Science

Intent

Science empowers us to question, understand, and shape the world around us. It is through scientific discovery that humanity has cured diseases, harnessed energy, explored the universe, and revolutionised everyday life. At its core, science teaches us how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make evidence-informed decisions that shape a better future. Yet today, the challenges we face - climate change, global health crises, energy sustainability, and environmental degradation - demand a scientifically literate society more than ever before. Our very survival and progress depend on a generation equipped with the knowledge, skills, and curiosity to tackle these complex problems. Science is not just a subject; it is a way of thinking and a force for change. At Meridian, we believe every student has the potential to become a changemaker - an inventor, a protector of the planet, a pioneer of solutions not yet imagined. That is why science is a vital, dynamic, and future-shaping part of our curriculum.
 

Learning hours

Knowlegde, Understanding and Skills

We want Science at Meridian High School to develop curiosity, encourage discovery and help students understand the world around them. Through lessons, practical investigations and real-world applications, students develop the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to think and work like scientists.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, students build on the knowledge and skills developed at KS2 while exploring the fascinating worlds of biology, chemistry and physics.

In Biology, students investigate cells, organ systems, reproduction, genetics, evolution, ecosystems and health. Chemistry introduces particles, states of matter, elements, compounds, chemical reactions and environmental chemistry. In Physics, students explore forces, motion, energy, electricity, waves and space.

These topics provide students with a strong scientific foundation and prepare them for the greater challenge and depth of GCSE Science.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, students deepen their scientific understanding and apply their knowledge to abstract and more complex ideas and real-world problems.

In Biology, students study cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, homeostasis, infection and the body’s response to disease. Chemistry explores atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical and energy changes, rates of reaction and organic chemistry. In Physics, students investigate forces, motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, the particle model and space physics.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to make connections between different scientific ideas and understand how science shapes medicine, technology, industry and the environment.

Developing Future Scientists

Practical investigation is a key part to Science. Students learn to plan and conduct experiments safely, select and use scientific equipment accurately, collect reliable data and evaluate their findings.

They develop analytical and problem-solving skills by identifying patterns, applying scientific knowledge and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Mathematics also plays an important role, with students using formulas, calculating percentages, interpreting data and constructing graphs.

Students learn to communicate scientific ideas confidently through discussion and written explanations. These transferable skills prepare them for further study and a wide range of careers, while developing the curiosity, critical thinking and logical approach needed to solve problems in everyday life.

5 Year learning journey

Specification 

Combined Science specification

Biology Specification (Triple science)
Chemistry Specification (Triple science)
Physics Specification (Triple science)

Specification summaries

Careers

Science is a subject, yes, but it’s also a way of thinking: people who study science have been trained to think critically, research properly and be guided by the evidence. These are critical workplace skills and employers value the creativity and problem-solving skills of science graduates.

• Doctor
• Nurse
• Medical Scientist
• Vet
• Astronomer
• Pharmacologist
• Environmental scientist
• Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Geneticist
• Forensic Scientist 

 

Extra curricular opportunities

• STEM Club
• Science drop-in session for KS4 students 
• Space Camp international trip in Belgium
• Williams Racing STEM trip
• Space Centre in Leicester
• London Zoo
• Eco-Challenge

Useful websites to support your learning

Combined Science

Website	How it supports students
AQA Combined Science: Trilogy	The official examination-board website, providing the specification, topic content, practical requirements and current assessment information.
AQA Assessment Resources	Official Foundation and Higher papers, mark schemes, examiner reports, sample materials, periodic tables and physics equation sheets.
Cognito – Combined Science	Specification-mapped videos, notes, quizzes, flashcards, examination questions and past papers covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
FreeScienceLessons	Short, focused videos organised by paper and topic. It also provides clear coverage of required practicals and working scientifically.
Physics & Maths Tutor – Biology	Topic notes, flashcards, mind maps and examination questions for AQA Biology. Students should use the Combined Science content rather than Triple-only topics.
Physics & Maths Tutor – Chemistry	Revision notes and questions covering atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, rates, analysis, atmosphere and resources.
Physics & Maths Tutor – Physics	Notes, equations, flashcards and examination questions covering energy, electricity, particles, atomic structure, forces, waves and magnetism.
Physics & Maths Tutor – Combined Science Papers	Organises AQA Combined Science papers by Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with separate Foundation and Higher resources.
Seneca Learning	Interactive, bite-sized revision for AQA Combined Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Useful for regular retrieval and identifying knowledge gaps.
Malmesbury Education	Detailed demonstrations of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics required practicals, including methods, equipment and variables.
Save My Exams – Combined Science	Specification-matched notes, examiner tips, practice questions and past papers. Some resources require a subscription.
Tassomai Science	Personalised retrieval practice that identifies weaker areas and brings them back regularly. Access requires a school or family subscription.
Revision Science – AQA Past Papers	A clearly organised collection of Foundation and Higher papers, mark schemes, periodic tables and equation sheets.

Triple Science

Website	How it supports students
AQA GCSE Biology	The official Biology qualification page, providing the specification, topic content and assessment information.
AQA Biology Assessment Resources	Official Foundation and Higher Biology papers, mark schemes, examiner reports and sample materials.
AQA GCSE Chemistry	The official Chemistry qualification page, including the specification, practical requirements and assessment information.
AQA Chemistry Assessment Resources	Official Foundation and Higher Chemistry papers, mark schemes, examiner reports and sample materials.
AQA GCSE Physics	The official Physics qualification page, including the specification, equations and assessment information.
AQA Physics Assessment Resources	Official Foundation and Higher Physics papers, mark schemes, examiner reports and equation sheets.
Cognito	Specification-mapped videos, notes, quizzes, flashcards and examination questions. Students must select Separate Biology, Chemistry or Physics, rather than Combined Science.
FreeScienceLessons	Short videos covering Paper 1, Paper 2, separate-science content, required practicals and working scientifically.
Physics & Maths Tutor – Biology	Detailed Biology notes, flashcards, diagrams, practical guidance and topic-specific examination questions.
Physics & Maths Tutor – Chemistry	Chemistry notes, calculation practice, practical guidance, flashcards and examination questions.
Physics & Maths Tutor – Physics	Physics notes, equation practice, required practical materials, topic questions and video support.
Seneca Learning	Interactive retrieval practice covering AQA Separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics at Foundation and Higher tiers.
Malmesbury Education	Detailed videos demonstrating required practicals, equipment, variables, methods and the collection of results.
Save My Exams – AQA Science	Specification-matched notes, examiner tips, practical guidance and examination questions. Some content requires a subscription.
Tassomai Science	Personalised retrieval practice that identifies gaps across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Access requires a family or school subscription.
Revision Science	A clearly organised collection of separate-science papers, mark schemes, periodic tables and physics equation sheets.