Science

Curriculum Intent

To deliver a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum that is challenging yet engaging.
To stimulate students’ curiosity about the world around them and how it works.
To equip students with the knowledge and understanding of the scientific ideas that will impact on their personal health, development and growth.
To develop an awareness of science-related issues that may affect the lives of students, in their contexts and beyond.
To encourage scientific inquiry, where students are be able to plan, conduct, analyse and evaluate scientific studies.
To develop scientific reasoning that allows students to explain the occurrence of events, analyse its causes and predict its outcomes.
To grow cultural capital both within science lessons and through enrichment work by providing students with a range of opportunities, responsibilities and experiences.
To improve the levels of literacy and oracy by promoting the development, memory and pronunciation of key scientific terminology.
To improve the levels of numeracy at every opportunity, allowing students to make links across mathematics and science.
To grow and foster a thirst for knowledge and love for science that ensures that students leave with the best possible grades, which provides them with access to further science-related courses and careers.
To promote careers in science and other STEM subjects, which would enable students to make a positive contribution to society

Core Science

KS3 Curriculum Overview

KS3 Curriculum Overview:

	HT1	HT2	HT3	HT4	HT5	HT6
Y7	Chemistry The particle model and properties of different materials. They will also be introduced to the Periodic Table, atoms, elements and compounds. Mixtures are also covered as well as the practical techniques used to separate them.		Physics The different types of contact and non-contact forces are studied, their effects and what is meant by an interaction pair. Students will also learn about the production and speed of sound, comparing this to light and how both are detected by the human body.		Biology Students learn about the basic unit of animals, plants and bacteria and how to use a microscope to observe them. The variation and adaptations of organisms that allow them to survive in their habitats is studied in this topic also. This is followed by inheritance and reproduction in plants and animals.
Y8	Physics Types of energy and how they are transferred is studied here. Electrical energy is studied in more detail including current, potential difference and resistance. Students will also learn how to calculate their speed and pressure.		Chemistry The chemical reactions of combustion, decomposition, neutralisation and reactions of metals with oxygen, water and acids are conducted here. This is followed by the structure of the Earth, atmosphere and rock cycle as well as changes to the climate and its effects.		Biology Students learn about healthy and unhealthy lifestyles researching into diets, deficiencies, drugs, smoking and alcohol and the impact this has on body systems. The skeletal and respiratory system are studied followed by ecosystems, photosynthesis and different kinds of feeding relationships.
Y9	Chemistry Atomic structure and groups of the periodic table are covered in more depth in this unit. Hydrocarbon fuels and homologous series are to be taught whilst retrieving prior learning on climate change and studying alternative fuels that can be used to generate electricity.		Biology Students build on their knowledge of cells, inheritance and healthy lifestyles to learn about cell division, genetic modification, infectious disease and drug development in this unit.		Physics Newton’s three laws of motion are studied in this unit. Students will be calculating speed, acceleration, momentum, gravitational potential and kinetic energy. The concepts of waves, sound and light are developed further to cover the electromagnetic spectrum. Students also learn about the different types of radiation, their penetration abilities and ionisation strengths and how they can be dangerous but also useful.

KS4 Curriculum Overview

KS4 Curriculum Overview:

HT1

HT2

HT3

HT4

HT5

HT6

Y10

Biology

The effects of the hormones- insulin, glucagon, thyroxine, adrenalin, oestrogen and progesterone are studied here.

Knowledge of the cardiovascular system is developed here and the transport methods of different substances will be retrieved.
Students will learn about the transport systems in plants too as well as interdependence in ecosystems and the abiotic and biotic features that may affect the population sizes of species.

Chemistry

The bonding models: ionic, simple and giant covalent and metallic are studied here as well as the properties of materials that are bonded this way. The process of electrolysis is studied in detail and then applied to the extraction of metals for profit.

The strength of acids and alkalis and the titration method of obtaining a salt is studied also, alongside solubility rules and precipitation reactions.

The collision theory is studied as part of factors affecting the rate of chemical reactions as well as heat energy changes and how the position of Equilibria affects the yield of reactions.

