Teaching Staff 

• Mr D Dodd – Curriculum Lead
• Mr D Allard
• Mr V Fernandes
• Mrs J Scanlon
• Mr B Chibamba
• Mr J McCarthy
• Mr O Nicolson
• Ms C Steele
• Mrs H Yarrow
• Mrs T Black –Senior Technician
• Mrs M Vasilkova- Technician

Introduction

At St Aldhelm's Academy, we believe that science is fundamental to understanding how the world works and improving society for future generations. Science enables us to make informed decisions about our planet and how best to manage our limited resources. From feeding growing populations to powering entire continents and saving lives, science has played a crucial role in advancing humanity. Learning science fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical investigation skills, all of which are essential in many careers and everyday life. Alongside English and Maths, Science is a core subject valued by employers and educational institutions alike.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3, students explore ten "Big Ideas" in science: forces, electromagnets, energy, waves, matter, reactions, earth, organisms, ecosystems, and genes. These topics are taught progressively, with each concept building upon the last to develop a deep understanding of scientific principles. Lessons are designed to be hands-on, where students work both independently and collaboratively to conduct investigations, predict outcomes, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions.

Each Big Idea is broken down into smaller units, and at the end of every unit, students are assessed through quick quizzes. This ensures that students are continuously monitored for their understanding of key concepts. The focus in KS3 is on developing the foundational scientific skills needed to succeed in higher levels of education.

KS3 Learning Structure:

• Forces, electromagnets, and energy
• Waves, matter, and reactions
• Earth, organisms, and ecosystems
• Genes and the diversity of life

Students are assigned weekly home learning tasks, which rotate between numeracy, literacy, vocabulary building, research, and revision exercises, ensuring a well-rounded scientific education.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, students move on to the AQA Combined Science: Trilogy course, which is divided into the three main scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These topics are taught as separate modules, allowing students to delve deeper into each area. The Trilogy course prepares students for six final exam papers (two for each subject) that will determine their combined double award grade in Science.

Throughout Year 10 and Year 11, students will focus on mastering exam techniques, frequently engaging with exam-style questions to build their confidence and proficiency. Weekly quizzes continue to monitor progress, while home learning focuses on exam preparation and relevant course material.

Key Areas in KS4:

• Biology: Cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecosystems
• Chemistry: Atomic structure, chemical changes, energy changes, and the periodic table
• Physics: Energy, forces, waves, electricity, and magnetism

In Year 11, there is a heightened focus on revision and exam preparation as students gear up for their final exams in May. Students are assessed through six papers (two in each subject) and will receive a double award grade that can range from 9-9 to 4-3 for higher tier papers or 5-5 to U for foundation tier papers.

Home learning tasks in KS4 are tailored towards exam-style questions, revision, and reinforcing current learning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their GCSE exams.

Science at St Aldhelm's Academy provides students with the skills, knowledge, and curiosity they need to thrive in the modern world. Through practical investigations and rigorous study, students are encouraged to think critically about the world around them and develop solutions to real-world problems.