Content

Key Stage 3 Science is taught as a combined Science course in Year 7 and Year 8. Students study topics from each of the three scientific disciplines. In Year 9 the students transition to having separate science lessons with specialist teachers in preparation for starting their GCSE courses. 

Our Key Stage 3 course follows the Key Stage 3 Science National Curriculum content, please click here for more information.

Year 7 Topics

• Forces
• Electricity
• Energy
• Waves
• Particles
• Compounds and Mixtures
• Earth
• Movement and Cells
• Interdependence and Plant Reproduction
• Variation and Human Reproduction

Year 8 Topics

• Forces
• Magnetism and Electromagnetism
• Energy
• Waves
• Matter
• Reactions
• Earth
• Breathing and Digestion
• Respiration and Photosynthesis
• Evolution and Inheritance

Year 9 Topics

• Cells and organs
• Digestion and enzymes
• Photosynthesis and respiration
• Inheritance and reproduction
• Ecology

In Year 9 Biology lessons, students will study a range of topics which review and build on KS3 knowledge and prepare them to begin GCSE Biology. There are opportunities for developing problem solving skills, scientific literacy and scientific application of maths skills. Students will also advance their practical skills through a range of practical activities, including the use of microscopes and completion of a heart dissection. 

Assessment, Marking and Feedback 

Students are continuously assessed by their teachers during a range of activities but their progress is formally monitored using end of topic tests and the end of year exam, marked using common mark schemes.

Feedback has its main focus on science learning objectives and outcomes since our aim is to improve performance in Science. We aim to be positive, developmental (showing the student how to improve further) and specific.

We assess targeted pieces of work (either class or homework but not notes), focussed on difficult concepts, open-ended or challenging activities or data analysis. Self and peer assessment are used to review straightforward tasks.

Content 

1. Cell Biology
2. Organisation
3. Infection and response
4. Bioenergetics
5. Homeostasis and response
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution
7. Ecology

The GCSE specification in Biology should enable students to:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of Biology
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Biology through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, enquiry and problem-solving skills, both in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
• develop their ability to evaluate claims based on Biology through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives:

• AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas; scientific techniques and procedures.
• AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas; scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures.
• AO3: Analyse information and ideas to: interpret and evaluate; make judgements and draw conclusions; develop and improve experimental procedures.

Assessment, Marking and Feedback 

Students are assessed by means of regular end of topic tests based on past exam questions. The tests are marked using official mark schemes, which are shown to students during the review process. These tests are assessed against GCSE standards and used to inform students and parents on academic standards. These tests allow the identification of areas for improvement. During each topic students are given similar past exam questions to develop their skills. Official mark schemes are again shown in order to enhance student understanding of the depth and accuracy required. Feedback on reviewed work will be either written or oral and focuses on improving student understanding, correcting common misconceptions and training students to develop more complex and complete exam answers.

Specification

Please click here for the AQA GCSE Biology specification

Content 

1. Biological molecules
2. Cells
3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
5. Energy transfers in and between organisms
6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
8. The control of gene expression

The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives:

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures

AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:

• in a theoretical context
• in a practical context
• when handling qualitative data
• when handling quantitative data

AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:

• make judgements and reach conclusions
• develop and refine practical design and procedures.

Assessment, Marking and Feedback 

Students are assessed by means of regular end of topic tests based on past exam questions. The tests are marked using official mark schemes, which are shown to students during the review process. These tests are assessed against A Level standards and used to inform students and parents on academic standards. These tests allow the identification of areas for improvement. During each topic, students are given question packs containing similar past exam questions to develop their skills. Official mark schemes are again shown in order to enhance student understanding of the depth and accuracy required.

Feedback will be either written or oral and focuses on improving student understanding, correcting common misconceptions and training students to develop more complex and complete exam answers.

Specification 

Please click here for the AQA A Level Biology specification

Past papers

Please click here  for the AQA GCSE Biology past papers and mark schemes 

Please click here for the AQA A Level Biology past papers and mark schemes

Potential careers

Amongst a wide range of careers accessible with a biological degree, students could consider:

Biochemistry, Botany, Forensic Science, Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Ecology and the Environment, Landscaping,Physiotherapy, Environmental Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Teaching, Research Scientist, Physician Associate, Science writer

Clubs 

https://www.highworth.kent.sch.uk/332/extracurricular/category/43/biology 

Trips and visits

A Level Biology trip to Brockhill Country Park where students will complete one of the practical assignments of the course. The trip is provided by the school and features stream dipping and meadow sampling in the open expanse of the park.