Physics

Newton’s three laws of motion are studied in this unit. Students will be calculating speed, acceleration, momentum, gravitational potential and kinetic energy. The concepts of waves, sound and light are developed further to cover the electromagnetic spectrum.

Students also learn about the different types of radiation, their penetration abilities and ionisation strengths and how they can be dangerous but also useful

Y11

Physics

Retrieval and consolidation of prior physics

knowledge.

Students will learn

Fleming’s left-hand rule. They will also practise recalling and rearranging

equations and their units.

Chemistry

Retrieval and consolidation of

prior chemistry

knowledge. Moles, limiting reactants,

REDOX reactions and writing ionic

equations and half
equations are taught as new learning.

Biology

Retrieval and consolidation of prior biology

knowledge. The controlled

production of

hormones by

Negative Feedback

Mechanism and the

Inverse Square Law are taught as new learning.

Combined Science Revision

Class tailored intervention lessons will be delivered in order to prepare students for their upcoming exams, using the following resources:

Revision Summary PowerPoints for content recall
Exam Alerts from Examiner’s Reports
Edexcel Past Exam Papers
Modelled- Walking Talking Mock Exams

To download this table, please click below.

Curriculum Overview 2023-24

What your child will learn:

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

Triple Science

Year 10 Curriculum Overview

Year 10:

HT1

HT2

HT3

HT4

HT5

HT6

Y10

Biology

Exchange and Transport

Students will develop their knowledge of the cardiovascular system in this unit and study the role of the heart, blood and blood vessels, in transporting substances around the body.

Homeostasis

The production and effects of the hormones- insulin, glucagon, thyroxine, adrenalin, oestrogen and progesterone are studied in this unit. In addition to diabetes, students will learn about the structure of the kidneys and what treatment is available to patients with kidney failure.

Plants Structure and Function

Students will retrieve previous knowledge on plant cells and adaptations. The rate of photosynthesis will be investigated here as well as the factors that affect the rate of this reaction. In addition to this, students will learn about the affect and uses of plant hormones.

Ecosystems
Students will learn about interdependence in ecosystems and the abiotic and biotic features that may affect the population sizes of species. Students will reflect on the impact of human activity on biodiversity and discuss the importance of protecting biodiversity

Retrieval and Consolidation

Students will retrieve prior knowledge on different types of cells, including plant, animal, bacterial and stem cells. Genetics and genetic modification will also be recapped along with communicable and non-communicable disease.

Key Concepts

Students will retrieve their knowledge on nutrition and study the use of a calorimeter and different testing methods to identify food groups.

Key Concepts

Students will retrieve their knowledge on nutrition and study the use of a calorimeter and different testing methods to identify food groups.

Key Concepts

Students will retrieve build their knowledge on; Reproduction, genetic modification, Virus Life cycles and plant disease and Antibiotics and antibodies.

Y10

Chemistry

Bonding and Types of

Substances

Students will learn:

· how ionic, covalent and metallic bonds are formed

· how the physical properties of a substance are linked to its bonding and structure.

Electrolytic Processes, Obtaining and Using Metals, Alloys and Corrosion

Students will learn:

· about reactivity, oxidation and reduction

· how metals can be extracted

· the advantages of recycling metals

· about the life cycle assessment of products
to explain what happens during electrolysis and electroplating

Retrieval and Consolidation

Students will retrieve and revise prior knowledge in order to complete a mid-term progress assessment.

Acids and Alkalis

Students will learn:

· about the ions in acids and alkalis and how concentrations are linked to pH

· what happens in the reactions between acids and different types of bases

· how indicators can be used in acid-alkali titrations
how soluble and insoluble salts can be prepared in the laboratory.

Calculations

Students will learn how to calculate the:

· relative formula masses of elements and compounds

· mass of reactants or products in reactions

· percentage yield

· empirical and molecular formulae

· about the Avogadro constant and the quantity 1 mol of a substance

Fertilisers and the Haber Process

Students will learn:

· what is meant by dynamic equilibrium

· how ammonia is manufactured

· how changes in temperature, pressure and concentration affect the equilibrium position

Organic Chemistry

Students will learn about:

· the alkanes as a homologous series

· the problems caused by some atmospheric pollutants

· how and why the cracking of oil fractions is carried out

· the structures and properties of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and carboxylic acids

· how a concentrated solution of ethanol is produced from carbohydrates

· the chemical properties and uses of alcohols and carboxylic acids

· the composition of biological polymers
how poly(ethene) and other polymers are made

Retrieval and Consolidation

Students will retrieve and revise prior knowledge in order to complete a mid-term progress assessment.

