At Old Buckenham High School, we believe that the science curriculum is a continual learning process, building on knowledge and skills from throughout their school experience. We aim to develop creative theoretical thinkers in addition to confident practical scientists. The science curriculum is designed to give all students the opportunities, support and confidence to make outstanding progress and enjoy their learning whatever their scientific background.
We have used links with partner primary schools and our knowledge of the KS1 and KS2 curriculum ideas to develop an engaging and challenging 5-year curriculum. In years 7 and 8 students consolidate key ideas and develop the skills needed to access the increased demands of the new GCSE courses at KS4.
For GCSE, students follow the AQA exam board. AQA is the most commonly used exam board, allowing expertise and new ideas to be shared across schools in the region. There are two routes of study at GCSE; a double GCSE award in Combined Science (Trilogy) or a triple GCSE award in the separate sciences. Both courses can lead onto the further study of science subjects at A level or related vocational courses.
Assessment
Throughout the course students are assessed using summative form testing at the end of each half term. This strategy allows students to build effective personal skills around stress management, revision and exams. In years 7 and 8 these tests are used for gap analysis and ensuring that foundations are solid. Assessments in years 9-10 allow us to track progress against personal targets.
Specifications
Combined Science (Trilogy): https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Biology (separate science): https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
Chemistry (separate science): https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
Physics (separate science): https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463
Useful Links
Kerboodle online text book: https://www.kerboodle.com/users/login
Seneca Learning: https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/
The Oak Academy: https://www.thenational.academy/
YouTube channels:
Free science lessons https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqbOeHaAUXw9Il7sBVG3_bw
The Fuse school: https://www.youtube.com/user/virtualschooluk
Primrose kitten: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBgvmal8AR4QIK2e0EfJwaA
Curriculum Intent Implementation and Impact Year 7