Science surrounds us. It is everywhere in our daily lives – all day, every day! From an early age, we interact with our environment, asking questions and seeking answers. This question-and-answer process lies at the heart of knowing and doing science. It is a way of knowing and thinking about the natural and physical components of the world in which we live. We make science-based choices every day. Science is involved when we choose what to eat, or choose products with the least impact on the environment or make informed decisions about our health care. Science is the foundation of an innovative culture and at the core of significant political decisions. Understanding science is crucial for everyone so we can be informed and active in our country’s future. At Standish Community High School, we have a science curriculum that aims to:

• Give young people a love of science.
• Stimulate curiosity.
• Encourage young people to ask questions.
• Give an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the main scientific concepts.
• Develop practical and experimental skills.
• Enable students to find the answers for themselves.
• Treat information in a critical way.
• Make student think creatively to suggest their own explanations.

We believe that the best way for your child to learn science is to be taught by excellent teachers who have a deep understanding of and a passion for the subject they teach.

Navigation

• Year 7
• Year 8
• Year 9
• Year 10
• Year 11

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

We begin GCSE science in Y9. There are two possible pathways for students:

• Combined Science leading to 2 GCSEs at the same grade. Eg 66 or 88
• Triple Science leading to 3 independent GSCEs

In Y9 both courses are taught in exactly the same way. In Y10 and Y11 most students will follow the combined science course. However as part of the options process we ask students to express an interest in studying triple science if they have an OPT of 7 or greater in Maths. Both combined science and triple science are taught in the same way. Students have 2 lessons per week of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. (The triple science course is taught in the same number of lessons but has 50% more content to cover than the combined science) We follow the AQA GCSE Science Trilogy Course for Combined Science and the AQA GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses for Triple Science. You can find all the links to the relevant courses below.

• Trilogy: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
• Biology: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
• Chemistry: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
• Physics: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463

Year 10

Year 11

*  Classes which followed the ELC pathway in Y9 will undertake a modified version of this teaching order

Both courses are assessed by exams only at the end of Y11. Both courses will have 6 exams in total. (2 Biology, 2 Chemistry and 2 Physics). The combined science exams are 1hr 15mins long and the triple exams are 1hr 45mins long. Whilst there is no coursework there are 24 required practicals that the students cover throughout the course.

Biology Paper 1 covers the topics: Cell Biology, Organisation, Bioenergetics, Infection and Response Chemistry Paper 1 covers the topics: Atomic Structure, Structure and Bonding, Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Changes and Energy Changes Physics Paper 1 cover the topics: Particle Model, Atomic Structure, Energy and Electricity Biology Paper 2 covers the topics: Ecology, Inheritance and Variation and Homeostasis Chemistry Paper 2 covers the topics: Rates of Reaction, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, The Atmosphere and Using Resources. Physics Paper 2 covers the topics: Electromagnetism, Waves, Forces and Space (triples only)