Science

Science is the study of the world around us, how it functions and how it might change in the future. It's a lot more than a collection of facts and figures; it is a process for learning about the natural world, the study of elements of the earth and beyond into the observable universe.

We can all have ideas about how the world might work or why something might happen, but science allows us to make predictions, design experiments and test those ideas. From the motion of particles too tiny to see, to the life and death of giant stars in distant galaxies, the science department's goal is to start you on a pathway of discovery about the universe that will last a lifetime.

The achievement of your science qualifications at GCSE, whether that be following the Combined Science Award or the three individual sciences of biology, chemistry and physics, will open doors for you throughout your life. As a student of science, we will not only increase your knowledge and curiosity of science... we will make you into a scientist!

Curriculum information

Year	Autumn	Spring	Summer
7	Working scientifically Energy and fuels Cells and organisation 1 Matter Pure and impure substances 1	Describing forces and motion 1 Reproduction Space physics 1 Sound waves	Relationships in an ecosystem 1 Atoms and periodic table 1 Current and static electricity 1
8	Energy changes and systems 1 Cellular respiration 1 Human organs systems and health Atoms and periodic table 2 Forces and pressure	Photosynthesis 1 Energy and reactions Light waves	Genetics and evolution Earth and atmosphere 1 Magnetism 1 Maths skills
9	Cells and organisation 2a Pure and impure substances 2 Atoms and the periodic table 2 Energy changes and systems 2 Describing forces and motion 2	Cells and organisation 2b Photosynthesis 2 Chemical reactions 2 Current and static electricity 2 Magnetism 2	Cellular respiration 2 Relationships in an ecosystem 2 Earth and atmosphere 2 Waves Chemical reactions 3
10	Biology Ecology Health Chemistry Atom and periodic table Structure and bonding Physics Forces in balance Motion Forces in balance	Biology Infection and response Inheritance, variation and evolution Chemistry Quantitative chemistry Chemical changes Physics Forces in motion Waves	Biology Inheritance, variation and evolution Homeostasis and response Chemistry Electrolysis Organic chemistry Physics Waves Space
11	Biology Homeostasis and response Ecology Inheritance Chemistry Earth’s atmosphere Using resources Physics Electromagnetic waves Magnetism Forces Mock paper 2	Tailored paper 1 and 2 flashbacks Mock paper 1	Tailored revision in preparation for GCSE examination

“I love science because it’s a subject that doesn’t have an end. You are able to learn about lots of different aspects, whether it is in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Also the practical component is really fun and interesting.”

Grace Lin, Year 9

I enjoy science because it offers explanations to many questions that I have had for years. It will also be helpful for the future, as many careers require both a good scientific knowledge and application of scientific skills.

Year 11 student

Science at Shotton Hall is delivered in such a way that is engaging and entertaining. Overall, this makes for a pleasant experience and a good understanding of the topics and information needed.

Year 11 student