Science

Year 7

When they enter Year 7, KES students begin their Science journey by learning about many of the key fundamental principles of Chemistry, Biology and Physics; providing ease of transition between the Science they have learned at primary school and the increased content and skills required at Key Stage 3 and 4. Students will become familiar with the inner workings of cells, the processes of movement and reproduction in animals, elements, mixtures and compounds, forces and energy transfers and plenty more as they start to develop important investigate skills as part of their learning. Students are introduced to the specialist scientific equipment used in school and begin to utilise these during practical activities in class, increasing their confidence and skill throughout the year.

Year 8

In Year 8 students continue to learn about the fundamental science that helps us explain the world around us. More complex concepts are introduced such as respiration and digestion, patterns in the Periodic Table and the function and using particle theory to explain the properties of fluids to name just a few. These processes build on the knowledge gained in Year 7 and allow students to develop their application and problem solving skills when investigating these concepts. Through practical enquiry students will continue to practise in their investigative and problem solving skills allowing them to progress as critical thinkers.

Year 9

The final year of Key Stage 3 is an important Year in our students’ scientific education. They begin by studying topics that allow them to apply their knowledge to the wider world – evaluating impacts and predicting consequences. Topics such as variation for survival, sustainable use of resources and the applications of forces in the real world provide students with a chance to consider the broader applications of Science and the exciting possibilities that the future may hold. Towards the end of Year 9 students start to complete units of study that provide a transition between Key Stages 3 and 4 to ensure that they have a firm grounding in the key skills and knowledge required for GCSE.

Year 10

Students begin their GCSE study in Year 10. Whether following the Separate Science pathway or the GCSE Combined Science route, they will cover several topics in Chemistry, Physics and Biology which build upon the knowledge gained at Key Stage 3. Modules that include such topics as the immune system, atomic structure and quantitative chemistry provide a diverse, differentiated curriculum that provokes wonder while providing as stretch and challenge at all levels. Throughout the GCSE course students hone their investigative skills during ‘Required Practicals’, making and testing hypotheses, analysing practical techniques, drawing conclusions and applying their knowledge to explain observations.

Year 11

In Year 11 students complete their study of the GCSE topics including study into the composition and evolution of the atmosphere, waves and genetics. By the time they complete their course students will have completed many practicals investigations and will be able to use the skills gained competently and confidently as they go forward to the examinations. An emphasis is put on quality revision and students are given guided revision sessions in lessons by subject specialist teachers in order to strengthen the impact of the revision students are doing independently. Students complete the course with a broad knowledge base and skillset that will be infinitely useful in their everyday life and provide a firm foundation for further study within the Sciences.

Key Stage 5

At The King Edmund School students have the opportunity to continue their journey of scientific knowledge and discovery by studying the Sciences at Level 3. We offer A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, all of which build on the skills and knowledge gained at GCSE and extend learning to give a good foundation for further study or employment in this area. We also offer Level 3 Foundation Diploma BTEC in Forensic Science, which allows students to use the knowledge from Key Stage 4 in a more specialised area of Science to explore the applications of Science in Forensic Science.