Science

Science impacts all aspects of life in ways in which students may not have even considered before.The Science curriculum aims to ignite students’ curiosity and allows them to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the world around us and how it works. Our curriculum aims to equip students with the knowledge to be able to explain everyday natural occurrences such as ‘Why are plants green?’ or ‘What causes lightning?’ At the same time, we encourage students to question the world around them so that their curiosity continues beyond the classroom. Through studying Biology, they will gain understanding of living processes that are essential to life in addition to elements of how the body works, health and how the body is able to detect and defend itself against infection. In studying Chemistry, they will learn how our planet has evolved to allow humans to survive and how we have managed to utilise natural materials for our benefit. Through studying Physics, they will gain an understanding of space and the universe. They will gain insight into how electricity and energy behave and are transferred, and how we can generate energy from both renewable and non-renewable sources. They will also learn about the mechanics of how we are able to see and hear. Students will be able to apply their understanding to how Physics plays a role in explaining everyday life, such as how roller coasters work, explaining the changes observed when a person skydives and why anything moves and eventually stops.

KS3 Science

All topics have a focus on building experimental, investigative and analytical skills. Different science disciplines are taught in an engaging and challenging way. As students move through KS3, we prepare them to be “GCSE Ready” as well as confident and responsible members of the school and wider community.

Year 7

Term 1	Term 2	Term 3
Working Scientifically Biology 1: Cells Chemistry 1: Particles & their behaviour Physics 1: Forces and Space Skills in Science	Biology 2: Body Systems Chemistry 2: Reactions I Physics 2: Motion & Pressure Skills in Science	Biology 3: Reproduction Chemistry 3: Earth I Physics 3: Energy Skills in Science

Year 8

Term 1	Term 2	Term 3
Chemistry 1: Elements, compounds and mixtures Biology 1: Health & Lifestyle Physics 1: Electricity and magnetism Working Scientifically	Chemistry 2: The periodic Table Biology 2: Biological processes Biology 3: Ecosystems and adaptations	Chemistry 3: Reactions II Physics 2 & 3: Light and Sound Biology 4: Inheritance Chemistry 4: Earth II Working Scientifically

KS4 Science

In Key Stage 4, we deepen scientific understanding by building on the fundamentals from key stage 3. All students will be studying the three sciences separately providing opportunity for enhance knowledge and understanding of scientific process and skills. GCSE science not only prepares students for exams but also for life through awareness of scientific concepts like disease and epidemiology, the value of crude oil as well as the need for alternative resources to generate electricity like nuclear power. The curriculum and passion of the science team seek to ensure our students complete their GCSEs as resilient problem solvers challenged and inspired to continue their study of science but also valuing the importance of it in their world.

Examining Board	AQA
Specification	Biology Chemistry Physics
Why study this subject?	GCSE Science is designed to engage and challenge all students of all abilities and aspirations. The broad program of study encourages learners to be inspired and challenged and aims to allow them to engage with science in their everyday lives. GCSE science aims to provide an insight into and an experience of how science works through practical work. Studying the 3 science separately provides students with a more detailed exploration of certain topics that deepen their science knowledge.
Biology	1. Cell Biology 2. Organization 3. Infection and Response 4. Bioenergetics 5. Homeostasis and Response 6. Inheritance, Variation and Evolution 7. Ecology
Chemistry	1. Atomic structure and the periodic table 2. Bonding, structure and the properties of matter 3. Quantitative Chemistry 4. Chemical Changes 5. Energy Changes 6. The rate and extent of chemical change 7. Organic Chemistry 8. Chemical analysis 9. Chemistry of the atmosphere 10. Using Resources
Physics	1. Energy 2. Electricity 3. Particle Model of matter 4. Atomic structure 5. Forces 6. Waves 7. Magnetism and Electromagnets 8. Space physics
Assessment	At the end of the course, students complete a total of 6 exams. They will complete 2 paper for each science Biology GCSE 1. Biology Paper 1 2. Biology Paper 2 Chemistry GCSE 1. Chemistry Paper 1 2. Chemistry Paper 2 Physics GCSE 1. Physics Paper 1 2. Physics Paper 2 Each written exam: 1hour 45mins
Next steps - Careers/courses	Completion of GCSE separate sciences allow students to continue with further science studies in Level 3 A-Level courses for Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Students can also complete a L3 Applied science course which covers all 3 science areas. There are various careers linked to science. Areas including: • Engineering • Forensic science • Healthcare • Psychology • Research • Education • Botany • Microbiology • Medicine • Physics • Pharmacy • Astronautically science • Zoology • Archaeology • Ecology • Chemist • Marine biology and many many more
Suggested links to resources	BBC bitesize - a summary of key ideas for each topic. Allows students to revise & test https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrkw2hv Kerboodle All students gain log in details to this website. It provides access to the online textbooks used in class as well as other resources. https://www.kerboodle.com/users/login SENECA Learning - For practice questions and learning - https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/

