Curriculum Intent

At The Adeyfield Academy the Science curriculum is designed to foster a curiosity about the world around us, enable citizens of the future to understand and explore the world effectively and to be able to use scientific principles to both answer and ask questions about the universe and everything in it. 

Science impacts on every aspect of modern life, and we are living in a scientifically and technologically rich world that is advancing at a faster rate than has ever been experienced before.  Enabling students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to interact with our ever advancing world means they will be able to use science when they choose what to eat, or choose products with the least impact on the environment or make informed decisions about their health-care The science curriculum is intended to prepare students to not just pass exams but to provide them with the skills necessary to make a positive contribution to the world in which they live.

Our intent is that our curriculum

• inspires a love of learning and curiosity about the world
• ensures students understand the second greatest advance in the history of humanity – the scientific method – and can apply this process to questions they might ask
• develops the practical knowledge and skills to use scientific equipment safely and accurately to competently test ideas and demonstrate phenomena
• fosters a sense of awe in the beauty of our universe and how we can work together (or individually) to deepen our understanding of ANYTHING
• informs knowledge of the key workings of the human body so that educated opinions and decisions can be made about health, products and stories in the media
• develops analytical skills to scrutinise data presented in any format to draw out meaning
• combines basic Maths and English skills in context to help students develop their application skills
• informs students of issues facing themselves and the wider world to help this future generation look after themselves and their planet
• ensures students leave The Adeyfield Academy able to critically analyse and evaluate data, stories and phenomena in everyday situations
• improves transferable skills such as time-keeping, teamwork and organisation
• develops students learning skills and independence, so they can go on to be life-long learners
• makes students more employable, so they become a self-sufficient and productive member of society
• delivers opportunities to apply the skills learnt in the form of a wide range of practicals
• helps students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills
• teaches students how to be safe and evaluate risks in everyday life and in particular scientific contexts

Key Stage 3

Science encompasses a wide range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics. We follow the AQA Key Stage 3 Science syllabus through the Activate Science teaching scheme to enable our students to follow a spiral curriculum up to GCSE.

Students have three lessons a week in Year 7, 8 & 9.  All three main disciplines (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are given equal time. These lessons are a combination of practical and theory lessons, with regular activities to support student learning and attainment. Progress tasks and tests provide quantitative data to support the tracking of students, to ensure that all students make good or better progress. Context drives our syllabus, helping to relate science to real-life concepts and experiences.

Students are offered a variety of opportunities throughout the course to practise and demonstrate their skills scientifically.

Key Stage 4

 

Exam board: AQA                            course:   Combined science:  Trilogy         Specification: 8464

Science skills are assessed through each unit in Key Stage 3 and GCSE required practicals are assessed during the relevant units throughout Key Stage 4.

Mode of Assessment:

• Biology paper 1 and paper 2 – 1 hour 15 minutes each
• Chemistry paper 1 and paper 2 – 1 hour 15 minutes each
• Physics paper 1 and paper 2 – 1 hour 15 minutes each 

 

A Level Biology

Level of Course: 3

Board: OCR

Specification: H420

Description

A Level Biology aims to enthuse students in the essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject.  Practical opportunities are regularly explored to allow the development of scientific skills, as well as mathematical and problem solving skills.  The course considers the decisions made by society and how science contributes to the success of the economy.

Biology A Level is an academic course involving fundamental practical tasks.  The course is assessed through written papers of the concepts alone, with practical skills assessed separately. The course aims to develop an interest in further study and careers in Biology.

There are 6 units:

1. Development of practical skills in biology

2. Foundations in biology

3. Exchange and transport

4. Biodiversity, evolution and disease

5. Communication, homeostasis and energy

6. Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

How is the course assessed?
At A Level, components assess the content from different modules as outlined in the table below.  All components contain synoptic assessment.

How is the course assessed?

At A Level, components assess the content from different modules as outlined in the table below.  All components contain synoptic assessment.