The Science Department at TPS aims to provide a high-quality science education that establishes the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.  

Science allows us to solve problems and answer questions, vital to the future prosperity of the world, and all students are taught the value of this. Through building-up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, students are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them. 

We are a strong department with a broad range of skills and subject specialisms that allow for high-quality teaching and learning. We foster a spirit of inquiry and a problem-solving approach to learning, with our track-record demonstrating sustained progress at GCSE. 

We have ten science labs, five of which are to be newly refurbished this year due to a winning a bid from the Wolfson Foundation.  We are excited to see the finished labs, knowing that they will provide the very best learning environment for our students. 

Subject content Year by Year

Year 7

In Year 7 students’ complete modules that cover a selection of fundamental principles that allow them to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Modules: 

C1 – Particles – solids, liquids, gases; changes of state; separating mixtures; diffusion

B1 – Cells – what are cells; transport in/out of cells; organisation of cells; movement of organisms; digestion

P1 – Forces & Space – the effects of forces on objects; forces in fluids; the Earth in space

C2 – Atoms & Periodic Table – elements & compounds; arrangement of the periodic table; metal properties

B2 – Reproduction & Inheritance – reproduction in animals; reproduction in plants; inherited characteristics

P2 – Energy – measuring energy; thermal energy; energy for producing electricity

Year 8 

In Year 8, students study units that allow them to apply the fundamental principles taught in Year 7 and build upon their knowledge of scientific methodology.  

Modules:

B4 – Ecosystems - Interdependence of species & food security; human Impacts on the environment

C3 – Chemical reactions - Identifying chemical reaction types; acids & alkalis

P3 – Waves - properties of sound waves; properties of light waves; reflection, refraction & dispersion

C4 – The changing Earth - the rock cycle; the Earth's atmosphere

B3 – Photosynthesis & respiration - how plants make food; ventilation & respiration; effects on the respiratory system

P4 – Electricity & magnetism - circuits; static electricity; electromagnetism

Year 9

Year 9 is the start of KS4 and is structured to cover modules that advance students’ knowledge of the key ideas from KS3. 

Modules:

Physics

• Energy – energy stores & transfers; calculating energy stores; efficiency

• Particle model of matter – changing state; specific heat capacity; specific latent heat

• Electricity – current and potential difference in circuits; calculating resistance; electricity in the home

Chemistry

• Atomic structure & periodic table - atoms, Isotopes, Ions; development of the periodic table, explaining patterns & trends In the periodic table

• Structure & Bonding - covalent bonds & structures; Ionic bonds and structures; metallic bonding; carbon & nanoparticles

• Energy changes - exothermic & endothermic reactions; reaction profiles; fuel cells

• Chemistry of the Atmosphere - changes In the atmosphere over time; human effects on the atmosphere; pollutants

Biology

• Cells - plant, animal & microbial cell structures; cell division; diffusion, osmosis & active transport; 

• Organisation - tissues & organs; digestive system; circulatory system; blood; non-communicable diseases

• Bioenergetics - Photosynthesis equation & limiting factors; use of photosynthetic products; respiration equation; factors affecting respiration rate

Year 10

The second year of the GCSE includes modules that provide students with the opportunity to explore further (abstract) ideas in science; some of which include truly novel concepts. 

Modules:

Physics

• Atomic structure & radioactivity – Rutherford scattering; properties & uses of radioactive materials; half-life; fission & fusion

• Forces – effect of forces; distance/time & velocity/time relationships; Newton’s laws of motion; momentum; Hooke’s law; turning effects of forces

• Magnetism & electromagnetism – permanent & induced magnetism; electromagnetism; the motor effect; electromagnetic induction; transformers

Chemistry

• Quantitative Chemistry - formula mass; moles; yield & atom economy; concentration calculation

• Chemical changes - reactivity series; oxidation & reduction; neutralisation & salt production; electrolysis

• Chemical analysis - chromatography; gas tests; flame tests; tests for positive & negative Ions

• Rate of reaction - factors affecting rate of reaction; calculating rate of reaction; collision theory; reversible reactions; catalysts

Biology

• Infection & disease - communicable diseases; Immune system; vaccination; monoclonal antibodies; plant disease; 

• Inheritance - sexual and asexual reproduction; DNA; Genetic Inheritance; variation & evolution; genetic engineering & cloning

• Ecology - adaptation, interdependence & competition; organisation of ecosystems; decomposition; food production; human Impacts on the environment

Year 11 

The final year of the five-year curriculum is devoted to completing the remaining modules of the GCSE - leaving time to revise key skills, unpick gaps in knowledge, and practice examination technique.

Modules:

Physics

• Waves – wave properties; electromagnetic spectrum; waves for detection including ultrasound & seismic waves; reflection & refraction; colour mixing; black body radiation

• Space – formation of the solar system; origins of the universe; red shift & the cosmic microwave background; orbital motion

Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry - hydrocarbons & alkanes; fractional distillation; cracking & alkenes; polymerisation & plastics; alcohols & carboxylic acids

• Using resources - recycling & lifecycle assessment; water purification; using materials; fertilisers and the Haber process

Biology

• Homeostasis - nervous system; hormonal control of systems Including glucose & water retention; controlling fertility; plant hormones