KS5 Science

At key stage 5, we focus on developing confident, independent scientists who have a deeper understanding that enables them to make sense of their world. Students are prepared for the demand of key stage 5 curriculum and beyond through expert instruction, a range of resources, development of study skills and practical work; all of which prepare them for their future aspirations.

Biology

Course	A-Level Biology
Examining Board	AQA
Specification	Link
Why study this subject?	Biological science is one of the broadest and most important subjects in the world today. Put simply, biology is the study of life. Biology encompasses everything from the molecular study of life processes right up to the study of animal and plant communities. A level Biology is a great choice for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, nursing and forensic science. It is also necessary for a degree in any of the Biological sciences which range from neuroscience, genetics, biomedical science, biochemistry, zoology, conservation and marine biology. The skills developed in a Biology A level are also valued in careers within the pharmaceutical industry, biological economics, science publishing, government policy, education and biotechnology. We understand that the transition from KS4 to KS5 is potentially the most difficult transition that students will ever face in their education, which is why at Oaks Park all students are fully supported regardless of their ability to ensure that all students make excellent progress no matter their starting point. Before students join our 6th Form, they are provided with extensive transition work to complete so that they get that head start to the course. We have a highly experienced team and take pride in delivering first-class lessons so that students have the opportunity to develop transferable skills that will best prepare them not only for exam success but for success at University and beyond. Students are further supported and enriched by a range of additional opportunities provided to them beyond the classroom such as guest speakers, career talks, seminars, lectures, work experience, workshops such as ‘Operating Theatre Live’ and workshops to support applications for highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy and Veterinary Science. Students have the opportunity to showcase their hard work and knowledge by entering into the British Biology Olympiad for a chance to represent Team GB at the international finals. We also work with top Universities such as King's College London and University College London (UCL) to support students who wish to go on to study medicine by getting involved in the K+, Young Doctors Program and UCL Target Medicine programs, which provide students with academic workshops, mentoring, interview practice and targeted support with preparation for the UCAT examinations and UCAS applications.
Year 1	Biological Molecules – Includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and water. Cells – Covers cell structure, microscopy, membrane transport, the immune response, and mitosis. Organisms Exchange Substances with Their Environment – Focuses on gas exchange, digestion, absorption, and mass transport in plants and animals. Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships Between Organisms – Examines DNA, protein synthesis, mutations, meiosis, and biodiversity.
Year 2	Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms - Photosynthesis, Respiration, Energy and Ecosystems, Nutrient Cycles Organisms Respond to Changes in Their Internal and External Environments - Stimuli, Nervous Coordination, Skeletal Muscles, Homeostasis, Blood Glucose, Renal System Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems - Inheritance, Populations, Evolution, Speciation, Hardy-Weinberg Principle The Control of Gene Expression - Alteration of the Sequence of Bases in DNA, Gene Expression, Using Genome Projects, Gene Technologies, Epigenetics, Stem Cells.
Assessment AS-	2 Exams
Assessment A-Level	3 Exams
Next steps - Careers/HE courses	Students who study Biology can go on to study an array of courses at University, access funded degrees or apprenticeships. Studying Biology can lead to a range of careers within Healthcare and clinical professions: Doctor Dentist Vet Optometrist Pharmacist Nurse Midwife Dental hygienist Dental Nurse Physiotherapist Clinical Psychologist Other Biological science professions include: Neuroscientist Forensics Geneticist Biomedical scientist Biochemist Zoologist Conservationist Marine biologist Skills developed through studying Biology are also valued in careers such as: Pharmaceutical industry Biological economics Science publishing Government policy Education Biotechnology
Suggested links to resources	http://www.interactive-biology.com/ https://mathsmadeeasy.co.uk/a-level-biology-revision/ https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/biology-revision/ http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/ https://www.youtube.com/user/MrPollockBiology/ https://www.primrosekitten.com/ https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/ https://snaprevise.co.uk/ https://quizlet.com/en-gb/

