Science
Science is a crucial aspect of our everyday lives and allows our students to develop skills in describing observable phenomenon, conducting experiments and analysing the results. The aim of the Science department at Meridian High School is to inspire our pupils to observe the world around us through a more analytical lens. We offer an up-to-date curriculum both at KS3 and KS4 which will equip our students with the necessary science skills needed for their future. The Science department teachers are also very excited to deliver the new Science GCSEs to our KS4 pupils coupled with a fantastic and broad curriculum at KS3 to prepare all of our students for success in their GCSEs.
KS3
At KS3, our students study a variety of topics within Biology, Chemistry and Physics, including topics such as Space, The Science of Fireworks and Ecology. They will be taught the latest curriculum subject material, together with skills such as analysing data, constructing conclusions and evaluating methodologies. Students will be encouraged to develop their independent learning alongside their curriculum delivery in order for them to be ready for their Science GCSEs. Students will have regular opportunities to develop and hone their practical science skills in order for them to effectively engage with the required practicals for the new AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy.
| Key Stage 4 Curriculum 2016-2017 Department: Science Head of Department: Mr Ahmad |
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| Year 7 | |
| Number of lessons a week | Every student has three lessons of Science a week |
| Autumn term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Forces, Electricity, Space, Cells, Reproduction, Variation and Classification, The Particle Model as well as Atoms, Elements and Compounds. |
| Spring term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Heat Transfer, the Science of Fireworks,Ecology, Chemical Reactions as well as Acids and Alkalis |
| Summer term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Sound, Chemical Analysis as well as Nutrition and Digestion |
| Homework | Set on a weekly basis and should take 30-40 mins |
| Good source of information for additional reading | BBC KS3 Science Bitesize www.darvill.clara.net/myon.htm |
| Year 8 | |
| Number of lessons a week | Every student has three lessons of Science a week |
| Autumn term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Respiration, Geology, Light, Micro-organisms, The Periodic Table, Magnets and Electromagnets, Health and Fitness |
| Spring term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of The Reactivity Series, Electricity, Investigating Animal Behaviour, Plants and Photosynthesis and Chemical Reactions (II) |
| Summer term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Speed, Ecology (II), Environmental Chemistry and Energy |
| Homework | Set on a weekly basis and should take 30-40 mins |
| Good source of additional information | BBC KS3 Science Bitesize www.darvill.clara.net/myon.htm |
KS4
At KS4, the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy course is taught over three years and builds directly upon the KS3 curriculum. We have changed our KS4 courses to three years in order to give our students the opportunity to reflect on their learning and revise effectively using our Amazing Progress Trackers. The AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy course will be assessed at the end of Year 11 through six equally weighted assessments with a duration of 75 minutes each. From September 2017, the new AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy will allow students to achieve two GCSEs in Science up to a grade 9.
| Key Stage 4 Curriculum 2016-2017 Department: Science Head of Department: Mr Ahmad |
|
| Year 9 | |
| Number of lessons a week | Every student has four lessons of Science per week |
| Autumn term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Cell Structure and Transport, Cell Division, Atomic Structure, The Periodic Table, Conservation and Dissipation of Energy andEnergy Transfer by Heating |
| Spring term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Organisation and the Digestive System, Organising Animals and Plants, Structure and Bonding and Chemical CalculationsandEnergy Resources |
| Summer term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Electrical Circuits, Electricity in the Home, Chemical Changes and Electrolysis, Communicable Diseases, Preventing and Treating Diseases |
| Homework | Set on a weekly basis and should take 30-40 mins |
| Good source of information for additional reading | www.Kerboodle.com with student log-ins BBC GCSE Science Bitesize |
| Year 10 | |
| Number of lessons a week | Every student has four lessons of Science per week |
| Autumn term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Cell Structure and Transport, Cell Division, Atomic Structure, The Periodic Table, Conservation and Dissipation of Energyand Energy Transfer by Heating |
| Spring term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Organisation and the Digestive System, Organising Animals and Plants, Structure and Bonding and Chemical Calculations and Energy Resources |
| Summer term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Electrical Circuits, Electricity in the Home, Chemical Changes and Electrolysis, Communicable Diseases, Preventing and Treating Diseases |
| Homework | Set on a weekly basis and should take 30-40 mins |
| Good source of information for additional reading | www.Kerboodle.com with student log-ins BBC GCSE Science Bitesize |
| Year 11 | |
| Number of lessons a week | Every student has four lessons of Science per week |
| Autumn term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Enzymes, Energy from Respiration, Inheritance in Plants and Animals, Motion, Forces, Energy, Molecular Structure and Properties, Quantitative Chemistry and Rates of Reaction |
| Spring term topics | Students study rotating Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the topics of Salts and Electrolysis, Old and New Species, Current Electricity, Mains Electricity, Radioactivity and Energy from the Nucleus |
| Summer term topics | Students will be completing revision for the GCSE Science exams scheduled for May and June |
| Homework | Set on a weekly basis and should take 30-40 mins |
| Good source of information for additional reading | www.Kerboodle.com with student log-ins BBC GCSE Science Bitesize |
