Science
Science is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us. It equips students with essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to analyse and interpret data. By studying science, students gain insights into fundamental concepts that explain natural phenomena, from the intricacies of the human body to the vastness of the universe. A solid foundation in science encourages curiosity and innovation, preparing students to tackle future challenges in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Our aims for Science at The Misbourne:
- Provide students with the opportunity to study a wide variety of scientific topics that enthuse and engage our students
- Build an awareness and appreciation of the importance of science in our daily lives
- Develop a range of key transferable skills, including problem solving, critical thinking, analysis and evaluation.
- Promote careers education and the importance of STEM
- Develop key practical scientific skills through the use of student-led investigations, demonstrations and practical opportunities.
- Provide students with the skills and information necessary for studying Science at Higher Education
Key Stage 3
Students follow the Activate Programme of Study in Years 7 and 8.
Topics studied in Year 7:
- Working scientifically
- Cells
- Particles and their behaviour
- Forces
- Structure and function of body systems
- Elements, atoms and compounds
- Chemical Reactions
- Sound
- Reproduction
- Light
- Acids and alkalis
- Space
Topics studied in Year 8:
- Health and lifestyle
- Separation techniques
- Electricity and magnetism
- The periodic table
- Ecosystems
- Metals and acids
- Energy
- Adaptation and inheritance
- The Earth
- Motion and pressure
Topics studied in Year 9:
- Cell structure and transport
- Atomic structure
- Conservation and dissipation of energy
- Cell division
- The periodic table
- Energy transfer by heating
- Photosynthesis
- Structure and bonding
- Energy resources
- Respiration
- Communicable disease
- Waves
- The electromagnetic spectrum
Key Stage 4
Students have the option of two pathways for their GCSE Science studies:
- AQA Triple Science - Students study separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs which leads to x3 GCSE qualifications being awarded.
- AQA Trilogy (Combined) Science - Students study the 3 sciences leading to a qualification in Combined Science being awarded (worth x2 GCSEs).
Students begin studying foundation GCSE content in Year 9 and develop this further in Years 10 and 11 through the introduction of higher tier content. We continue to value practical and investigational skills at KS4, therefore we incorporate regular practical opportunities within the curriculum and exceed the required practical elements of the GCSE science course. We build and extend upon KS3 content in order to provide students with the knowledge and skills to prepare them for their next stage of education. This includes preparing students for studying the sciences at A Level at The Misbourne.
Click here to view the AQA Triple Science specification (separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
Click here to view the AQA Trilogy (Combined) Science specification
A Level Biology
A level Biology is a popular choice for students at The Misbourne. We study the OCR A Specification due to the wide range of biological content this course covers which prepares students for going on to study the biological sciences at university. Students also have the option to attend our annual residential Biology field trip towards the end of Year 12 that covers the ecological aspects of the A level course.
Topics covered in Year 12 include:
- Cell structure
- Biological molecules
- Cell division
- Biological Membranes
- Exchange surfaces
- Transport in animals
- Transport in plants
- Communicable disease
- Classification and evolution
- Biodiversity
Topics covered in Year 13 include:
- Homeostasis
- Excretion
- Neuronal communication
- Hormonal communication
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Plant and animal responses
- Cellular control
- Inheritance
- Manipulating genomes
- Biotechnology
- Ecosystems
- Populations and sustainability
Students will sit 3 papers at the end of Year 13:
- Biological Processes - 2 hours 15 minutes exam, 100 marks (37% of total A level)
- Biological Diversity - 2 hours 15 minutes exam, 100 marks (37% of total A level)
- Unified Biology - 1 hour 30 minutes exam, 70 marks (26% of total A level)
Students must also complete a series of required practical activities to demonstrate their competancy in a range of skills in order to meet the requirements for the Practical Endorsement in Biology aspect of the A level.
Click here to view the OCR A A-Level Biology specification.
A Level Chemistry
A Level Chemistry opens a wide range of opportunities for students due to both the depth and range of topics studied. Students have the chance to delve deeper into subjects they have studied at GCSE and hone their practical skills, learning more complex techniques that will set them up for success in any science based university course or career.
Topics covered in Year 12 include:
- Atoms, ions and compounds
- Amount of substance
- Acids and redox
- Electrons and bonding
- Shapes of molecules and intermolecular forces
- Periodicity
- Reactivity trends
- Enthalpy
- Reaction rates and equilibrium
- Basic concepts of organic chemistry
- Alkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Haloalkanes
- Organic synthesis
- Mass Spectrometry and Infrared spectroscopy
Topics covered in Year 13 include:
- Rates of Reactions
- Equilibrium
- Acids , bases and pH
- Buffers and neutralisation
- Enthalpy and entropy
- Redox and electrode potentials
- Transition elements
- Aromatic chemistry
- Carbonyls and carboxylic acids
- Amines, amino acids and polymers
- Organic synthesis (in more depth)
- Chromatography and NMR spectroscopy
Students will sit 3 papers at the end of Year 13:
- Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry - 2 hours 15 minutes exam, 100 marks (37% of total A level)
- Synthesis and analytical techniques - 2 hours 15 minutes exam, 100 marks (37% of total A level)
- Unified Chemistry - 1 hour 30 minutes exam, 70 marks (26% of total A level)
Students must also complete a series of required practical activities to demonstrate their competence in a range of skills in order to meet the requirements for the Practical Endorsement in Chemistry aspect of the A level.
Click here to access the OCR A A-Level Chemistry specification
A Level Physics
The A-level Physics course (AQA specification) is designed to deepen students' understanding of the principles of physics. It covers both theoretical and practical aspects, encouraging students to develop essential scientific skills and knowledge.
Topics covered in the A level include:
- Measurements and their errors: Focuses on the fundamental aspects of measurement and the associated uncertainties, which are crucial for all experimental work.
- Particles and radiation: Explores the subatomic structure, the interactions of particles, and the properties of electromagnetic radiation.
- Waves: Covers the characteristics and properties of waves, including sound and light, and their applications.
- Mechanics and materials: Discusses forces, energy, momentum, and the properties of materials, emphasising the practical applications of these concepts.
- Electricity: Examines the principles of electric current, potential difference, and resistance, along with circuit analysis.
- Further mechanics and thermal physics: Extends knowledge of mechanics to circular motion and oscillations, and introduces thermal physics concepts such as the laws of thermodynamics.
- Fields and their consequences: Studies gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, and their applications, including capacitors and electromagnetic induction.
- Nuclear physics: Looks into the structure of the nucleus, radioactive decay, and nuclear energy.
- Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning Points in Physics, and Electronics: Offers specialised topics that students can choose based on their interests, providing insights into advanced and applied areas of physics.
Click here to view the AQA Physics specification.
Biology curriculum map
Chemistry curriculum map
Physics curriculum map
