Science Curriculum Intent

Science KS3 
Intent  Science provides us with the ability to make sense of all that surrounds us, preparing us for life beyond the classroom. Studying science allows us to develop our thinking skills, improves our ability to solve problems and can opens doors to many other disciplines. At Hebburn Comprehensive, our science curriculum covers the three fundamental disciplines – Biology, Chemistry and Physics, giving our pupils the skills and knowledge to understand the world around them. At KS3 we follow the National Curriculum, drawing on the experience of our department and resources from the wider teaching community to develop a bespoke Scheme of Learning tailored to meet the needs of our young scientists. The course is designed to ignite enthusiasm, create awe and wonder, and build solid foundations to allow a seamless transition into the GCSE course. Promoting enthusiasm and engagement regardless of the route post 16, is a priority for us in science. We want to encourage our future doctors and engineers are much as we want to instil a lifelong interest in the world around for our pupils who chose a different path when they leave us. 
  7  8  9 
Topics  -Introduction to science 

-Forces 

-Particles 

-Cells 

-Reproduction 

-Space 

-Separating techniques 

-Density & pressure 

-Movement & transport  

 

-Atoms, elements & compounds 

-Light & sound 

-Acids & alkalis 

-Gas exchange and respiration 

-Digestion & enzymes 

-Simple circuits 

-Earth’s structure & rocks 

-Health & disease 

-Heating & cooling 

-Ecology 

-Types of reactions 

-Magnets & electromagnets 

-Genetics 

-The atmosphere & climate change 

-Moving by force 

-Cell transport 

-Pure substances & mixtures 

-Chemical energy changes and energy stores 

-Atomic structure  

 

Homework  Retrieval for Morning Meetings due on Wednesdays 

 

20 minutes of Seneca due on Mondays 

Retrieval for Morning Meetings due on Tuesdays 

 

20 minutes of Seneca due on Mondays 

Retrieval for Morning Meetings due on Mondays 

 

20 minutes of Seneca due on Mondays 

Science KS4 
Intent  Science provides us with the ability to make sense of all that surrounds us, preparing us for life beyond the classroom. Studying science allows us to develop our thinking skills, improves our ability to solve problems and can opens doors to many other disciplines. At Hebburn Comprehensive, our science curriculum covers the three fundamental disciplines – Biology, Chemistry and Physics, giving our pupils the skills and knowledge to understand the world around them. At KS3 we follow the National Curriculum, drawing on the experience of our department and resources from the wider teaching community to develop a bespoke Scheme of Learning tailored to meet the needs of our young scientists. The course is designed to ignite enthusiasm, create awe and wonder, and build solid foundations to allow a seamless transition into the GCSE course. Promoting enthusiasm and engagement regardless of the route post 16, is a priority for us in science. We want to encourage our future doctors and engineers are much as we want to instil a lifelong interest in the world around for our pupils who chose a different path when they leave us. 
  10 Biology  10 Chemistry  10 Physics  11 Biology  11 Chemistry  11 Physics 
Topics  -Genetics 

-Natural selection and genetic modification 

-Health, disease, and the development of medicine 

-Plant structure and their functions 

-Animal coordination, control, and homeostasis 

-Exchange and transport 

-Bonding 

-Acids and alkalis 

-Electrolysis 

-Reactivity 

-Equilibrium  

-Groups 

-Rates 

-Energy changes 

 

-Waves 

-Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum 

-Radioactivity 

-Forces doing work 

-Forces and their effects 

-Electricity and circuits 

-Magnetism and the motor effect 

-Electromagnetic Induction 

-Particle model 

-Forces and matter 

Biology Term 1 

Combined 

Plant structure and their functions; Animal coordination, control and homeostasis; Exchange and transport; Revision for mock 

Triple 

Core Practical – Food tests; The Brain and Spinal Cord problems; The eye; Sexual and asexual reproduction; Protein synthesis; Genetic 

variants and Phenotypes/Mendel; Multiple and missing alleles; Development of Darwin’s Theory; Tissue Culture/GM and Agriculture 

 

Biology Term 2 

Combined 

Ecosystems and material cycles; Revision for mock 

Triple 

Virus life cycles; Fertilisers and Biological Control; Plant defences and diseases; Plant adaptations; Core Practical – Antibiotics; Monoclonal antibodies; Plant hormones/uses of plant hormones; Thermoregulation; Osmoregulation/the kidneys; Factors affecting diffusion 

