Vision

We want our pupils to see that Science underpins everything in the world around them and we aim to help them to understand our relationships with the world around us. We want to increase their sense of awe and wonder at the complexity of the world we live in. We provide a stimulating curriculum that nurtures young people’s natural curiosity and builds upon their knowledge and understanding of the world.  By the end of their Science journey at Plymstock School pupils will have developed a scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They will be able to carry out practicals purposefully, skilfully and safely, applying their scientific knowledge to the practical.  Pupils will use mathematical skills to carry out calculations, draw graphs, analyse data and look for patterns and trends.  The Science curriculum encourages independent learners who can plan, monitor and evaluate their learning whilst also teaching the skills needed to be cooperative and build relationships with both peers and adults which promote learning communities.

 

Core Knowledge

Year 7 Science

Pupils begin to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.  Pupils develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.  Pupils are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Introduction to Science

• Safety
• Lab equipment
• The Bunsen burner
• Method writing
• Carrying out an investigation
• Analysing results

Cell Organisation

• Multicellular organisms
• Animal and plant cells
• Cell adaptations
• Microscopes
• Unicellular organisms
• The skeleton
• The muscle system

Matter

• Solids, liquids and gases
• Diffusion
• Changes of state
• Earth structure
• Rock types
• The rock cycle
• Separating mixtures
• Solutions
• Separating techniques

Forces

• Speed
• Distance time graphs
• Investigating motion
• Forces
• Gravitational fields
• Mass and weight
• Gravity
• The Earth
• Models of the solar system
• The universe

Ecosystems

• Food webs
• Toxins in the environment
• Importance of insects
• Predator/prey
• Flowering plants
• Seed dispersal

Chemical Reactions

• Metals and non-metals
• Acids and metals
• Displacement reactions
• Oxidisation reactions
• Acids and alkalis
• Neutralisation

Electricity

• Charge
• Current
• Potential difference
• Resistance
• Series and parallel circuits

 Variation and Reproduction

• Variation
• Female reproductive system
• Male reproductive system
• Foetus development
• Pregnancy and smoking

Energy

• Energy storage and transfer
• Types of energy
• Energy sources
• Cost of energy

Waves

• Sound
• Echoes
• Light
• Reflection and refraction
• Seeing light
• Seeing colour

 

Year 8 Science

Pupils continue to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.  Pupils continue to develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.  Pupils are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Breathing and Digestion

• Breathing
• Gas exchange
• Effects of disease on breathing
• Balanced diet
• Effects of an unbalanced diet
• Digestive system

 Periodic Table

• Structure of periodic table
• Metals
• Non-metals
• Patterns in the periodic table
• Elements and compounds
• Polymers

Forces and Magnets

• Balancing forces
• Resistive forces
• Stretching and compressive forces
• Hooke’s Law
• Pressure
• Upthrust
• Magnetic forces
• Magnetic fields
• Electromagnets

Respiration and Photosynthesis

• Aerobic respiration
• Respiration in sport
• Anaerobic respiration
• Photosynthesis
• Leaves
• Movement of water and minerals
• Importance of minerals

Reactions

• Exothermic reactions
• Endothermic reactions
• Catalysts
• Combustion and fuels
• Thermal decomposition
• Chemical and physical changes

Energy

• Work
• Thermal energy
• Heat transfer
• Heating and cooling
• Making sound
• Light waves
• Properties of waves

 Genetics

• Natural selection
• Biodiversity
• Extinction
• Genetic material
• Variation
• Inheritance

Atmosphere

• Atmosphere composition
• Carbon cycle
• Global warming
• Earth’s resources
• Recycling
• Extracting metals

 

Year 9 Biology

In Year 9 pupils explore how structural differences between types of cells enables them to perform specific functions within the organism. These differences in cells are controlled by genes in the nucleus. For an organism to grow, cells must divide by mitosis producing two new identical cells. If cells are isolated at an early stage of growth before they have become too specialised, they can retain their ability to grow into a range of different types of cells. This phenomenon has led to the development of stem cell technology. This is a new branch of medicine that allows doctors to repair damaged organs by growing new tissue from stem cells.  Pupils also learn about the human digestive system which provides the body with nutrients and the respiratory system that provides it with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. In each case they provide dissolved materials that need to be moved quickly around the body in the blood by the circulatory system.