Chemistry

Chemistry is important and useful in explaining the natural world, preparing people for career opportunities, and producing informed citizens.

Modern research in chemistry can lead to the discovery and pioneering of new technologies and medicines, which benefit the environment, improve human life, and expand our knowledge of the universe.

Course	A-Level Chemistry
Examining Board	AQA
Specification	Link
Why study this subject?	Chemistry helps students to develop research, problem-solving, mathematical, practical and analytical skills. Chemistry often requires teamwork and communication skills too, which is great for project management. Chemistry is important and useful in explaining the natural world, preparing people for career opportunities, and producing informed citizens. Modern research in chemistry can lead to the discovery and pioneering of new technologies and medicines, which benefit the environment, improve human life, and expand our knowledge of the universe.
Year 1	Atomic Structure Bonding Amount of Substance Energetics Kinetics Equilibria & Redox Periodicity & Group 2 & Group 7 Introduction to Organic Chemistry Alkanes & Haloalkanes Alkenes & Alcohols Organic Analysis Isomerism & Carbonyl Compounds Period 3 Elements Electrode Potentials Transition Metals Thermodynamics Core practicals: 1-6, 8, 10 & 11
Year 2	Rate Equations Acids, Bases & pH Aromatic Compounds & Amines Polymers Amino Acids, Proteins & DNA Further Synthesis & Analysis Core practicals: 7 & 12
Assessment AS-	2 Exams
Assessment A-Level	3 Exams
Next steps - Careers/HE courses	There are a range of Chemistry-related degrees that students can read at university, including: Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Polymer and Materials Chemistry. These degrees in turn can lead to a range of careers including: medicine, dentistry, forensic chemistry, geochemistry, biochemistry, R & D management, pharmacy, chemical engineering, petroleum engineering and perfumery, to name a few.
Suggested links to resources	ChemRevise - For notes and revision summaries - https://chemrevise.org/revision-guides/ Physics and Maths Tutor - For past exam questions - https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/ ChemGuide - For notes and questions - https://www.chemguide.co.uk/ A Level Chemistry - For notes, questions and video - http://www.a-levelchemistry.co.uk/ SENECA Learning - For practice questions and learning - https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/ AlleryChemistry - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPtWS4fCi25YHw5SPGdPz0g/ MaChemGuy - YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/MaChemGuy/playlists/ FreeScienceLessons

