Science
FACULTY LEADER: Mrs S Richards
The Science faculty at Prince Henrys aims to develop scientists of the future, who are aware of how science impacts on their everyday life and the world around them.
We want our students to:
- Gain scientific knowledge and understanding which is of value to them in the wider world
- Develop their ability to use equipment skilfully within investigations
- Analyse and evaluate their findings
- Understand the importance of being scientifically literate in today's world
KS3 Curriculum
The KS3 curriculum is aimed at developing the students' knowledge and understanding of how science can be used to explain the world around them.
In Year 7, students are taught in mixed ability form groups for six periods (hours) per week. This develops the knowledge and skills that underpin the Science curriculum.
During Year 8 and Year 9, students are taught in ability sets and build on the skills and knowledge gained in Year 7 at a pace and to a level that is best suited to them.
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Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
|---|---|---|---|
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Year 7 |
Cells Respiration Reproduction Plants Food chains |
Introduction to Science & investigative skills Mixtures & separation Acids & Alkali Particle theory Earth & rock cycle Atoms, elements & the periodic table Chemical reactions & conservation of mass |
Energy Electricity Forces Magnetism Space |
|
Year 8 |
Food & Digestion Skeleton & Muscles Heart & Lungs Inheritance Variation Microbes |
Metals, non-metals & reactivity Modern materials Word and symbol equations Combustion & environment Energy in reactions Displacement Neutralisation |
Electricity part 2 Magnetism part 2 Space part 2 Heat Light Sound |
|
Year 9 |
Throughout Year 9, the building blocks for GCSE are taught by specialists in Biology, Chemistry & Physics. |
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KS4 and KS5 Curriculum
Please see the Key Stage 4 Options and Sixth Form pages for details of the KS4 and KS5 courses offered by the Science faculty.
Assessment
KS3: each topic has 3 small, in class, assessment tasks. These may be written, practical or quiz style assessments. At the end of each topic, there is a topic test with more 'exam style' questions.
KS4: each topic in the three sciences will be assessed by an end of topic test. These are supported by regular home learning and regular use of assessed exam questions, such as those used in mock and end of year exams.
KS5: assessment is via unit or module tests and standardised home learning using past exam questions.
Enrichment
Th
e Science team runs a weekly Science Club for students in KS3, and enters students into competitions such as the Festival of Chemistry, the Golden Bunsen and the Faraday Science Challenge. A Level students take part in residential field trips and university practical experiences.