Cell Biology – Structure and Division

• Animal and plant cells
• Bacterial cells
• Microscopy
• Specialised cells
• Cell division – mitosis
• Stem Cells

Transport in Cells

• Diffusion
• Osmosis
• Active transport
• Exchange surfaces

Animal Organisation

• Organisation of living bodies
• Enzymes and digestion
• The heart and blood
• The lungs

 

Year 9 Chemistry

In Year 9 pupils learn how the periodic table provides chemists with a structured organisation of the known chemical elements from which they can make sense of their physical and chemical properties. They look at the historical development of the periodic table and how models of atomic structure provide good examples of how scientific ideas and explanations develop over time as new evidence emerges. They study how the arrangement of elements in the modern periodic table can be explained in terms of atomic structure which provides evidence for the model of a nuclear atom with electrons in energy levels.  Year 9 look at the use theories of structure and bonding to explain the physical and chemical properties of materials. Analysis of structures shows that atoms can be arranged in a variety of ways, some of which are molecular while others are giant structures. Theories of bonding explain how atoms are held together in these structures. Pupils study how scientists use this knowledge of structure and bonding to engineer new materials with desirable properties. The properties of these materials may offer new applications in a range of different technologies.  Pupils learn how analysts have developed a range of qualitative tests to detect specific chemicals. The tests are based on reactions that produce a gas with distinctive properties, or a colour change or an insoluble solid that appears as a precipitate. Instrumental methods provide fast, sensitive and accurate means of analysing chemicals, and are particularly useful when the amount of chemical being analysed is small. Forensic scientists and drug control scientists rely on such instrumental methods in their work.

Atomic Structure

• Atoms, elements and compounds
• Atoms, formulae and equations
• Mixtures
• Scientific models of the atom
• Atomic structure
• Electronic structure and organisation of the periodic table

 The Periodic Table

• The periodic table development
• Periodic table position and reactivity
• Metals and non-metals
• Group 0
• Group 1
• Group 7

Bonding, Structure and The Properties of Matter

• Chemical bonds
• Ionic bonding
• Ionic compound properties
• Covalent bonding
• Properties of small molecules
• Three States of matter
• Polymer structures
• Giant covalent structures
• Graphene and fullerenes
• Metallic bonding
• Properties of metals and alloys

 Chemical Analysis

• Purity, formulations and chromatography
• Identification of common gases

 

Year 9 Physics

Pupils learn that ionising radiation is hazardous but can be very useful. Although radioactivity was discovered over a century ago, it took many nuclear physicists several decades to understand the structure of atoms, nuclear forces and stability. Early researchers suffered from their exposure to ionising radiation. Rules for radiological protection were first introduced in the 1930s and subsequently improved. Today radioactive materials are widely used in medicine, industry, agriculture and electrical power generation. Pupils then move on to study electricity where they learn that electric charge is a fundamental property of matter everywhere.  The final unit of study in Year 9 is Energy where pupils learn about the concept of energy which first emerged in the 19^th century and was used to explain the work output of steam engines.  Pupils learn about fossil fuels, global warming, critical problems for this century and how physicists are working hard to identify ways to reduce energy usage.

Radioactivity 

• History of the atom
• Atomic structure
• Atomic numbers and mass
• Radioactive decay
• Nuclear equations
• Half life
• Radioactive safety

Electricity

• Charge
• Current in circuits
• Circuits
• Potential difference
• Series and parallel circuits
• Electricity at home
• National grid
• Electrical energy
• Electrical energy sources

Energy

• Energy transfers
• Kinetic energy
• Gravitational energy
• Elastic energy
• Work and power
• Efficiency
• Specific heat capacity
• Non-renewable energy resources
• Renewable energy resources

 

Year 10 Biology

Pupils start Year 10 by learning how the plant’s transport system is dependent on environmental conditions to ensure that leaf cells are provided with the water and carbon dioxide that they need for photosynthesis. Pupils will learn about pathogens and then explore how we can avoid diseases by reducing contact with them. Pupils learn how the body uses barriers against pathogens and if they enter the body our immune system is triggered which is usually strong enough to destroy the pathogen and prevent disease.  Pupils also learn how to reduce the risk of contracting certain diseases through improved diet and lifestyle.  In the next topic section pupils explore how plants harness the Sun’s energy in photosynthesis in order to make food and how both animals and plants use this oxygen to oxidise food in a process called aerobic respiration which transfers the energy that the organism needs to perform its functions. Finally, pupils will explore the structure and function of the nervous system and how it can bring about fast responses. They also explore the hormonal system which usually brings about much slower changes. Hormonal coordination is particularly important in reproduction since it controls the menstrual cycle. An understanding of the role of hormones in reproduction has allowed scientists to develop not only contraceptive drugs but also drugs which can increase fertility.

