KS3 (Years 7 – 8) 

Students are taught biology as an individual science by a team of inspirational subject specialists. The aim of the KS3 biology curriculum is to instil a passion for the subject, encouraging students to question and explore, whilst developing the key skills that form the basis for success in science. Analysing, applying knowledge and acquisition of scientific language are all key to success in biology. 

• Year 7: the foundations of biology, including cell biology, ecology, reproduction, and plant biology.
• Year 8: systems of the human body, microbes and disease and the natural world. 

Pupils are given the opportunity to learn in a variety of different ways, including a range of practical activities. There are regular opportunities for assessment and students are well-prepared to extend their knowledge into a GCSE course. 

GCSE (Years 9 – 11) 

The course consists of eight key areas: cell level systems, transport in organisms, systems in organisms, ecology, genes and inheritance, global challenges, working scientifically and practical skills. Students learn using a range of techniques and are encouraged to approach tasks and questions logically, to apply their learning effectively and to articulate their ideas using key scientific terms. 

There are regular opportunities for assessment and student progress is tracked, allowing staff to ensure the best possible outcomes at GCSE. For more information on the GCSE course, download our GCSE Options Guide at the bottom of the page.

A-Level (Years 12 – 13) 

Students will develop deep, analytical and broad thinking skills, learning to focus on detail and use of appropriate scientific language. Biology requires the understanding of abstract ideas, as well as an ability to make links between multiple areas of the specification.  The course is split into six teaching modules with practical skills embedded throughout. 

• Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology 
• Module 2 – Foundations in biology 
• Module 3 – Exchange and transport 
• Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease 
• Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy 
• Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems 

For more information on the A-Level Biology course grade requirements, download a copy of the Sixth Form Prospectus and for more information on the course content, download a copy of the A-Level Options Guide. Both of these are available at the bottom of the page. 

KS3 (Year 7 – 8) 

Our KS3 curriculum introduces students to the fundamental concepts in chemistry, building their understanding, preparing them for KS4, both theoretically and practically, whilst simultaneously opening their eyes to the wonder of science and how science is applied in everyday life. Students are taught how to think logically, analyse data and articulate their findings both verbally and on paper. 

The Chemistry Department uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods to monitor student progress. Each individual unit taught is assessed to allow teaching staff to offer effective and targeted intervention and ensure all students make their expected progress at KS3. 

GCSE (Year 9 – 11) 

This specification examines students on their academic and practical studies and requires them to be able to interpret the questions and apply their learning. The specification consists of six units, taught over three years. To prepare students for these terminal exams, lessons have both theoretical and practical content, requiring the students to record their results and observations, as well as evaluate the success and suggest improvements. 

The Chemistry Department uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods to monitor student progress. Each individual unit taught is assessed to allow teaching staff to offer effective and targeted intervention and ensure all students make their expected progress at GCSE.  For more information on the GCSE course, download our GCSE Options Guide at the bottom of the page. 

A-Level (Year 12 – 13) 

Content is split into six teaching modules and a practical skills unit which is ongoing throughout the course. 

• Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry 
• Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry 
• Module 3 – Periodic table and energy 
• Module 4 – Core organic chemistry 
• Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements 
• Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis 

Practical skills are embedded throughout all the content of this specification. Learners will be required to develop a range of practical skills throughout the course in preparation for the written examinations, in the broad areas of implementation, analysis and evaluation skills. 

For more information on the A-Level Chemistry course grade requirements, download a copy of the Sixth Form Prospectus and for more information on the course content, download a copy of the A-Level Options Guide here. Both of these are available at the bottom of the page. 

KS3 (Year 7 – 8) 

The physics course has been developed to help students develop the key skills and content required for their GCSE. In Year 7, students will study units on light, sound and energy. In Year 8, students study energy and electricity, magnetism and, finally, pressure and moments. 

Each unit includes investigative techniques, which are the steppingstones for GCSE when students are required to plan, record, analyse and evaluate. Each unit is assessed with students being given targets on how to improve. At the end of Year 7 and 8, students are assessed on the topics they have studied for the year.   

GCSE (Year 9 – 11) 

The course aims to introduce students to the key concepts of physics, integrating theory with practical skills. It helps students develop their knowledge of scientific methodology and their conceptual understanding of physics and how this can be applied to the world around them. 

The course is split into nine units taught over three years, with two final exam papers sat in Year 11. To help students prepare for these exams, the department has end of unit mocks, with each mock building up until the mocks are the style and length of their final GCSE exams. The practical content is incorporated into the exams, so students are given opportunities to plan, record, analyse and evaluate these practicals. For more information on the GCSE course, download our GCSE Options Guide at the bottom of the page. 

A-Level (Year 12 – 13) 

Physics is a practical subject, and the development and acquisition of practical skills is fundamental. Practical skills are embedded throughout the content of this course and provide learners with the opportunity to develop experimental methods and techniques for analysing empirical data.  Learners will be required to develop a range of practical skills in preparation for the written examinations, in the broad areas of planning, implementation, analysis and evaluation.   

The specification is split into six teaching modules, each covering a diverse range of concepts:  

• Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics 
• Module 2 – Foundations in physics 
• Module 3 – Forces and motion 
• Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons 
• Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics 
• Module 6 – Particles and medical physics 

For more information on the A-Level Physics course grade requirements, download a copy of the Sixth Form Prospectus here. For more information on the course content, download a copy of the A-Level Options Guide. Both of these are available at the bottom of the page.