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Introduction

At Tabor Academy we strive to create an exciting and engaging Science Curriculum for all our students. Students in KS3 and 4 study Science, with a clear focus on the components of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The faculty is staffed by dedicated teachers, who develop and create fun, interactive and practical lessons and activities.

Science is brought to life with the outstanding facilities, resources and modern laboratories, including easy access to open spaces for outdoor learning opportunities. Students in Year 7 and 8 study the KS3 Curriculum from Collins, based on the AQA syllabus that covers key concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics – this supports their learning journey towards KS4.          

In years 9-11, students work towards GCSEs in Science. The new KS4 syllabus allows for a route to 3 GCSEs; one in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Triple Science) or two GCSE grades based on an overall performance in Biology, Physics and Chemistry (Trilogy). Good GCSE grades may enable a student to study A-Level Sciences in Year 12 and 13.

Aims

  • Develop a positive attitude towards the world of Science.
  • Achieve highly through an enjoyable learning experience.
  • Develop an understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live.
  • To always ask “Why?”
  • Develop teamworking and practical skills.

 

 

Biology Learning Journey

Biology Learning Journey Tabor

Chemistry Learning Journey

Chemistry Learning Journey Tabor

Physics Learning Journey

Physics Learning Journey Tabor

KS3

Overview of Curriculum/SOW

The Key Stage 3 National Curriculum develops scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry & Physics. In Year 7 and 8, students acquire an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through scientific enquiry. This equips students with key skills for the implications of Science, today and for the future.

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Biology –

Movement and Cells.

Variation and human reproduction

Interdependence and plant reproduction

Biology –

Breathing and digestion.

Respiration and Photosynthesis

Evolution and inheritance

Biology –

Cell Biology.

Organisation

Infection and response.

Bioenergetics

 

Chemistry –

Particle Model and Separating mixtures.

Earth structure and the Universe.

Acids and alkalis, metals and non-metals.

Chemistry –

Periodic Table and elements

Climate and Earth Resources.

Chemical Energy and types of reaction

Chemistry –

Atoms and the

Periodic Table.

Bonding, structure and the properties of matter.

Chemical changes

Rate and extent of chemical change.

Physics –

Voltage, resistance and current.

Speed and Gravity.

Sound and Light.

Energy costs and energy Transfer

Physics –

Magnetism and Electromagnetism.

Contact Forces and Pressure

Wave effects and wave properties.

Work and Heating and cooling.

Physics –

Energy.

Electricity.

The particle model of matter

 

 

KS4

At GCSE, students have the opportunity to study through a number of learning routes – Separate sciences and Core and/or Additional Science.

Trilogy Science

Year 10

Year 11

Biology –

Homeostasis

Inheritance and selection

Ecology

Biology –

Exam preparation

Chemistry –

Organic Chemistry

Chemical Analysis

Energy Changes

Chemistry of the atmosphere

Chemistry –

Quantitative Chemistry

Using resources

Exam preparation

Physics -

Atomic Structure

Forces

Waves

Physics - 

Magnetism and Electromagnetism.

Exam preparation

Triple  Science

Year 10

Year 11

Biology –

Homeostasis

Inheritance and selection

Ecology

Biology –

Exam preparation

Chemistry –

Organic Chemistry

Chemical Analysis

Energy Changes

Quantitative Chemistry

Chemistry of the atmosphere#

Using Resources

Chemistry –

Exam preparation

Physics –

Atomic Structure

Forces

Waves

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Space Physics.

Physics –

Exam preparation

 

 

GCSE Results 2023

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving:

  • Combined Science - 52.5%
  • Biology - 84.4%
  • Chemistry - 78.1%
  • Physics - 77.4%

GCSE Results 2022

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving:

  • Combined Science - 52.9%
  • Biology - 100%
  • Chemistry - 93.3%
  • Physics - 93.3%

GCSE Results 2021

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving:

  • Trilogy Science - 68%
  • Biology - 96%
  • Chemistry - 96%
  • Physics - 96%

Supporting Students outside the Classroom

  • Youtube – Primrose kitten and Free Science Lessons
  • BBC Bitesize
  • Seneca Learning
  • Google Classroom

Equipment

  • Pens
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Protractor
  • Scientific Calculator

Extra-Curricular

Science Clinic – GCSE support sessions run by Mr Hughes on selected lunchtimes.

After School Science revision run by all members of the Science team.

Career links

  • Health related careers including Nursing, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Doctor, Dentist, Midwife, Paramedic, Operating Department Technician and Pharmacist
  • Careers related to animals and the environment, including Conservation,
  • Farming, Gardening, Vet, Veterinary Nursing, Pet Shop Assistant, Kennel Worker, Groom
  • Engineering
  • Teaching
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Mechanic

Useful links