Organisation in Plants

• Plant organisation
• Water uptake and movement
• Translocation
• Transpiration

 Infection and Response

• Health and causal mechanisms
• Cancer
• Pathogens
• Viral diseases
• Bacterial diseases
• Protist diseases
• Fungal diseases
• Primary defences
• White blood cells
• Vaccinations
• Antibiotics and painkillers
• Drug development

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• Monoclonal antibodies
• Plant diseases

 Bioenergetics

• Basics of photosynthesis
• Limiting factors
• Use of glucose
• Aerobic respiration
• Anaerobic respiration
• Energy and exercise

Homeostasis and Response

• Nervous system
• Reflex arc
• Endocrine system
• Controlling blood sugar levels
• Hormones in reproduction
• Contraception
• IVF

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• The brain
• The eye
• The control of body temperature
• Maintaining water and nitrogen balance
• Plant hormones

 

Year 10 Chemistry

Pupils will look at how chemists use quantitative analysis to determine the formulae of compounds and the equations for reactions. Pupils will then use quantitative methods to determine the purity of chemical samples and to monitor the yield from chemical reactions. Pupils will identify different types of chemical reactions and look for patterns and to make predictions about the behaviour of other chemicals. Pupils learn about chemical reactions and link this knowledge to Biology and the complex reactions that take place in living organisms.  They then move on to look at the energy changes of chemical reactions and how the interaction of particles often involves transfers of energies due to the breaking and formation of bonds and how these interactions are used in a range of everyday applications. Finally, pupils look at the rates of chemical reactions and the variables that can affect them; moving on to how this knowledge can be used in industry.

Quantitative Chemistry

• Conservation of mass
• Balancing equations
• Relative formula mass
• Mass changes in gas reactions
• Chemical measurements and uncertainty
• Moles
• Amount of substances in equations
• Using masses
• Concentration of solutions
• Limiting reactants

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• Percentage yield
• Atom economy
• Using concentrations
• Using gas volumes

 Chemical Changes

• Metal oxides
• Reactivity series
• Extraction of metals
• Oxidation and reduction
• Neutralisation of acids and salt production
• Soluble salts
• pH scale and neutralisation
• Strong and weak acids
• Process of electrolysis
• Using electrolysis to extract metals
• Electrolysis of aqueous solutions

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• Titrations

 Energy Changes

• Endothermic and exothermic reactions
• Reaction profiles
• Energy changes of reactions

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• Cells and batteries
• Hydrogen fuel cells

 Rate of Reaction

• Measuring rates
• Rates and graphs
• Collision theory
• Effect of temperature on rate
• Effect of concentration on rate
• Effect of pressure on rate
• Effect of surface area on pressure
• Catalysts
• Reversible reactions
• Le Chatelier and temperature
• Le Chatelier and concentration
• Le Chatelier and pressure

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will also:

• Compare the properties of transition metals to group 1 metals followed by applying the properties of nano materials to use in everyday life.

 

Year 10 Physics

Pupils will study the particle model and look at how it is widely used to predict the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases and understand that this has many applications in everyday life. It helps us to explain a wide range of observations and engineers use these principles when designing vessels to withstand high pressures and temperatures, such as submarines and spacecraft. It also explains why it is difficult to make a good cup of tea high up a mountain! Pupils study forces and how analysing the interaction forces can help when designing machines and instruments such as bridges, fairground rides and atomic force microscopes.

 Particle Model of Matter

• Density
• Particle model
• Particle motion
• Internal energy
• Specific heat capacity
• Specific latent heat

Electricity – Resistance

• Resistance
• Ohm’s law
• Resistors in circuits
• Electrical power equations
• IV Graph of resistor and bulbs
• IV Graph of a diode
• Thermistors
• Light dependent resistors

Forces

• Vectors and scalars
• Speed and velocity
• Acceleration
• SUVAT
• Distance time graphs
• Velocity time graphs
• Reactions
• Stopping distance
• Momentum
• Conservation of momentum

 

Year 10 Physics (for those studying separate science)

