Science
Science
“The fact that no species has ever had such wholesale control over everything on Earth, living or dead, as we now have. That lays upon us, whether we like it or not, an awesome responsibility. In our hands now lies not only our own future, but that of all other living creatures with whom we share the Earth.” David Attenborough
Welcome to the Science Department at Salvatorian College, where we foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for scientific inquiry in our students. Our dedicated team of teachers and support staff is committed to providing engaging and enriching learning experiences that inspire a lifelong love for science.
The Science curriculum at Salvatorian College aims to:
– Enable pupils to build on and develop the necessary skills to analyse and question the world around them in a critical way.
– Develop their practical skills by working scientifically, and, in doing so, provide opportunities for pupils to think and act like scientists do in the real world, to prepare them for their future learning or employment.
– Equip our students with the scientific knowledge and skills that are needed to understand the important role Science plays in society, both now and in the future, addressing any misconceptions they may have.
– Educate our pupils about key issues in science, including climate change, finding alternatives to using finite resources, the ethics of cloning, COVID-19, and lifestyle choices that impact our health.
– To make links between the different subject areas, and have understanding of the ‘big’ ideas’ underpinning the curriculum
– Give our pupils a heightened awareness about the need for greater sustainability in all that we do as individuals and collectively to ensure the safekeeping of our planet for future generations, helping them to understand the essential role they will play in this.
Through hands-on experiments, interactive lessons, and real-world applications, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to excel in their scientific endeavors and beyond.
Our Staff
Ms A Ward – Head of Department
Ms A Schipor – Teacher of Science
Ms M Syeda – Teacher of Science
Ms F Marwan – Teacher of Science
Ms O Thomas – Teacher of Science
Ms P Ghosh – Science Technician
Key Stage Three
During Key stage 3 from years 7-9, we aim to instil a solid understanding of fundamental concepts that will pave the way for future learning. Throughout the Activate course, ten key ideas are studied that enable our students to build upon their learning in a logical and sequential way.
Year 7 serves as the introduction to these concepts, providing students with a foundational understanding of the content. In Year 8, students apply these ideas to a variety of real-life situations, further reinforcing their knowledge and understanding. Year 9 acts as a bridge, linking the concepts learned in Years 7 and 8 to the Key Stage 4 curriculum, whilst also providing regular opportunities to reinforce and develop their KS3 understanding further.
Students are also given regular opportunities to develop and master their working scientifically skills throughout the delivery of the Activate course.
Year 7 Scheme of work: introducing the 10 Key Concepts
Working Scientifically: Enquiry processes
EP1 Asking scientific questions
EP2 Planning investigations
EP3 Collecting, recording, and presenting data
EP4 Analysing patterns in data
EP5 Evaluating data and methods
1 Forces
Speed
Gravity
2 Electromagnets
Potential difference and resistance
Current
3 Energy
Energy costs
Energy transfer
4 Waves
Sound
Light
5 Matter
Particle model
Separating mixtures
6 Reactions
Acids and alkalis
Metals and non-metals
7 Earth
Earth structure
Universe
8 Organisms
Movement
Cells
9 Ecosystems
Interdependence
Plant reproduction
10 Genes
Variation
Human reproduction
Year 8 Scheme of work: reinforcing and applying the 10 Key Concepts
Working Scientifically: Enquiry processes
EP1 More on planning how to answer
a question
EP7 More on analysing and
Evaluating
EP8 Communication
EP9 Evidence and sources
EP10 Critique claims and justify opinions
EP11 Risks and benefits
EP12 Review theories 1
EP13 Review theories 2
1 Forces
Contact forces
Pressure
2 Electromagnets
Magnetism
Electromagnets
3 Energy
Work
Heating and cooling
4 Waves
Wave effects
Wave properties
5 Matter
Elements
Periodic table
6 Reactions
Types of reaction
Chemical energy
7 Earth
Climate
Earth’s resources
8 Organisms
Breathing
Digestion
9 Ecosystems
Respiration
Photosynthesis
10 Genes
Evolution
Inheritance
Year 9 Scheme of work: linking the 10 Key Concepts from KS3 to the KS4 curriculum
B3.1 New technology
Genetics
Inherited disorders
Selective breeding
Genetic engineering
Cloning
Biotechnology
Enzymes in industry
C3.1 New technology
Nanoparticles
Using nanoparticles
Nanoparticles in medicine
Nanoparticle safety
Cars: pros and cons
New fuels
Cleaning up exhausts
Hybrid electric cars
P3.1 New technology
Your phone
Your house
Your hospital – intensive care
Your hospital – seeing inside
Your sports
Your planet
B3.2 Turning points in biology
Vaccines 1
Vaccines 2
Antibiotics 1
Antibiotics 2
DNA
Charles Darwin
Preventing extinction
C3.2 Turning points in chemistry
Evidence for atoms
Looking into atoms
Discovering the periodic table
Lessons from fossils
The oldest primate
P3.2 Turning points in physics
Discovering the Universe 1
Discovering the Universe 2
The Big Bang
Spacecraft and satellites
Mission to the moon
Radioactivity
Electromagnetism 1
B3.3 Detection
Microscopy
Fingerprinting
DNA fingerprinting
Blood typing
Time of death
Pathology
C3.3 Detection
Break in
Smelly problem
Message in a bottle
Blood alcohol
Body
Clues in the carpet
A week in court
P3.3 Detection
Detecting planets
Detecting alien life
Detecting position
Detecting messages
Detecting particles
Key Stage Four
During Key Stage 4, we are committed to continue to provide you with an enriching and stimulating learning experience. Through engaging lessons, practical experiments, and interactive activities, we aim to ignite your curiosity, foster a love for scientific inquiry, and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your GCSE examinations and beyond.
