Science

Curriculum Intent

At Peacehaven Community School, our science curriculum is an integral part of our vision to provide an outstanding education that nurtures curiosity, ambition, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Our commitment to inclusivity and resilience ensures that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen scientific disciplines and positively influence the world around them.

Our students are inspired to believe in their abilities, as we immerse them in a stimulating learning environment filled with awe and wonder. Through the development of scientific thinking, our students cultivate a deep understanding of core scientific concepts, challenging misconceptions of various scientific principles. This fosters a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of scientific phenomena within our students. We empower our students to be future leaders and innovators that can contribute to scientific advancements that will shape the future of our world.

Our Science curriculum drives our vision by promoting active contribution and preparing students for a diverse range of careers that positively impact society, from environmental science to biotechnology. Our hands-on approach to teaching develops practical skills, data analysis, and scientific communication, ultimately empowering our students to achieve excellence and contribute meaningfully to their community.

Lisa Murray - Head of Science - lisa.murray@swale.at

KS3

At KS3 in Science out students all follow the same pathway that is centred around the following core concepts of science; living organisms, ecosystems, matter, chemical reactions, forces and motion, energy, earth science & working scientifically.

Students have four lessons a week and regularly revisit each concept where they can recap their knowledge, address misconceptions and build upon their previous knowledge.

Year 7

In terms 1&2 students will be looking at;

The science lab & practical work
Cells and microscopes
Particles and states of matter
An introduction to forces.

In terms 3&4 students will be looking at;

The structure and function of body systems
Elements, atoms and compounds
Sound
Chemical Reactions

In terms 5&6 students will be looking at;

Reproduction
Light
Space
Acids & Alkalis

Medium Term Plans
Term 3
Particles
Forces
Term 4
Sound
Reactions

Year 8

In terms 1&2 students will be looking at;

Working scientifically (science practical skills)
Anatomy & Gas Exchange
Sound waves
Separation Techniques

In terms 3&4 students will be looking at;

Puberty and Menstruation
Light
Nutrition & Digestion
The Periodic Table

In terms 5&6 students will be looking at;

Photosynthesis
An overview of what they have learnt over the year
Exploring outdoor investigative skills

Medium Term Plans
Term 3
Energy
Seperating Techniques
Term 4
Metal & Acids
Adaptation

Year 9

In terms 1&2 students will be looking at;

Atoms
Forces & Motions
Electricity & Magnetism
Earth Sciences

In terms 3&4 students will ....

Genetics
Atoms
An introduction to biology, chemistry and physics at GCSE

In terms 5&6 students will …

B1. Cell Level Systems (GCSE)
C1. Particles (GCSE

Medium Term Plans
Term 4
Ecosystem Processes
Electricity and Magnetism

KS4

At KS4 we follow the OCR Gateway specification. Most students will do combined science and leave with two GCSEs, some students may do triple science and leave with three separate GCSEs. Those following combined science will have 5 lessons a week, and those doing triple will have 7 lessons a week.

Combined Specification; https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/234596-specification-accredited-gcse-gateway-science-suite-combined-science-a-j250.pdf

Biology Specification (Triple science); https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/234594-specification-accredited-gcse-gateway-science-suite-biology-a-j247.pdf

Chemistry Specification (Triple science);

https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/234598-specification-accredited-gcse-gateway-science-suite-chemistry-a-j248.pdf

Physics Specification (Triple Science);

https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/234600-specification-accredited-gcse-gateway-science-suite-physics-a-j249.pdf