Questions about where we are, and where we came from, have been asked for thousands of years. In the past century, astronomers and astrophysicists have made remarkable progress in understanding the scale and structure of the universe, its evolution and ours. New questions have emerged recently. ‘Dark matter’, which bends light and holds galaxies together but does not emit electromagnetic radiation, is everywhere. The particle model is widely used to predict the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases and this has many applications in everyday life. It helps us to explain a wide range of observations and engineers use these principles when designing vessels to withstand high pressures and temperatures, such as submarines and spacecraft. Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter everywhere. Understanding the difference in the microstructure of conductors, semiconductors and insulators makes it possible to design components and build electric circuits. Many circuits are powered with mains electricity, but portable electrical devices must use batteries of some kind. Electrical power fills the modern world with artificial light and sound, information and entertainment, remote sensing and control. The fundamentals of electromagnetism were worked out by scientists of the 19th century. However, power stations, like all machines, have a limited lifetime. If we all continue to demand more electricity this means building new power stations in every generation.

Space

• The Solar System
• Stars
• The Universe
• The Big Bang

 The Particle Model of Matter

• Density
• Solids, Liquids and Gases
• Internal Energy
• Specific Heat Capacity
• Latent Heat

 Electricity 

• Static Electricity
• Circuits
• Electrical Resistance
• IV Characteristics of components

 Forces & Motion

• Scalars & Vectors
• Distance and Displacement
• Speed and Velocity
• Forces & Braking
• Momentum

 

Year 11 Biology

In Year 11 pupils learn that the Sun is a source of energy that passes through ecosystems. Materials including carbon and water are continually recycled by the living world, being released through respiration of animals, plants and decomposing microorganisms and taken up by plants in photosynthesis. All species live in ecosystems composed of complex communities of animals and plants dependent on each other and that are adapted to particular conditions, both abiotic and biotic. These ecosystems provide essential services that support human life and continued development. In order to continue to benefit from these services humans need to engage with the environment in a sustainable way. Pupils explore how humans are threatening biodiversity as well as the natural systems that support it. They also consider some actions they need to take to ensure our future health, prosperity and well-being.  Finally, pupils discover how the number of chromosomes are halved during meiosis and then combined with new genes from the sexual partner to produce unique offspring. Gene mutations occur continuously and on rare occasions can affect the functioning of the animal or plant. These mutations may be damaging and lead to a number of genetic disorders or death. Very rarely a new mutation can be beneficial and consequently, lead to increased fitness in the individual. Variation generated by mutations and sexual reproduction is the basis for natural selection; this is how species evolve. Pupils then look at how an understanding of these processes has allowed for genetic engineering and selective breeding.

Ecology

• Classification
• Interdependence of species
• Food chains
• Competition in plants and animals
• Adaptations
• Measuring distribution
• Carbon cycle
• Water cycle
• Biodiversity
• Human population growth
• Deforestation and land use
• Global warming
• Maintaining biodiversity

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• Decomposition
• Impact of environmental change
• Trophic levels
• Pyramids of biomass
• Transfer of biomass
• Factors affecting food security
• Farming techniques
• Sustainable fisheries
• Role of biotechnology

Inheritance, Variation and Evolution

• DNA
• Chromosomes
• Cell division – meiosis
• Sexual reproduction
• Asexual reproduction
• Variation
• Genetic inheritance
• Genetic disorders
• Genetic engineering
• Selective breeding
• Evolution by natural selection
• Antibiotic resistance
• Extinction
• Fossils

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• DNA structure
• Advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction
• Cloning
• Theory of evolution
• Speciation
• The understanding of genetics

 

Year 11 Chemistry

In Year 11 pupils learn that main sources of organic compounds are living, or once-living materials from plants and animals. These sources include fossil fuels which are a major source of feedstock for the petrochemical industry and how chemists are able to take organic molecules and modify them in many ways to make new and useful materials. Pupils learn that the Earth’s atmosphere is dynamic and forever changing which is sometimes man-made and sometimes part of many natural cycles. Scientists use very complex software to predict weather and climate change and the problems caused by increased levels of air pollutants require scientists and engineers to develop solutions that help to reduce the impact of human activity. Pupils study how industries use the Earth’s natural resources to manufacture useful products. In order to operate sustainably, chemists seek to minimise the use of limited resources, use of energy, waste and environmental impact in the manufacture, use and disposal of these products. Environmental chemists study how human activity has affected the Earth’s natural cycles, and how damaging effects can be minimised.