Throughout your studies in Key Stage 4, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, from the complexities of cellular biology to the principles of chemical reactions and the laws governing the universe. Our goal is not only to help you achieve academic success but also to nurture your intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and passion for lifelong learning.
As you embark on this journey with us, we encourage you to embrace challenges, ask questions, and explore the wonders of the natural world. Together, we will unlock the mysteries of science and empower you to reach your full potential as a confident and informed global citizen.
Most students follow the AQA Combined Science GCSE Trilogy course; a smaller group of students study Triple Science for separate GCSE’s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Pupils study the AQA syllabus, the specifications for which can be found here:
Combined Science:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Triple Science:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461/specification-at-a-glance
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462/specification-at-a-glance
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463/specification-at-a-glance
AQA GCSE Trilogy Combined Science Year 10
Biology
B1 Cell structure and transport
B2 Cell division
B3 Organisation and the digestive system
B4 Organising animals and plants
B5 Communicable disease
B6 Preventing and treating disease
B7 Non-communicable
diseases
B8 Photosynthesis
B9 Respiration
Chemistry
C1 Atomic structure
C2 The periodic table
C3 Structure and bonding
C4 Chemical calculations
C5 Chemical changes
C6 Electrolysis
C7 Energy changes
Physics
P1 Conservation and dissipation of energy
P2 Energy transfer by heating
P3 Energy resources
P4 Electric circuits
P5 Electricity in the home
P6 Molecules and matter
P7 Radioactivity
AQA GCSE Trilogy Triple Science Year 10
Biology
B1 Cell structure and transport
B2 Cell division
B3 Organisation and the digestive system
B4 Organising animals and plants
B5 Communicable disease
B6 Preventing and treating disease
B7 Non-communicable
diseases
B8 Photosynthesis
B9 Respiration
Chemistry
C1 Atomic structure
C2 The periodic table
C3 Structure and bonding
C4 Chemical calculations
C5 Chemical changes
C6 Electrolysis
C7 Energy changes
Physics
P1 Conservation and dissipation of energy
P2 Energy transfer by heating
P3 Energy resources
P4 Electric circuits
P5 Electricity in the home
P6 Molecules and matter
P7 Radioactivity
AQA GCSE Trilogy Combined Science Year 11
Biology
B10 The human nervous system
B11 Hormonal coordination
B13 Reproduction
B14 Variation and evolution
B15 Genetics and evolution
B16 Adaptations, interdependence and competition
B17 Organising an ecosystem
B18 Biodiversity and ecosystems
Chemistry
C8 Rates and equilibrium
C9 Crude oil and fuels
C12 Chemical analysis
C13 The Earth’s atmosphere
C14 The Earth’s resources
Physics
P8 Forces in balance
P9 Motion
P10 Force and motion
P12 Wave properties
P13 Electromagnetic waves
P15 Electromagnetism
AQA GCSE Trilogy Triple Science Year 10
Biology
B10 The human nervous system
B11 Hormonal coordination
B12 Homeostasis in action
B13 Reproduction
B14 Variation and evolution
B15 Genetics and evolution
B16 Adaptations, interdependence and competition
B17 Organising an ecosystem
B18 Biodiversity and ecosystems
Chemistry
C8 Rates and equilibrium
C9 Crude oil and fuels
C10 Organic reactions
C11 Polymers
C12 Chemical analysis
C13 The Earth’s atmosphere
C14 The Earth’s resources
C15 Using our resources
Physics
P8 Forces in balance
P9 Motion
P10 Force and motion
P11 Force and pressure
P12 Wave properties
P13 Electromagnetic waves
P14 Light
P15 Electromagnetism
P16 Space
Key Stage Five
Biology
At KS5 we build on previous knowledge and skills to develop our pupils as confident scientists. The curriculum provides pupils with a broad opportunity to conduct investigations. A minimum of 12practical activities are conducted as part of this course.
A Level Biology at our school will enable students to pursue either medicine or biology based subjects at university level. Pupils will be supported in doing this through, for example, the rigorous BMAT and UKCAT preparatory sessions that take place. Pupils can also avail themselves to interview practice sessions.
