KS4
Curriculum Overview
GCSE (9–1) Gateway Science specification is designed with a content-led approach and provides a flexible way of learning. The department offers two different routes through their GCSEs in the traditional sciences which cover a broad spectrum of scientific concepts. They include the GCSE’s and vocational courses listed below; Combined Science, Triple Sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics).
Subject content and three years study programme.
|
Year |
Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
|
Year 9 |
Topic B1: Cell level systems Topic B2: Scaling up Topic B3: Organism level systems |
Topic C1: Particles Topic C2: Elements, compounds and mixtures Topic C3: Chemical reaction |
Topic P1: Matter Topic P2: Forces Topic P3: Electricity and magnetic |
|
Year 10 |
Topic B4: Community level systems Topic B5: Interaction between systems Topic B6: Global challenges |
Topic C4: Predicting and identifying reactions and products Topic C5: Monitoring and controlling chemical reactions Topic C6: Global challenges |
Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity Topic P5: Energy Topic P6: Global challenge |
|
Year 11 |
Revision/ Exam |
Revision/ Exam |
Revision/ Exam |
Exam content.
|
Combined Science 1 hour 10 minutes |
Biology-Paper 1 60 mark written paper |
Biology-Paper 2 60 mark written paper |
Chemistry-Paper 1 60 mark written paper |
Chemistry-Paper 2 60 mark written paper |
Physics-Paper 1 60 mark written paper |
Physics-Paper 2 60 mark written paper |
|
Triple Science 1 hour 45 minutes |
Biology-Paper 1 90 mark written paper |
Biology-Paper 2 90 mark written paper |
Chemistry-Paper 1 90 mark written paper |
Chemistry-Paper 2 90 mark written paper |
Physics-Paper 1 90 mark written paper |
Physics-Paper 2 90 mark written paper |
Expectations for homework & revision.
Students receive homework twice a week. Science is best learned through constant practice and repetition and students get plenty of opportunity to do so. Exam packs are produced containing every single past paper question so students will never run out of practice questions.
Extra-Curricular activities.
Revision support sessions and coursework clinics are available. Trips to events such as ‘Thinktank’ are organised on a regular basis. After school clubs include 'STEM' and 'Science Club'.