Physics

Course	A-Level Physics
Examining Board	AQA
Specification	Link
Why study this subject?	A-level Physics gives you the opportunity to explore the phenomena of the universe and to look at theories that explain what is observed. This subject combines practical skills with theoretical ideas to develop descriptions of the physical universe. You will learn about everything from kinematics to cosmology and many recent developments in fascinating topics, such as particle physics. If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between, this is the subject for you. Physics is more than a subject – it trains your brain to think beyond boundaries. We understand that the transition from KS4 to KS5 is potentially the most difficult transition that students will ever face in their education, which is why at Oaks Park all students are fully supported regardless of their ability to ensure that all students make excellent progress no matter their starting point. Before students join our 6th Form, they are provided with extensive transition work to complete so that they get that head start to the course. We have a highly experienced team and take pride in delivering first-class lessons so that students have the opportunity to develop transferable skills that will best prepare them not only for exam success but for success at University and beyond. Students are further supported and enriched by a range of additional opportunities provided to them beyond the classroom such as guest speakers, career talks, seminars, lectures, work experience, and workshops.â€‹
Year 1	Measurements and their Errors Particles and Radiation Waves Mechanics and Materials Electricity
Year 2	Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics Fields and their Consequences Nuclear Physics Astrophysics
Assessment AS-	2 Exams
Assessment A-Level	3 Exams
Next steps - Careers/HE courses	Physics is a very useful subject for the majority of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers and you’ll find physicists everywhere, in industry, transport, government, universities, the armed forces, the secret service, games companies, research labs and more. Physics is especially helpful for jobs that involve developing new technologies, including: engineering, astronomy, robotics, renewable energies, computer science, communications, space exploration, science writing, sports and games technology, research and nanotechnology. To put it simply, Physics is a highly respected A level, and a good grade in A level Physics demonstrates analytical and mathematical skills you can apply across many industries. After A level Physics, there are many degree pathways you can pursue, for example: Engineering, Medicine, Forensic Science, Astronomy, Cosmology, Electronics, Power Generation, Finance, Education, and many more.
Suggested links to resources	https://www.revisely.co.uk/alevel/physics/aqa/ https://s-cool.co.uk/a-level/physics/ https://www.cyberphysics.co.uk/ https://mathsmadeeasy.co.uk/a-level-physics-revision/ https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/physics-revision/a-level-aqa/

Applied Science

Course	BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate Applied Science
Examining Board	WJEC
Specification	Link
Why study this subject?	Explore how medical science helps diagnose disease, monitor health and develop treatments. Equivalent in size to one A level, the course combines examinations with practical investigations and applied assignments. Students develop laboratory, research, data analysis and problem-solving skills relevant to further study in healthcare and medical science. wjec.co.uk
Unit 1	Unit 1: Human Health and Disease — Examination Study how the human body functions, how disease affects health and how the body responds to illness. Unit 2: Physiological Measurement Techniques — Internally assessed NEA Explore techniques used to measure body functions, collect physiological data and assess health. Unit 3: Medical Science Research Methods — Internally assessed NEA Develop research skills through planning investigations, collecting and analysing data, and drawing conclusions.
Unit 2	Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (coursework) Content includes: A Undertake titration and colourimetry to determine the concentration of solutions B Undertake calorimetry to study cooling curves C Undertake chromatographic techniques to identify components in mixtures D Review personal development of scientific skills for laboratory work
Assessment	Six mandatory units, graded A–E* overall. 40% written examinations: Unit 1 (25%) and Unit 6 (15%). 60% non-examination assessment (NEA): Units 2 and 3 (12.5% each), Unit 4 (20%) and Unit 5 (15%). Units 2, 3 and 4 are internally assessed; Unit 5 is externally assessed. This means the overall split is 55% external assessment and 45% internal assessment. wjec.co.uk
Next steps - Careers/HE courses	Alongside suitable accompanying qualifications, the course supports progression to higher education in medical science and related healthcare subjects, preparing students for careers involving healthcare, diagnostic testing, laboratory work and medical research. Entry requirements vary between universities and courses, and many careers require further study or professional training. wjec.co.uk
Suggested links to resources	Pearson Medical Science qualification page Pearson Medical Science student book Pearson identifies Nursing, Psychology and Physiotherapy as examples of progression routes. qualifications.pearson.com