Pupils studying separate sciences will learn how analysts have developed a range of qualitative tests to detect specific chemicals and this is compared to instrumental methods.

Organic Chemistry

• Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
• Crude oil, hydrocarbons and alkanes
• Fractional distillation and petrochemicals
• Properties of hydrocarbons
• Cracking and alkenes

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• Structure and formulae of alkenes
• Reactions of alkenes
• Carboxylic acids
• Addition polymerisation
• Condensation polymerisation (HT only)
• Amino acids (HT only)
• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and other naturally occurring polymers

Chemical analysis

• Purity and formulations
• Chromatography
• Identification of common gases

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• Identification of cations
• Identification of anions
• Instrumental techniques

Chemistry of the atmosphere

• The proportions of different gases in the atmosphere
• The Earth’s early atmosphere
• How oxygen increased and carbon dioxide decreased
• Greenhouse gases
• Human activities which contribute to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
• Global climate change
• The carbon footprint and its reduction
• Atmospheric pollutants from fuels – properties and effects.

Using resources

• Using the Earth’s resources and sustainable development
• Potable water
• Waste water treatment
• Alternative methods of extracting metals (HT only)
• Life cycle assessment
• Ways of reducing the use of resources

In addition, pupils studying separate sciences will cover:

• Corrosion and its prevention
• Alloys as useful materials
• Ceramics, polymers and composites
• The Haber process
• Production and uses of NPK fertilisers

 

Year 11 Physics

Pupils study waves, forces and electromagnetism analysing forces when designing a great variety of machines and instruments, from road bridges and fairground rides to atomic force microscopes. Anything mechanical can be analysed in this way. Wave behaviour is common in both natural and man-made systems. Waves carry energy from one place to another and can also carry information. Designing comfortable and safe structures such as bridges, houses and music performance halls requires an understanding of mechanical waves. Modern technologies such as imaging and communication systems show how we can make the most of electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic effects are used in a wide variety of devices. Engineers make use of the fact that a magnet moving in a coil can produce electric current and also that when current flows around a magnet it can produce movement. It means that systems that involve control or communications can take full advantage of this.

Waves

• Transverse and Longitudinal
• Wave Properties
• Electromagnetic Waves
• Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
• Uses of Electromagnetic Waves

Forces

• Contact and Non Contact Forces
• Gravity
• Resultant Forces
• Work Done
• Elasticity
• Newton’s Laws

Electromagnetism

• Magnetic Fields
• Magnetic Poles
• Electromagnetism
• Flemings Rule
• Motors

 

Year 12 Biology

Module 1

Pupils learn the practical skills which are assessed throughout the written examinations and also through the Practical Endorsement. Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. All living organisms have similarities in cellular structure, biochemistry and function. An understanding of these similarities is fundamental to the study of the subject.

Module 2

Pupils are given the opportunity to use microscopy to study the cell structure of a variety of organisms. Biologically important molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, water and nucleic acids are studied with respect to their structure and function. The structure and mode of action of enzymes in catalysing biochemical reactions is studied. Membranes form barriers within, and at the surface of, cells. Students consider the way in which the structure of membranes relates to the different methods by which molecules enter and leave cells and organelles. The division and subsequent specialisation of cells is studied, together with the potential for the therapeutic use of stem cells.

Module 3

Pupils study the structure and function of the transport gas exchange systems in a range of animals and terrestrial plants.

Module 4

Pupils study the biodiversity of organisms; how they are classified and the ways in which biodiversity can be measured. It serves as an introduction to ecology, emphasising practical techniques and an appreciation of the need to maintain biodiversity. The learners also gain an understanding of the variety of organisms that are pathogenic and the way in which plants and animals have evolved defences to deal with disease. The impact of the evolution of pathogens on the treatment of disease is also considered.

Through the course pupils are expected to apply knowledge, understanding and other skills developed in each module to new situations and/or to solve related problems.

Module 2: Foundations of Biology

• Cell Structure
• Biological molecules
• Nucleotides and nucleic acids
• Enzymes
• Biological Membranes
• Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation

Module 3: Exchange and transport

• Exchange surfaces
• Transport in animals
• Transport in plants

 Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease

• Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system
• Biodiversity
• Classification and evolution

 

Year 13 Biology

Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement.

Modules 5 and 6 expand upon the knowledge and skills gained through studying modules 2 – 4.