 

Biology Term 3 

Combined 

Revision 

Triple 

Assessing pollution; Energy transfer; Rates of decomposition; Food security 

Chemistry Term 1 

Combined 

Groups; Rates; Energy changes; Revision for mock 

Triple 

Transition metals, Alloys, Corrosion; Qualitative analysis; Dynamic equilibrium 

 

Chemistry Term 2 

Combined  

Fuels; Atmosphere; Revision for mock 

Triple 

Fuel cells; Hydrocarbons; Alcohols and carboxylic acids; Polymers 

 

Chemistry Term 3 

Combined 

Revision 

Triple 

Qualitative analysis; Bulk and surface properties 

Physics Term 1 

Combined 

Magnetism and the motor effect; Electromagnetic Induction; revision for mock  

Triple  

Individual lessons from units SP1-6 

 

Physics Term 2 

Combined 

Forces and matter; Revision for mock 

Triple  

Astronomy; Static Electricity; Rotational Forces 

 

Physics Term 3 

Combined 

Revision 

Triple  

Revision 

Homework  Retrieval for Morning Meetings due on Fridays 

 

Topic assignments on Seneca 

Retrieval for Morning Meetings due on Thursdays 

 

Topic assignments on Seneca 

Retrieval for Morning Meetings due on Tuesdays 

 

Topic assignments on Seneca 

Topic assignments on Seneca 

 

Topic assignments on Seneca 

 

Topic assignments on Seneca 

 

Careers

Biology  

Biologists are scientists who study living organisms. With degree-level or equivalent qualifications, biologists can work in many fields, including the biotechnology industry, food technology, medical research, education, agriculture, and conservation. There are also openings for laboratory assistants and technicians.

Biologists can work in the pharmaceutical industry developing and testing new drugs. Biologists investigate the effects of a disease on the body and how the body responds.

Breweries, dairies, large food-processing and retailing firms all recruit biologists at both technician and graduate level. Food processing has become more and more complex, and new techniques are being developed all the time. Biologists can work in agrochemical and fertiliser industry finding ways to protect crops from pests and disease, and to improve yields. Government-funded research establishments employ biologists at all levels. For example, Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), the Food Standards Agency, Forensic Science Service and Forest Research, part of the Forestry Commission.

Environmental consultancy offers graduates of biological sciences the opportunity to work for clients on issues such as water pollution, waste management, ecological management, land contamination and emission monitoring

The NHS offer many opportunities for biologists include working in a hospital medical laboratory in an area such as:

    • immunology – studying the defence mechanisms of the body
    • histopathology – the study of tissue samples
    • haematology – the study of blood.

A biological scientist needs:

    • a high standard of numeracy and problem-solving skills
    • good powers of observation
    • a careful approach to practical work and accuracy when recording/reading results
    • patience and persistence
    • curiosity and an interest in living things!

Chemistry 

Chemistry is about what substances are made of, how they interact and how they affect our lives. Chemists can work in many areas – industry, the community, medicine, or education. Most opportunities require degree-level qualifications, but it is possible to enter some career areas with lower-level qualifications.

The results of work done by chemists are all around us. Detergents, plastics, packaging, the materials our clothes are made of, petrol, paints… these are just a few examples of the everyday products we use without giving much thought for the chemists involved in their development. Chemists also work on environmental issues and are at the forefront of creating new medicines. As scientific knowledge is constantly changing, chemists must keep up to date through continuing professional development.

Chemistry is a challenging and exciting career for those who:

    • can work in a team
    • can communicate well with people from a range of professional backgrounds
    • think logically
    • are creative
    • have analytical skills
    • are persistent and can pay attention to detail.

Physics  

Physics An understanding of physics helps us to work out how and why things behave as they do and is vital to developments in the modern world. Most opportunities require study to degree level, or beyond, but there are some technician-level jobs for those with qualifications at a lower level.

From space science to nanophysics, from medical treatments to mobile phones, physics makes an impact on virtually every area of our lives. Studying physics offers a challenging but rewarding route to understanding the universe.

When looking at problems or new developments, physicists normally work closely with scientists from other disciplines, and with engineers. Physicists may work for very small companies or for large multi-national organisations.

A physicist’s work may involve:

    • developing theories
    • devising models and simulations
    • organising and conducting tests and experiments
    • writing up observations and findings in reports or scientific papers
    • presenting findings at meetings and conferences.