Rates of Reaction and Heat Energy Changes

Students will learn:

· how changes in conditions can affect the rates of reactions

· about the energy transfers that can occur during chemical reactions.

Qualitative Analysis: Tests for Ions

Students will learn:

· how to identify metal ions

· the chemical tests for various non-metal ions and ammonia gas

· about instrumental methods of analysis and their advantages

Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles

Students will learn:

· how to compare the physical properties of different materials

· what composite material are
about nanoparticles and their properties, uses and possible risks.

Y10

Physics

Radioactivity

Students will build on their prior knowledge of the model of the atom, ionisation and the different types of radiation and its medical uses. They will also look at the different types of nuclear reactions and the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power.

Astronomy

Students will develop their knowledge on the Solar system, and will learn how the ideas of the Solar system changed over time. They will learn about Red-shift and how this provides evidence about the expansion of the universe, and compare the Theories for the Origin of the Universe.

Retrieval and Consolidation

Retrieval and consolidation of prior physics
knowledge. Students will revisit the topic of light and the electromagnetic spectrum and Radioactivity.

Forces and matter

Students will learn about elastic and inelastic distortion before investigating the energy transferred in different springs as they are stretched. Students will also investigate how pressure changes in liquids.

Electricity

The relationship between work and power is studied here, followed by the relationship between current, potential difference and resistance.

Static Electricity

Students will retrieve previous knowledge about the atom, and use this to look at how an insulator can become charged. Students will explore the dangers and uses of static electricity, and build on their knowledge of electric fields.

Magnetism and electromagnetic induction
Students will build on their knowledge of magnets and magnetic fields, and will learn about electromagnetism.

Electromagnetic induction

Students will explore the roles of transformers in the national grid, and how transformers work.

Particle Model
Students will retrieve knowledge on the particle model and apply it to density and pressure. Students will learn to carry out calculations involving density, Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat.

Curriculum Overview Triple Science Y10

Year 11 Curriculum Overview

Year 11:

HT1

HT2

HT3

HT4

HT5

HT6

Y11

Biology

Ecosystems

Students will learn about interdependence in ecosystems and the abiotic and biotic features that may affect the population sizes of species. Students will reflect on the impact of human activity on biodiversity and discuss the importance of protecting biodiversity.

Retrieval and Consolidation

Students will retrieve prior knowledge on plant structures, photosynthesis, plant hormones, the menstrual cycle, metabolic rate, glucoregulation, osmoregulation, thermoregulation, the kidneys, dialysis, respiration, the heart and ecosystems.

GCSE Biology- Triple Science

Class tailored intervention lessons will be delivered in order to prepare students for their upcoming exams, using the following resources:

• Revision Summary PowerPoints for content recall

• Exam Alerts from Examiner’s Reports

• Edexcel Past Exam Papers
Modelled- Walking Talking Mock Exams

GCSE Exam Window

Y11

Chemistry

Retrieval and Consolidation

Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles

Students will learn:

· how to compare the physical properties of different materials

· what composite material are

· how and why materials are chosen for particular uses
about nanoparticles and their properties, uses and possible risks

Students will retrieve prior knowledge on; states of matter, separating techniques, atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic and covalent bonding, types of substances and acids and alkalis.

Students will retrieve prior knowledge on; calculations involving masses, electrolytic processes, obtaining and using metals, reversible reactions and equilibria, transition metals, alloys and corrosion, quantitative analysis, dynamic equilibria, calculations involving volumes of gases and chemical cells and fuel cells.

Students will retrieve prior knowledge on; groups, rates of reaction, heat energy changes, fuels, Earth and atmospheric science, hydrocarbons, alcohols and carboxylic acids, polymers, qualitative analysis: tests for ions and bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles.