It is important that organisms, both plants and animals are able to respond to stimuli. This is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Both systems are covered in detail in module 5. Communication is also fundamental to homeostasis with control of temperature, blood sugar and blood water potential being studied as examples. The biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration are considered, with an emphasis on the formation and use of ATP as the source of energy for biochemical processes and synthesis of biological molecules.

Module 6 covers the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered. Some of the practical techniques used to manipulate DNA such as sequencing and amplification are considered and their therapeutic medical use. The use of microorganisms in biotechnology is also covered. Both of these have associated ethical considerations and it is important that students develop a balanced understanding of such issues. Pupils gain an appreciation of the role of microorganisms in recycling materials within the environment and maintaining balance within ecosystems. The need to conserve environmental resources in a sustainable fashion is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population. Students also consider the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and biodiversity.

Throughout the modules pupils are expected to apply knowledge, understanding and other skills developed to new situations and/or to solve related problems.

Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy

• Communication and homeostasis
• Excretion as an example of homeostatic control
• Neuronal communication
• Hormonal communication
• Plant and animal responses
• Photosynthesis
• Respiration

Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

• Cellular control
• Patterns of inheritance
• Manipulating genomes
• Cloning and biotechnology
• Ecosystems
• Populations and sustainability

 

Year 12 Chemistry 

Module 1

This develops the practical skills fundamental to understanding the nature of chemistry. Throughout Year 12 pupils have many opportunities to develop the skills needed to collect and analyse empirical data alongside developing skills in planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating.

Module 2

This provides learners with a knowledge and understanding of the important chemical ideas that underpin the study of A Level Chemistry. The importance of these basic chemical concepts is seen as a prerequisite for all further chemistry modules. This module allows learners to develop important quantitative techniques involved in measuring masses, gas and solution volumes, including use of volumetric apparatus.

Module 3

This covers inorganic and physical chemistry, the applications of energy use to everyday life and industrial processes, and current environmental concerns associated with sustainability. This module provides learners with a knowledge and understanding of the important chemical ideas that underpin the study of inorganic and physical chemistry and allows learners to develop important qualitative practical skills, especially observational skills required for analysis, and accurate quantitative techniques involved in determination of energy changes and reaction rates.

Module 4

This introduces organic chemistry and its important applications to everyday life, including current environmental concerns associated with sustainability. The module provides learners with a knowledge and understanding of the important chemical ideas that underpin the study of organic chemistry. This module also provides learners with an opportunity to develop important organic practical skills, including use of Quickfit apparatus for distillation, heating under reflux and purification of organic liquids. In the context of this module, it is important that learners should appreciate the need to consider responsible use of organic chemicals in the environment. Current trends in this context include reducing demand for hydrocarbon fuels, processing plastic waste productively, and preventing use of ozone-depleting chemicals.

Module 1:  Development of practical skills

• Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation

Module 2:  Foundations in chemistry

• Atoms, compounds, molecules and equations
• Amount of substance
• Acid–base and redox reactions
• Electrons, bonding and structure

Module 3:  Periodic table and energy

• The periodic table and periodicity
• Group 2 and the halogens
• Qualitative analysis
• Enthalpy changes
• Reaction rates and
• equilibrium (qualitative)

Module 4:  Core organic chemistry

• Basic concepts
• Hydrocarbons
• Alcohols and haloalkanes
• Organic synthesis
• Analytical techniques (IR, MS)

 

Year 13 Chemistry

Module 5

Pupils will draw on knowledge and understanding of the chemical concepts developed in Module 2: Foundations in chemistry and Module 3: Periodic table and energy. Pupils will extend the study of energy, reaction rates and equilibria, and the periodic table. Through this module learners are provided with a context for synoptic assessment and the subject content links strongly with the content encountered in Module 2.

Module 6

This requires pupils to draw on their knowledge and understanding of the chemical concepts developed in Module 2: Foundations in chemistry and Module 4: Core organic chemistry. Pupils will study several new functional groups and emphasise the importance of organic synthesis. Pupils will learn in greater detail the techniques of NMR spectroscopy and other instrumental techniques used in organic and forensic analysis.

Throughout Year 13 pupils have many opportunities to further develop the fundamental skills needed to collect and analyse empirical data alongside developing skills in planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating. There is a greater emphasis on students developing the important research and reference skills required to move onto an undergraduate level.

