Curriculum

Science

"I believe there are no questions that science can't answer" - Stephen Hawking

Science is a dynamic and vibrant area of study. It covers a huge range of human knowledge, but, at its core, science is an investigative subject. Students thrive on discovering something new and answering big questions. This is why Biology, Chemistry and Physics are such popular subjects. 

Science lessons are usually planned around a practical task, and the faculty has excellent new laboratories and equipment to help facilitate the students’ learning. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, such as, Science Club and there are a number of events during the year to support the budding young scientists. 

In Years 7, 8 and 9, students have 6 science lessons over 2 weeks. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 follow a programme of study written by members of the Faculty. The programme is based on the Activate Science Key Stage 3 course 

In Years 7 and 8, students are formally assessed once a half term. Assessments are either practical based assignments or formal End of Topic Tests. In Year 7, students are taught Science in mixed ability classes. Towards the end of Year 7 the students are assessed and then assigned their Year 8 and 9 classes based on ability. Students begin their GCSE course in the summer term of Year 9.

 

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Year 7

Introduction to Science 
Particles Model 
Mixture and Compounds 
Cells and Organ Systems 
Bones and Muscles 

Human Reproduction 
Electromagnets 
Acid and Alkali 
Forces  
Variation 

Metal and Non-Metals 
Ecosystem 
Waves 
Practical Skills 

Year 8

Ecosystems 
Inheritance and Evolution 
Periodic Table 
Elements 
Types of Reaction 
Chemical Reactions 

Forces  
Earth 
Breathing  
Digestion 

Magnetism 
Electromagnets 
Space 
Waves 
Energy 
Practical Skills 

Year 9

GCSE preparation modules 
What are we made of 
Atoms, Elements, Compounds  
Mixtures and compounds 

GCSE preparation modules 
Energy 
Forces and Motion 
How the body is coordinated. 

GCSE preparation modules 
Metal and Alloys 
Reaction of Acids 
Atoms and Radiation 


Outside the classroom

Science week coincides with National Science and Engineering week. The event involves all students and staff in the school. Everyday there is a daily quiz and Science humour. There are a variety of activities; Outside STEM speakers, visits outside school, experiments, internet chats with Scientists. These take place in science lessons and at lunchtime. 

Science leaders. Students from year 8 to 13 help the science department especially with the weekly Science club, Science week and school events such as prospective parents evenings. 

Trips could include - Visit the London wetlands; Imperial College; Middlesex University; Kings College; Science Museum; Natural History Museum and London Zoo. 

Progression pathways and careers

Science can open up a range of career opportunities 

Students who achieve 6 grades in Double or Triple Science GCSE's, can choose to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics A-levels.

Useful links

http://www.kerboodle.com/users/login - students will need a log in for this
https://www.youtube.com/user/myGCSEscience

Contact us

Chetna Patel –Head of Key Stage 3

patelc@hendonschool.co.uk