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Science at the Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy
Science at the Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy
At the Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy, Science lessons are rooted in the International Baccalaureate. The MYP framework shapes not only what we teach, but how our students think, investigate and reflect. It encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of global and ethical responsibility. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We believe all students deserve access to high-quality science education that speaks to their interests, backgrounds and abilities.
Our lessons are driven by inquiry, real-world application and a clear sense of purpose. Students are given opportunities to build knowledge, apply skills and engage in meaningful discussions. Across the department, we aim to create an environment where students feel confident to ask questions, challenge ideas, and see the relevance of science in their everyday lives.
MYP
MYP
Year 7
Year 7
This term, Year 7 students have been exploring electricity, waves and space. They’ve built and analysed series and parallel circuits, measured current and potential difference, and investigated the effects of resistance. Alongside this, they’ve developed an understanding of static electricity and the behaviour of charged particles. In the second half of the term, their focus moved to sound and light. They looked at sound waves, echoes and sonar, including a case study on the search for MH370. They also studied the electromagnetic spectrum and explored the Earth’s position in space, day length, and the life cycle of stars.
Year 8
Year 8
Year 8 began the term looking at physical systems and infrastructure, learning how to calculate work done and moments using real-world examples from construction. They then shifted to genetics, building models of DNA, learning about mutations, and exploring how variation drives evolution. Students reflected on the contributions of Crick, Watson and Rosalind Franklin, and compared Darwin’s theory of natural selection with Jennifer Doudna’s work on gene editing. Towards the end of the term, they investigated the environmental consequences of human activity, including selective breeding, deforestation, bioaccumulation, and acid rain.
Year 9
Year 9 students started with materials and their properties. They examined metals and non-metals, how metals are extracted, and how resources like copper are becoming scarce. They explored techniques such as bioleaching and phytomining, before carrying out practical work on purifying water and analysing waste treatment. In the final part of the term, they focused on ecosystems and biodiversity. This included fieldwork using quadrats, learning about the water and carbon cycles, and evaluating the impact of pollution, climate change and land use on the natural world.
Key Stage 4 & 5
Key Stage 4 & 5
Year 10
Year 10
This half term has been a mix of preparation and consolidation. Year 10 students revised for their first GCSE mock exams in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They also studied the representation of reactions at electrodes using half equations and revisited acids, alkalis and neutralisation. In Biology, the focus turned to hormonal control of reproduction, contraception and the use of genetic engineering to produce insulin. The term ended with students taking part in work experience, giving them a valuable opportunity to see how their learning connects with life beyond school.
Year 12
Year 12
Our sixth form students have been completing their Internal Assessments for Biology and Psychology as part of the IB Diploma. These projects are student-led investigations, where learners apply their research skills, plan and carry out experiments, and reflect on the reliability and significance of their results. The level of independence, rigour and maturity they’ve shown is impressive, and we’re very proud of the work they’ve produced.
If you have any questions about the science curriculum or would like to hear more about what’s coming up next term, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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