Module 5:  Physical chemistry and transition elements

• Reaction rates and equilibrium (quantitative)
• pH and buffers
• Enthalpy, entropy and free energy
• Redox and electrode potentials
• Transition elements.

Module 6:  Organic chemistry and analysis

• Aromatic compounds
• Carbonyl compounds
• Carboxylic acids and esters
• Nitrogen compounds
• Polymers
• Organic synthesis
• Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR).

 

Year 12 Physics

In Year 12 pupils learn how to model the motion of objects using mathematics, understand the effect forces have on objects and learn about the important connection between force and energy. They will appreciate how forces cause deformation and understand the importance of Newton’s laws of motion.

The aim of the learning is to ultimately introduce key ideas of quantum physics. Electromagnetic waves (e.g. light) have a dual nature. They exhibit both wave and particle-like behaviour. The wave–particle dual nature is also found to be characteristic of all particles (e.g. electrons).

Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Physics

• Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation are learnt through 12 key practicals

Module 2: Foundations of Physics

• Physical quantities and units
• Scalars and vectors

Module 3: Forces and Motion

• Motion
• Forces in action
• Work, energy and power
• Materials
• Newton’s laws of motion and momentum

Module 4: Electrons, Waves and Photons

• Charge and current
• Energy, power and resistance
• Electrical circuits
• Waves
• Quantum physics

 

Year 13 Physics

Pupils examine the impact of Newtonian mechanics on physics. The microscopic motion of atoms can be modelled using Newton’s laws and hence provide us with an understanding of macroscopic quantities such as pressure and temperature. Newton’s law of gravitation can be used to predict the motion of planets and distant galaxies. Pupils will explore the intricacies of stars and the expansion of the Universe by analysing the electromagnetic radiation from space. Learners will also study capacitors, electric field, electromagnetism, nuclear physics, particle physics and medical imaging.

Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics

• Thermal physics
• Circular motion
• Oscillations
• Gravitational fields
• Astrophysics

Module 6: Particles and Medical Physics

• Capacitors
• Electric fields
• Electromagnetism
• Nuclear and particle physics
• Medical imaging

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEAR 12 BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Science

 

Overview/core aims for the year:

Over the first year of the course students will study Unit 1: The Principles and Application of Science. These are the foundations of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which are examined through external exams at the end of the year. Students study the Periodic table and chemical analysis; wave properties and the electromagnetic spectrum; cells and chromatography.

Unit 1 gives students the knowledge and understanding that underpins progression in the science sector and on to science higher nationals and undergraduate degrees.

Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques: through internal assignments written as large scientific papers, students focus on practical analysis techniques in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as reflecting on the skills they have learnt throughout the year. Students are engaged in carrying out practical work, discussing the quality of their results and presenting their findings during almost every teaching session. Students learn to follow standard procedures and methods and are trained in the correct way to carry out techniques. Students reflect on work and compare results with each other and with the correct values. Students learn to identify which measurements need to be exceptionally accurate and to justify conclusions about the main sources of error in all the practical work undertaken, in a way that is specific to the task.

 

Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 12:

 

Chemistry:

• Atomic structure
• Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding and properties
• Intermolecular forces
• Balancing equations and formulae
• Moles and mass calculations
• Structure of the periodic table
• Trends in the periodic table
• Reactions and reactivity; REDOX
• Titrations/colorimetry

 

Physics:

• Wave properties
• Waves and communication
• Electromagnetic spectrum
• Calorimetry

 

Biology:

• Cells – plant and animal
• Specialised cells
• Tissues – muscles; tissue types
• Action potential in neurones
• Neurotransmitters
• Chromatography

 

 

Year 13 BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Science

 

Overview/core aims for the year:

Students study Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills and Unit 8 Physiology of Human Body Systems.

Much of Unit 3 involves practical work and in all 5 topics students have the opportunity to carry out at least one scientific investigation.

 

Physiology – the study of the physical and chemical systems in the human body – is a fascinating topic studied in Unit 8. Many students looking for a career in nursing, medical, sports or veterinary sciences will be interested and excited by the topics in this unit (musculoskeletal, lymphatic and digestive), how the systems function and what occurs when disease or dysfunction affects the systems.

 

Core knowledge to be learnt in Year 13:

Unit 3:

• Enzymes in action
• Diffusion of molecules
• Plants and their environment
• Energy content of fuels
• Electrical circuits

 

Unit 8:

• Musculoskeletal system
• Lymphatic system
• Digestive System