What we offer at KS3/4/5

At KS3 we run a comprehensive curriculum covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which fully prepares students for their route into KS4 and beyond. We follow the Activate scheme of work which is designed as an ideal route onto the AQA Trilogy syllabus we follow at KS4. We are able to support in-lesson study with various out of lesson activities such as lunchtime and after school clubs. We aim to build a genuine love of the subject and we do this through a combination of theory and practical based activities. Students are able to study science in specialised laboratories with excellent facilities.

At KS4 we follow on from our rigourous KS3 curriculum and offer the AQA Trilogy specification. Students continue to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics in detail and support this with required practical activities defined by AQA. We are able to plan our curriculum such that KS4 students have ample time for revision towards the summer exams in year 11. We are able to offer tailored intervention opportunities to support students through their examinations and ensure they achieve the highest grades possible for them.

For study at KS5, through the IBCP route, we offer Applied Science BTEC as part of the career related study and IB Environmental Systems and Societies at standard level. Applied Science BTEC allows students to continue their traditional study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through examination units and coursework units. Environmental Systems and Societies covers biology based units focussing on global environmental concerns. Both of these courses offer opportunities to develop research skills, group work and field based work which prepare students excellently for further progression into Higher Education.

Qualifications at KS4 and KS5

At KS4 we follow the AQA Trilogy specification with students studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics including fundamental topics such as Atomic Structure and Cell Biology, as well as higher level topics such as Electromagnetism and Infection and Response. Students are taught in laboratories and have access to excellent facilities to support their study. Students are awarded two GCSEs for following this specification and we have options for students to sit the higher tier paper for grades above a 4 and the foundation tier paper for grades below a 5. Students are regularly assessed during their KS4 study in order to check their progress and approprtate intervention is then planned where appropriate to support progress.

At KS5 we have two science subjects on offer. As part of the IBCP we run IB Environmental Systems and Societies which is assessed through terminal exams at the end of year 13, a group project and an independent research project. This course is a cross-curricular course suitable for students with an interest in Biology and Geography as it focusses on world issues and environmental issues.

Alongside this we also offer the Applied Science BTEC as an Extended Diploma. Students are assessed through different coursework and formal assessment based units across the two years. Students are able to specialise in year 13 and choose their pathway route, focussing on either Biology, Chemistry or Physics. The Extended Diploma offers students the opportunity to gain a qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels and a high number of UCAS points. This course prepares students excellently for progression into Higher Education due to the varied assessment approach and the high level academic content.

Extra curricular activities in the Science Department

As a department we are able to offer enrichment activities centered around lunchtime and after school clubs. These can be focussed on practical work or current research happening in the news and media. We are able to offer trips and visits including to Pfiezer laboratories at Discovery Park and Canterbury Christ Church University. We run a successful Science Week in line with the national celebration event and through this run tutor time activities and lunchtime sessions to spark an interest in science!