Summary
At Kingsley, the first two years of senior school science are pivotal in establishing a strong foundation for students as they progress to their certificated courses in Year 9. Our Key Stage 3 science curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity about the natural world while equipping students with essential scientific skills and knowledge. Through engaging lessons, practical experiments, and interdisciplinary connections, students gain confidence and develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts.
Course Details
Our science curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum aims and is delivered using the highly regarded Exploring Science: Working Scientifically program, which ensures that all students can:
Key features of the course include:
Inside the Classroom
To support effective learning, students are taught in groups that reflect their needs. Those who find science more challenging benefit from smaller class sizes, allowing for a steady pace and additional opportunities to consolidate their understanding.
Lessons are varied and engaging, incorporating:
Students are encouraged to participate actively in class discussions, group work, and independent study, building the confidence and skills they need to become successful, lifelong learners of science.
Our aim is to inspire students to see the relevance of science in their everyday lives and to prepare them for the exciting challenges of their next educational steps. At Kingsley, science is more than a subject; it’s a journey of discovery and empowerment.
There is a strong emphasis placed in our lessons on project based learning and working scientifically which is a key component in the GCSE specifications. Science lessons involve students actively participating in their learning, often via practical activities. Developing our students’ analytical skills will benefit their subject understanding and they can apply these skills in their future studies.
Scientists represent the school each year at the annual UK Biology Olympiad (UKBC) and we have many opportunities for students to work on project based learning and competitions through our STEM expansive curriculum. Activities of interest include hunting for tardigrades, astrofarming and analysing rock samples for signs of life. As a space education quality mark (SEQM) Gold school we work closely with STEM ambassadors such as industry leaders Krempel, who collaborate with our students on projects for European Space Agency (ESA) competitions and inspire them to study Science further.
Typical Activities
Practical experiments, project-based learning, group and pair work, individual research topics, class discussions, scientific debates and demonstrations.
There is a strong emphasis placed in our lessons on working scientifically which is a key component in the GCSE specifications. Science lessons involve students actively constructing their learning, often via practical activities. Developing our students’ analytical skills will benefit their subject understanding and they can apply these skills in their future studies.
A group of keen scientists in Year 10 represent the school at the annual Siemen’s Challenge and we take selected students to listen to eminent scientists speak at GCSE Science Live. We have invited university professors to speak to our students to inspire them to study Science further. Recent topics have been developments in stem cell research and robotics.
All three Sciences are popular choices for further study at A Level, with many of our students electing to study Science or Science-related courses at some of the top universities in the country. We follow the AQA syllabus for all our KS5 qualifications. Students are offered opportunities to attend lectures and to participate in National competitions including Olympiads.
“Life, The Universe and Everything”. Physics is the study of why everything is the way it is and how the Universe works. A level Physics begins to explore the fundamental workings of the world around us, from the particles that make up all matter to the forces involved in the Big Bang, taking in the bizarre possibilities of Quantum physics along the way.
Topic 1: Particles and radiation
Topic 2: Waves
Topic 3: Mechanics and materials
Topic 4: Electricity
Topic 5: Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
Topics 1 – 5 are taught in Year 12. Also in Year 12 students complete 6 required practicals. These will be assessed in public examinations.
Topic 6: Fields and their consequences
Topic 7: Nuclear Physics
Topic 8: Optional Topic: Astrophysics; Medical Physics; Engineering Physics; Electronics; Turing Point in Physics
Topics 6 – 9 are taught in Year 13. Also in Year 13 students complete six more required practicals. These will be assessed in public examinations.
GCSE Physics Grade 6 if studied or; Grade 66 in Combined Science; and GCSE Mathematics Grade 6.
Required for Physics and Engineering courses at university. Physics and Engineering courses at Russell Group universities also require Further Mathematics.
A-Level Biology is a very popular choice because it is a highly-respected qualification and a stepping stone to future study – a few examples being biological sciences, forensics, sport and fitness, or medicine. The course follows the AQA specification, the content of which has been approved by universities to develop skills in students that they want to see. A-Level Biology is an inspiring and experimental subject, which will nurture a passion for learning. There are twelve required practical experiments throughout the AS and A2 course, to link theory to real life. All lessons take place in the well-equipped STEM laboratories.
Year 12: AS Biology
Topic 1: Biological molecules
Topic 2: Cells
Topic 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Topic 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
AS Biology - the study of life - helps us understand the living world and the way its many species function, evolve and interact. The course covers many intriguing topics such as food testing involving biological molecules; discovering cells under the microscope; substance exchange in plants and animals with their environment, and genetic diversity and adaptation. Whilst studying the course, students will acquire a wealth of transferable STEM skills such as researching, problem-solving and critical thinking. Advancements in Biology learning has hugely influenced how the world is today – so take your first step at making an impact in the wider world by choosing AS Biology.
Year 13: A2 Biology
Topic 5: Energy transfer in and between organisms
Topic 6: Organisms respond to changes in their environment
Topic 7: Genetics, populations, evolution, and ecosystems
Topic 8: The control of gene expression
A2 Biology builds upon the skills learnt in AS and will provide students with a deep understanding of complex scientific phenomena. Students will learn a further four exciting topics including an in-depth study of photosynthesis and respiration; how plants and animals react to changes in their environment; inheritance and the role of variation in natural selection, and how scientists can manipulate genes to improve the lives of those with medical conditions. A2 students will write a synoptic essay as part of one of their exams. This is a fantastic pre-cursor to self-study and scientific essay writing at university.
Typical Activities
Expect a minimum of 12 required practical experiments over AS and A2, group and pair work, individual research topics, class discussions, demonstrations, and an ecology field trip.
Key Stage 5 Applied Science: BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
Equipping students with practical skills, scientific knowledge, and transferable abilities for future education and careers.
The BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Science provides students with a dynamic, hands-on approach to learning, integrating scientific theory with practical application. Designed in collaboration with employers, universities, and professional bodies, this qualification ensures students gain the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to succeed in higher education and the workplace.
Students will study two mandatory units:
The course emphasizes applied learning, allowing students to perform vocational tasks that combine scientific understanding with practical and technical skills. Students will engage in tasks that promote communication, teamwork, and research—preparing them for higher education or employment in applied science or related fields.
Assessment
The qualification uses a blend of assessment types to suit its vocational nature:
Grading scales range from Distinction (D) to Pass (P), with UCAS Tariff points awarded for successful completion.
Course Features
Benefits for Learners
This course develops key employability and academic skills, including:
By fostering curiosity and resilience, the BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Science helps students become confident, capable scientists, equipped for higher education or employment in STEM fields.
