Science
Introduction to Science
Science is at the heart of our lives and it is at the very core of the curriculum at Plashet. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and innovation, a solid foundation in science equips students with the skills to not only understand the world but also influence it.
Through our science curriculum your children will learn to:
- Think Critically- Science teaches students to think logically, solve problems and make informed decisions based on evidence.
- Stay Curious- Our programs encourage inquisitiveness and persistence traits that are vital in and out of the classroom.
- Innovate and Create- From STEM club to science fairs, students have numerous opportunities to apply their knowledge creatively and practically.
What We Offer
- Dynamic Curriculum: Our curriculum covers a broad range of subjects from biology and physics to environmental science and astronomy, ensuring that all students find something that piques their interest.
- Hands-On Learning: We emphasise experiential learning through labs, field trips, and science projects to bring textbook concepts to life.
- Supportive Environment: Our dedicated teachers are passionate about science and committed to supporting each student’s educational journey.
We run a dedicated Science Clinic and a Practical Science ‘fun’ club for KS3 Science which is supervised by a member of the teaching staff and run by the Science Prefects.
At KS4 we run lunchtime and after-school sessions which are aimed at ensuring that all students make at least expected progress in Science.
STEM
At Plashet, we believe STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects are a gateway to endless possibilities. We have a highly successful STEM club for our Year 7-10 students which runs weekly throughout the year, offering students the opportunity to explore STEM subjects outside the curriculum. By creating a stimulating environment, students can explore STEM through various projects and practicals, build their confidence and curiosity, realise their potential all whilst having fun. Our students have the incredible opportunity to experience STEM off site, this includes attending events such as the New Scientist Live! and visiting prestigious institutions including The Royal Society Of Chemistry and also have the opportunity to attend lectures at Russell group universities. Our Stem Club students are entered for a wide variety of national competitions and have won and gained many awards including the Young Presenter of the Year award, the Young Science Writer of the Year Award, the Faraday Challenge, Women in Aviation competition and the Solutions for the Planet Big Ideas competition.
The whole of our Year 8 cohort take part in the Solutions for the Planet programme annually, where they spend a day working in groups to tackle a sustainability issue. Students continue to work on their idea, creating a business plan and then going on to present their big idea at regional and national competitions.
One of the highlights of our calendar is Science week, where we celebrate Science through engaging activities and performances. Our Science family quiz show is always a success, bringing together students, teachers and families for a fun-filled evening.
KS3
Our curriculum at KS3 is designed to allow students to develop the skills and gain knowledge and understanding of how Science works. The spiralling curriculum is designed in which key concepts are presented repeatedly throughout KS3 and KS4, but with deepening layers of
complexity, or in different applications. We follow the Activate Kerboodle learning platform.
In KS3, the students will study science in mixed ability tutor groups and rotate through a wide variety of topics from understanding cells in Biology, through how atoms combine in
Chemistry to electricity and magnetism in Physics. All parts of the KS3 national Curriculum are covered. The students will be introduced to the KS4 required practicals in order to lay the foundation of their understanding of these as well as incorporating the topics they are
learning at KS3. This will also support the development of important skills in working scientifically, mathematics and literacy. As well as these specific practicals, students will be doing a variety of other practical based lessons.
At the end of Year 8 students will have an opportunity to complete a BA Crest bronze award project that will allow them to incorporate all the working scientific skills they have learnt in the last 2 years.
In Year 7 students have an opportunity to attend a Science discovery club at lunchtime to give them an opportunity to carry out more practical based activities. A KS3 Science clinic is held at lunchtime every week for any students that need extra help. In the summer term our Year 8 students are taken on a trip to the Science Museum/Natural History Museum where they will be able to engage with and learn from the various exhibitions.
Year 9 is a transition year where students where students complete the coverage of the Science National Curriculum will be introduced to key topics at GCSE. At the end of Year 8 students will have the option to choose to study Combined Science or Separate Science. There will be flexibility to change course if needed by the end of Year 9.
KS4
Exam Board and Syllabus: AQA Biology (8461), AQA Chemistry (8462) and AQA Physics (8463) and AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)
During the study of GCSEs in Science, students gain a greater depth of knowledge through the application of the skills developed in KS3. GCSE students have the option to study either Combined Science or separate Sciences depending on their interest and ability
The Science curriculum at KS4 is comprehensive and designed to foster a deeper understanding of the natural world, encouraging students to develop a wide range of essential scientific skills and knowledge. By this stage students are going on to mastering the National curriculum at GCSE from their foundation spiralling knowledge since Year 7. Whether following the Combined Science route or taking Separate Sciences, students gain a solid foundation that supports further scientific education and everyday understanding of the universe.
We offers two main routes for Science at GCSE level:
Combined Science: Trilogy
- This is a double award qualification, equivalent to two GCSEs.
- It covers all three science disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) in an integrated manner.
- The course is typically taught over about three years with exams at the end of Year 11.
- It is assessed via six papers: two each in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (each paper is 1 hour 15 minutes).
- Topics in each subject area are designed to build on knowledge from Key Stage 3 while introducing new content.
Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
- Each science is a separate GCSE. So students gain 3 GCSEs.
- This route is often preferred by students who are particularly strong in sciences or are considering further studies in scientific fields.
- Like Combined Science, this option involves examination at the end of the course.
- Each subject has two papers, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.