Science courses
Science courses
Key Stage 3 Science- Year 7 & 8
This is the first Key Stage where students are introduced to Science in the form of Biology, Chemistry & Physics. Prior to starting their KS3 Science studies, we assess children’s prior knowledge using diagnostic tests to understand what each student knows so far. This allows us to intervene and provide essential support by identifying issues correctly. Our KS3 Science classes are then designed to focus on building an enthusiasm and curiosity for the world of science and conceptual understanding. Our classes follow a set designed curriculum aligned with the KS3 National Curriculum so that all topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught with excellent quality. We aim to develop pupils’ confidence and fluency in understanding ‘How Science Works’ which involves theoretical as well as practical understanding. This helps our students develop into little Scientists!
Our group classes are adapted on a weekly basis to ensure that knowledge gaps are addressed as starters and plenaries in subsequent lessons. We conduct regular progress tests as a form of Assessment for Learning (AfL) and plan designated reflection time wherein students review their progress and address any misconceptions in the lessons.
​
The following table shows an overview of our scheme of work for our KS3 Science Curriculum:
GCSE Science
​
Our GCSE Science classes are designed for students taking the Combined Science exams as well as the Single Science exams. When pupils enrol onto our GCSE programme, we establish which exam board they are studying and whether they are registered to take the foundation tier or higher tier papers. House of Learning ensures that our pupils are allocated into the class that suits their needs and abilities.
Our GCSE Science classes cover Biology, Chemistry and Physics revision lessons. Our classes aim to help pupils acquire in-depth knowledge and application-based understanding of different themes surrounding Biology, Chemistry & Physics. We conduct regular progress assessments based on taught topics to monitor the progress of our students, which includes written progress reports and detailed review lessons to ensure our students can reflect on their progress and assess their own learning. Our lessons are planned to include regular Assessment for learning (AfL) of our students which helps us keep a close check on weekly progress and address misconceptions of different topics.
GCSE Chemistry:
In our Chemistry classes, we help students work through different areas of the chemistry curriculum specific to the exam boards: AQA, Edexcel and OCR. Our classes involve classwork and discussions about the concepts of experimental chemistry to analysing data and practical techniques to identify different reactions and methods. Concepts in Chemistry will be practised using exam style questions and thorough lesson plans that include questioning, problem solving and note-taking. This course allows for the preparation of students for their GCSE and for transition into A level Chemistry.
​
GCSE Biology:
In our Biology classes, students are educated and guided to apply the context and material taught in Biology to different exam style questions. Our classes entail topic-wise teaching as well as topic-wise exam practice which allow pupils to understand the wide range of concepts in Biology: nature of living organisms, reproduction and inheritance and ecology and the environment.
GCSE Physics:
Our GCSE Physics course enables students to gain conceptual understanding and practical techniques surrounding the subject. Like Biology and Chemistry, Physics requires pupils to be able to apply topic knowledge to unacquainted questions and scientific scenarios.
Exam Boards Covered: AQA, OCR, Edexcel