a multi-sensory approach of opportunities to do practical experiments, investigations, use of ICT and independent learning of scientific theories. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do and is featured in every topic. Students are assessed on these skills along with mathematical skills and science knowledge acquired throughout the course at 3 points during the year which gives students a good foundation for progress into the AQA GCSE science courses, either combined or triple, if desired. 

  • Science is currently taught in Years 7 to 9.  Students have 3 hours of lessons per week – 1 chemistry, 1 biology, 1 physics. These are taught by 3 specialist teachers, one for Biology, one for Chemistry and one for Physics. Students complete 3 formal assessments per year.  Students follow a bespoke KS3 programme, starting from a point that is unique to the amount of science they have already covered in their previous education. We complete low-risk practical experiments in our hall at least once a month. 

  • By the end of Key Stage 3

    Learners who have developed their skills and understanding in chemistry, biology and physics might consider progression to: 

    - Studying ‘combined science’ at GCSE level to obtain 2 identical GCSE grades. 

    - In some circumstances, it may be more appropriate for a student to have the option of following 1 separate GCSE science (Biology, chemistry, or physics) course if their interest lies in just this subject and they are more likely to obtain a pass in just this subject instead of all 3 sciences.  

Combined Science Trilogy KS4

  • Here at Connie Rothman’s, we aim to develop a sense of awe and wonder at the world around us and explore the way everything interconnects. This is achieved by following the AQA Combined (trilogy) Science course, which is designed to encourage the development of knowledge and understanding in science through opportunities for working scientifically. Working scientifically is the sum of all the activities that scientists do and is featured in every topic. Students are assessed on these skills along with mathematical skills in their final written exams. Students will develop their investigative and practical skills, scientific literacy, numerical and graphical skills, and analytical and evaluative skills. These skills will enable students to follow a path to meaningful employment, further education, or training.

  • Combined Science (trilogy) is currently taught in Years 10 and 11 and allows students to obtain two identical grades ranging from 1-9. It is taught by 3 specialist teachers, one for Biology, one for Chemistry and one for Physics. Tiers of entry: Foundation and Higher. Grades 1–5 at Foundation tier and grades 3–9 at Higher tier. In some circumstances, it may be more appropriate for a student to have the option of following 1 separate science (Biology, chemistry, or physics) course if their interest lies in just this subject and they are more likely to obtain a pass in just this subject instead of all 3 sciences.

    Students have 6 hours of lessons per week. Two lessons are the biology aspect of the course, 2 for chemistry and 2 for physics. Students follow a bespoke programme, following the AQA syllabus, starting from a point that is unique to the amount of science they have already covered in their previous education. Depending on ability and student’s interests (assessed upon entry), they may follow the syllabus at foundation or higher level. We complete low-risk Required Practical in the classroom and make use of laboratories at Twynham School for 4 mornings a year for higher-risk Required Practical.

    Students will sit 6 papers at the end of the course, 1 h and 15 min each (plus extra time if applicable), all weighted equally at 70 marks each. Paper 1 biology assesses units 1-4, Paper 2 assesses units 5-7. Paper 1 chemistry assesses units 1-5, Paper 2 chemistry assesses units 5-10. Paper 1 physics assesses units 1-5 and Paper 2 physics assesses units 6-10. Mathematics, graphing, analytical and evaluation skills will all be assessed throughout the papers.

    Summative assessment: There are 2 summative assessments (mocks) per year at KS4. These are cumulative in nature and intend to confirm the track point of the student and to promote longer term recall by testing earlier topics and to meet the demands of a linear course.

    Students can catch up on missed content on a weekly basis by using the resources uploaded to Teams as part of our online course offer if they are not able to attend fully.

  • By the end of Key Stage 4

    Learners who generally achieve at Grade 6 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:

    • A levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects.

    • Learners who generally achieve at grades 4-5 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:

    • Science-based employment such as science technician, working with animals

    • Other employment or A levels in other subjects as a good base for scientific, analytical, and mathematical skills.

Physics KS4

  • Physics is the study of matter, energy, space, and time. It is crucial to understanding the world around us and the world beyond us. A natural science, physics helps us understand our origins, how everything works and the fundamental principles that govern the universe. Studying physics enables our students to develop problem solving, research, critical thinking and analytical skills.

  • Physics, biology and chemistry are taught as separate sciences in Years 10 and 11. Students in key stage 4 have two physics lessons per week. They work towards an AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) GCSE where they are awarded two grades from 1-9. In some circumstances, it may be more suitable for a student to have the option of following one separate science (biology, chemistry, or physics) course as an alternative to studying for the trilogy. This can be personalised to meet the needs of our students.

    The combined course consists of seven topics:

    1)      Energy

    2)      Electricity

    3)      Particle Model of Matter

    4)      Atomic Structure

    5)      Forces

    6)      Waves

    7)      Magnetism and Electromagnetism

    (Space Physics is studied in the separate GCSE only).

    The content is assessed via two written examinations at the end of the course. Paper 1 assesses topics 1-4, Paper 2 assesses topics 5-7 (5-8 separate GCSE). We can enter students for one of two tiers of entry; Higher, in which grades 9-9 to 4-3 can be awarded, and Foundation at grades 5-5 to 1–1. The examinations contain a mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions. Mathematics, graphing, analytical and evaluation skills will all be assessed throughout the papers.

    Students are provided with home learning opportunities via subscriptions to a range of online learning platforms. This enables them to access content for any missed learning as well as to support them with independent revision. Students can take part in practical applications of their learning via a range of investigations and experiments. All required practical experiments take place on site throughout the academic year.

  • By the end of Key Stage 4

    At the end of the course, students will have developed their investigative and practical skills, scientific literacy, numerical and graphical skills, and analytical and evaluative skills. These proficiencies will enable students to follow a path to meaningful further education, employment, or training.

    Learners who generally achieve at grades 4-5 across their key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:

    • Science-based employment such as science technician, working with animals

    • Other employment or A-levels in other subjects as a good base for scientific, analytical, and mathematical skills.

    Learners who generally achieve at Grade 6 across their key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:

    • A-level as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects.