Subject Vision

At St Alban’s Catholic High School Science Department our vision is to ignite our students’ interest in the world around them and all its exciting, natural phenomena.

We want to develop students’ knowledge and skills, so they can be equipped to become inquisitive learners and further understand the uses and implications of science for today and for the future with confidence. We hope to achieve this by providing them with an inclusive and exciting learning environment that goes beyond the classroom. We hope when they leave, they will be equipped to be able to think beyond the national curriculum and have the skills to flourish in their adult lives.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview

	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Autumn	7B1 Cells   7C1 Separating techniques   7P2 Waves	8B1 Biology under the microscope   8C1 Metals   8P2 Waves	CB1 Key concepts in Biology     Start CB2 Cells and Growth   CC1 States of matter  CC2 Separating techniques   CP4 Waves
Spring	7B2 Reproduction   7C2 Atoms and the Periodic table   7P2 Waves	8B2 Anatomy and Physiology 8C2 Energy Changes   8P2 Waves	Continue CB2 Cells and Growth     Start CB5 Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines   CC3 Atomic structure   CC4 The Periodic table    CC5 Ionic bonding   CP4 Waves
Summer	7B3 The Human Body   7C3 Acids and Alkalis   7P3 Space	8B3 Evolution and Ecology   8C3 Rocks   8P3 Electricity part 2	Continue CB5 Health, Disease and the Development of medicines      Core practical – Testing foods   CC6 Covalent bonding      CC7 Types of substances   CP5 Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Key Stage 4 information

We follow the Edexcel science syllabus which is linear with final exams at the end of year 11. We begin GCSE in year 9, but all our students follow the combined science pathway. Over the course of the year, they complete three mini assessments and three spiral assessments. From looking at this data, we will invite the top 60 students to start triple science from the beginning of year 10.

Triple science:

Students who follow this pathway will have three GCSEs at the end of the course, one in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At the end of year 11 they will sit two exams in each subject, each exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes in length. Each term they will complete a mini assessment, and a spiral assessment and performance monitored.

Combined science:

Students who follow this pathway will have two GCSEs at the end of the course. They will still be taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At the end of year 11 they will sit six exams, two in each subject. The exam length is 1 hour and 10 minutes. Students can be entered for either the higher tier, where they can achieve the grades 9-9 to 4-4 or the foundation tier, where they can achieve the grades 5-5 to 1-1.

Each term they will complete a mini assessment and a spiral assessment. This data will inform us on which tier they will be entered for. To be entered for higher tier, the students need to be working at a grade 5.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum Overview

	Year 10 Triple	Year 10 Combined	Year 11 Triple	Year 11 Combined
Autumn Biology	SB2e The Brain SB2f Brain and Spinal cord problems SP2h The eye SB5f Virus life cycle SB5g Plant defences SB5h Plant disease SB5k Antibiotics SB5l Monoclonal Antibodies SB3 Genetics	CB3 Genetics   CB4 Natural Selection and Genetic Modification	SB9 Ecosystems and material cycles   SB8 Exchange and Transport in Animals	CB9 Ecosystems and material cycles
Autumn Chemistry	SC8 Acids and Alkalis SC9 Calculations involving masses SC11 Obtaining and using metals SC10 Electrolytic processes	CC8 Acids and alkalis CC9 Calculations involving masses	SC20 Fuels SC21 Earth and Atmosphere SC22 Hydrocarbons SC23 Alcohols and Carboxylic acids	CC14 Rates of reaction CC15 Heat Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
Autumn Physics	SP4d Waves crossing boundaries SP4e Ears and hearing SP4f Ultrasound SP4g Infrasound SP5a Ray diagrams SPb Colour SPc Lenses SPg Core practical – Investigating radiation SP6 Radioactivity	CP6 Radioactivity CP1 Motion CP2 Motion and forces	SP10 Electricity and Circuits SP11 Static Electricity	CP9 Electricity and Circuits CP10 Magnetism and magnetic fields CP11 Electromagnetic Induction
Spring Biology	SB4 Natural Selection and Genetic Modification SB6 Plant Structures and their Functions	Complete CB4 Natural Selection and Genetic Modification CB6 Plant Structures and their Functions	SB8 Exchange and Transport in Animals SB7 Animal Coordination, control and Homeostasis	CB8 Exchange and Transport in Animals CB7 Animal Coordination, control and Homeostasis
Spring Chemistry	SC18 Rates of reaction SC19 Heat Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions SC12/15 Dynamic equilibria SC13 Transition metals, Alloys and Corrosion	CC11 Obtaining and using metals CC10 Electrolytic processes CC12 Dynamic equilibria	SC24 Polymers SC25 Qualitative analysis: Test for ions SC26 Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Including Nanoparticles	CC16 Fuels CC17 Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Spring Physics	SP1 Motion SP2 Motion and forces SP7 Astronomy	CP2 Motion and forces CP13 Forces and Matter CP7 Energy – Forces doing work CP8 Forces and their effects	SP14 Particles and density SP15 Forces and Matter	CP12 Particle model CP13 Forces and Matter
Summer Biology	Complete SB6 Plant Structures and their Functions	CB9 Ecosystems and Material Cycles	Revision	Revision
Summer Chemistry	SC14 Quantitative Analysis SC16 Chemical Cells and Fuels Cells SC17 Groups of the periodic table SC20 Fuels	CC13 Groups of the periodic table CC14 Rates of reaction	Revision	Revision
Summer Physics	SP7 Astronomy	CP9 Electricity and Circuits	Revision	Revision

Where does this subject lead me?

Many students will go on to study A’ level Sciences, such as, Biology, Chemistry Physics, Maths or Computer Science. This is often a route if you're aiming for university.

Vocational qualifications, such as BTECs or Cambridge Technicals in science-related fields can be pursued if you prefer a more practical, work-related approach.

Key Stage 5 information

A level Biology:

A-Level Biology is an excellent choice if you're interested in understanding life, solving real-world problems, and preparing for a career in a science-related field. It provides both practical skills and academic knowledge, setting a strong foundation for future studies and career opportunities. To be able to study at St Alban’s Catholic High school, you will require a grade 6 in Biology or 6-6 in combined science. We follow the Edexcel Biology B specification.

	Year 12 - Biology	Year 13 - Biology
Autumn	Chemistry for life Biological Molecules 1 Biological Molecules 1 Enzymes 2.1 Eukaryotic cells 2.2 Prokaryotic Cells 2.3 Eukaryotic Cell Division- Mitosis 2.4 Meiosis and sexual reproduction	6.1 Bacteria and disease 6.2 Non-bacterial pathogens 6.3 The response to infection 7.1 Using gene sequencing 10.2 The efficiency of ecosystems 10.3 Human effects on ecosystems 5.1  Cellular Respiration 5.2  Photosynthesis
Spring	3.1 Classification 3.2 Natural Selection 3.3 Biodiversity 4.1 Cell transport mechanisms 4.2 Gas exchange 4.3 Circulation	7.2  Factors affecting gene expression 7.3  Gene technology 8.1  Genetic Information 9.3  Homeostasis
Summer	4.3 Circulation 4.4 Transport in plants 6.1 Bacteria and disease 6.3 The response to infection 6.2 Non-bacterial pathogens 10.1 The nature of ecosystems	8.2  Gene Pools

Where does this subject lead me?

Further Education

A-Level Biology is essential for degrees in medicine, healthcare, environmental science, biological sciences, and many related fields. It is also useful for courses in psychology, forensics, biotechnology, and agricultural sciences. If you're considering any of these career paths or want to pursue a science degree, A-Level Biology is a strong foundation to have. Always check individual university course requirements, as some may have specific entry criteria.