Pupils study AQA syllabus, the full specification can be found at here:
https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/biology/specifications/AQA-7401-7402-SP-2015.PDF
In year 12, pupils study the following topics:
Biological molecules
Cells
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
In year 13, pupils study the following topics:
Energy transfers in and between organisms
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
The control of gene expression
Physics
Physics is the study of how things work and how the Universe functions. KS5 physics begins studying matter at a very small scale, building on acquired GCSE knowledge of fundamental particles, to modules concerning gravitational fields and mechanics. Throughout all the topics pupils will learn problem solving skills that will help you in many future careers. A minimum of 12 practical activities are conducted as part of this course.
A Level Physics at our school will enable students to apply to university to study engineering, architecture or physics based subjects. During the course of their studies, pupils will be given opportunities to enrich their knowledge of physics or engineering at an undergraduate level.
Pupils study AQA syllabus, specification for which can be found at:
http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/physics/specifications/AQA-7407-7408-SP-2015.PDF
In year 12, pupils study the following topics:
Particles and radiation – the fundamental properties of matter, radiation and energy.
Waves – understanding everyday applications to fundamental discoveries.
Mechanics and materials – A starting point for many future careers i.e. engineering, transport and
technology.
Electricity – from basic principles to calculations.
In year 13, pupils study the following topics:
Further mechanics and thermal physics – building on AS topics with circular motion and material properties.
Fields and their consequences – The similarities and differences between gravitational, electric and magnetic fields.
Nuclear physics – developing the understanding of the nucleus.
An option of:
o Astrophysics
o Medical physics
o Engineering physics
o Turning points in physics
o Electronics
Chemistry
In Chemistry at KS5, we develop knowledge and skills from KS4. We introduce them to a wide range of new topics from fundamental Chemistry to innovative new concepts. The curriculum provides students with the chance to engage with topics that are linked to real world problems, such as climate change. Through practical assessments students are able to conduct investigations and acquire important laboratory skills and techniques. A minimum of 12 practical activities are conducted as part of this course.
A Level Chemistry is an excellent subject to study, it provides a platform to study many degrees at University and can lead to many varying degrees in science. Students who study Chemistry can go on to study a wide range of science based degrees from biochemistry and biomedicine to forensic science. Chemistry is a requirement to study Medicine at University. Students that study Chemistry at A level develop excellent skills in problem solving that can set them up for a wide variety of other degrees and careers.
Pupils study AQA syllabus, the specification can be found here: https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/chemistry/specifications/AQA-7404-7405-SP-2015.PDF
In year 12, pupils study the following topics:
Physical Chemistry
Atomic Structure, Kinetics, energetics, equilibrium and redox reactions.
Inorganic Chemistry
Periodicity, Group 2 and group 7.
Organic Chemistry
Alkanes, Alkenes, Halogenoalkanes, alcohols and organic analysis.
In year 13, pupils study the following topics:
Physical Chemistry
Rates, thermodynamics, equilibrium, electrochemical cells, acids
Inorganic Chemistry
Transition metals and reactions of aqueous ions.
Organic Chemistry
Optical isomerism, Aldehydes, ketones, Carboxylic acids, Aromatic chemistry, Amines, Polymers, Amino acids, proteins, DNA, Organic synthesis, Nuclear magnetic resonance and chromatography.
Links
Secondary school science lays the foundation for various career paths and further educational opportunities. Here are some common links between secondary school science subjects and potential careers or further pathways:
Biology:
Medicine: Doctor, nurse, pharmacist, biomedical researcher, genetic counselor.
Environmental Science: Ecologist, conservation biologist, environmental consultant.
Agriculture: Agricultural scientist, agronomist, food scientist.
Biotechnology: Biotechnologist, genetic engineer, bioinformatician.
Chemistry:
Pharmaceutical Industry: Chemist, pharmacist, medicinal chemist.
Petrochemical Industry: Chemical engineer, petroleum engineer.
Materials Science: Material scientist, polymer chemist, nanotechnologist.
Environmental Chemistry: Environmental chemist, waste management specialist.
Physics:
Engineering: Mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, aerospace engineer.
Astrophysics: Astrophysicist, astronomer, aerospace engineer.
Energy Sector: Energy analyst, renewable energy engineer, nuclear physicist.
Computer Science: Software engineer, data scientist (particularly in computational physics).
Integrated Sciences (combining multiple disciplines):
Scientific Research: Research scientist, lab technician.
Teaching: Science educator, secondary school science teacher.
Science Communication: Science journalist, science writer, science communicator.
Policy and Government: Science policy analyst, environmental policy advisor.
STEM Education and Outreach:
STEM Education: Curriculum developer, educational program coordinator.
Outreach Programs: Science museum educator, STEM outreach coordinator.
Tutoring and Mentoring: Private tutor, academic mentor.
For further pathways beyond careers, secondary school science can also prepare students for higher education in various fields such as medicine, engineering, environmental science, computer science, and many more. Additionally, it can provide a solid foundation for pursuing research opportunities and advanced degrees in academia.