Students will continue to retrieve prior knowledge on topics from HT1-3 using:

· Revision Summary PowerPoints for content recall

Knowledge Organisers

· Edexcel Past Exam Papers

· Modelled- Walking Talking Mock Exams

GCSE Exam Window

GCSE Chemistry (Triple Science)

Class tailored intervention lessons will be delivered in order to prepare students for their upcoming exams, using the following resources:

• Revision Summary PowerPoints for content recall

• Knowledge Organisers

• Exam Alerts from Examiner’s Reports

• Edexcel Past Exam Papers
Homework will be set regularly using the Pearson Edexcel Student workbooks and all lessons delivered in class will be made available on Google Classroom to support independent work at home, should lessons have been missed or for the general recap of content.

Y11

Physics

Magnetism and electromagnetic induction

Students will build on their knowledge of magnets and magnetic fields, and will learn about electromagnetism.

Electromagnetic induction

Students will explore the roles of transformers in the national grid, and how transformers work.

Retrieval and Consolidation

Students will retrieve prior knowledge on Electricity, structure of the atom, dangers and uses of static electricity, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, particle model, calculations involving specific heat capacity and latent heat, forces and matter, and pressure changes in liquids

Retrieval and Consolidation

Students will retrieve prior knowledge on Forces and Motion, the conservation of energy, Motion of Waves, how the ear works, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, how radiation is used in medicine, and the different types of nuclear reactions.

GCSE Physics (Triple Science)

Class tailored intervention lessons will be delivered in order to prepare students for their upcoming exams, using the following resources:

· Revision Summary PowerPoints for content recall

• Exam Alerts from Examiner’s Reports

• Edexcel Past Exam Papers
Modelled- Walking Talking Mock Exams

Curriculum Overview Triple Science Y11

What your child will learn:

Year 10

Science SMSC Statement

SMSC and British Values are promoted throughout the KS3 and KS4 Science provision at The Hathershaw College. The subject naturally provides students with a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about the world around them, whilst drawing on their use of imagination and creativity. As an example, many of the big scientific ideas are taught through the use of models to allow pupils to visualise invisible concepts such as particles, waves and electricity. When studying cells and digestion at KS3, pupils engage in creating their own models and when using chocolate to model the rock cycle, students also evaluate the use of models.

In addition to this, students regularly engage in practical work in order to develop their scientific inquiry skills and investigate theory in practice. At KS3 our scientists develop familiarity with scientific equipment, methods and how to work safely in the lab. This extends beyond topics specified on the National Curriculum and includes content that is topical and interesting, for example, first aid, aquaponics, forensic science and yearly themes selected during National Science Week. As part of their GCSE Qualification students develop their scientific writing and build on these skills further to confidently carry out and remember Core Practicals such as the rate of respiration in small organisms, separating mixtures and investigating force, mass and acceleration. This often involves group work and discussions, promoting the development of social skills, preparing students for life in the workplace in modern Britain.

There is also a strong focus on developing students morally through ethical debates and reasoning tasks where they must respectfully discuss sensitive topics such as organ transplants, stem cell therapy, selective breeding programmes and IVF. Through these lessons students develop empathy and listen to alternative perspectives. This strand is further explored, when discussing the rule of law respective of drug and alcohol use and misuse. The Healthy Lifestyle unit of study in Year 8, teaches students to recognise the difference between right and wrong and the impact of their choices and behaviours on themselves, others around them and the National Health Service. Furthermore, in Year 9 students reflect on the effect that human activity is having on the planet and deliberate ways to counterbalance the detrimental impact on biodiversity.

Finally, learning in a multicultural context allows our students to appreciate and celebrate a range of cultures that shape their own heritage and the heritage of others. Cultural development is promoted further in Science by acknowledging the contribution of various Scientists from around the world e.g. Dalton, Darwin, Curie and Herschel and the historical context that has influenced the way that theories have developed. Additionally, cultural differences can often influence the extent to which scientific ideas are accepted, used and valued in the classroom e.g. Human Evolution, however this is typically developed into an opportunity for discussion.