Careers Information

A-Level Biology opens doors to diverse careers, especially in fields related to healthcare, research, and the environment. Some potential career paths include:

• Medicine (Doctor, Nurse, Surgeon)
• Healthcare Professions (Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Biomedical Scientist)
• Environmental Science (Conservationist, Ecologist)
• Biotechnology & Genetics
• Veterinary Science
• Research & Development (Pharmaceuticals, Genetics, Agricultural Science)

A level Chemistry

Choosing A-Level Chemistry is a great decision if you are interested in pursuing a science-based career or a university degree in a related field. It provides you with valuable skills, an understanding of the world around you, and opens doors to numerous career opportunities in diverse industries. Whether you're interested in medicine, engineering, environmental science, or research, A-Level Chemistry is a solid foundation to help you reach your goals. To be able to study at St Alban’s Catholic High School, we require a grade 6 in Chemistry or 6-6 in combined science. We follow the Edexcel Chemistry specification.

	Year 12 - Chemistry	Year 13 - Chemistry
Autumn	Topic 1 Atomic structure and the Periodic table Topic 5 Formulae, equations and amounts of substance Topic 9 Kinetics	Topic 11 – Further equilibrium Topic 12 Acid – base equilibrium Topic 15 Transition metals Topic 16 Further kinetics Topic 13 Further Energetics Topic 14 Further redox
Spring	Topic 10 Chemical equilibrium Topic 3 Redox reactions Topic 6 Organic Chemistry Topic 4 Inorganic Chemistry	Topic 15 Transition metals Topic 17.4 Arenes Topic 17.5 Amines etc Topic 17.6 Organic structures Topic 17.2 Carbonyl compounds Topic 17.3 Carboxylic acids
Summer	Topic 4 Inorganic Chemistry Topic 7 Modern Analytical Techniques Topic 8 Chemical energetics	Topic 17.1 Chirality Topic 17.7 Organic analysis

Where does this subject lead me?

Further education:

A-Level Chemistry is a required or recommended subject for many science-related degrees, especially in medicine, healthcare, engineering, environmental sciences, and research fields. If you’re interested in any of these areas, A-Level Chemistry will help set the foundation for your university education and future career. Always check specific university entry requirements for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Career information:

A-Level Chemistry equips you with versatile skills that can lead to careers in a wide range of industries:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Veterinary Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Science
• Pharmacology
• Materials Science

A level Physics

Choosing A-Level Physics is an excellent decision if you are interested in understanding how the universe works, solving complex problems, and pursuing a wide range of careers in science, technology, engineering, or medicine. It provides a solid foundation for further study, equips you with critical skills, and opens doors to rewarding and innovative careers. Whether you’re drawn to the mysteries of the universe or want to contribute to cutting-edge technology, A-Level Physics offers a wealth of opportunities. To be able to study at St Alban’s Catholic High School, we require a grade 6 in Physics or 6-6 in combined science. We follow the OCR Physics A specification.

Year 12:

OCR A

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/physics-a-h156-h556-from-2015/

 

Year 13:

OCR B

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/physics-b-advancing-physics-h157-h557-from-2015/

 

	Year 12 - Physics	Year 13 - Physics
	Module 2 Foundations of Physics (teacher 1) Module 3 Forces and motion (teacher 1) Module 4 Electrons, waves and photons (teacher 2) Module 1 Practical physics (embedded)	Module 5 Newtonian world and astrophysics (teacher 1) Module 6 Particles and medical physics Module 1 Practical physics (embedded)

Where does this subject lead me?

Further education:

A-Level Physics is required or strongly recommended for a wide variety of university degrees, particularly those in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and some interdisciplinary fields. If you are interested in any of these areas, studying A-Level Physics will not only be beneficial but in many cases essential for progressing to university-level study and pursuing a related career. Always check the specific entry requirements for your chosen degree program, as requirements may vary by university or country.

Career information:

A background in physics opens doors to a wide variety of careers, many of which are at the forefront of technological and scientific innovation. From engineering to healthcare, space exploration, and environmental science, the ability to apply physical principles can lead to rewarding careers across diverse industries. Whether you’re interested in designing cutting-edge technologies, understanding the universe, or improving healthcare systems, physics provides the essential knowledge and skills required for numerous professions.