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.
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.
AQA GCSE Science Trilogy (Double Science)
AQA GCSE Science Trilogy is a combined science course, covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in a balanced way. It results in two GCSEs, providing a broad overview of all three sciences. This option is ideal for students who want a general foundation in science without focusing deeply on each subject individually.
Biology Content
1. Cell Biology
2. Organisation
3. Infection and response
4. Bioenergetics
5. Homeostasis and response
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution
7. Ecology
Chemistry Content
1. Atomic structure and the periodic table
2. Bonding structure, and the properties of matter
3. Quantitative chemistry
4. Chemical changes
5. Energy changes
6. The rate and extent of chemical change
7. Organic chemistry
8. Chemical analysis
9. Chemistry of the atmosphere
10. Using resources
Physics Content
1. Energy
2. Electricity
3. Particle model of matter
4. Atomic structure
5. Forces
6. Waves
7. Magnetism and Electromagnetism
AQA GCSE Separate Sciences, also known as Triple Science, allows students to study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as individual subjects, earning three separate GCSEs (one for each science). This option offers a more in-depth understanding of each subject, making it suitable for students with a strong interest in science or those considering further studies in the field.
Step into the world of AQA GCSE Biology, where you’ll delve into the intricate science of living organisms! This course offers a comprehensive exploration of key biological concepts, from the structure and function of cells to the complexities of ecosystems and human physiology. You'll investigate genetics, evolution, and the vital processes that sustain life. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, AQA GCSE Biology will equip you with a deep understanding of the natural world and prepare you for further studies or careers in science. Get ready to unlock the secrets of life and the living world around us!
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.
Cell biology
Organisation
Infection and response
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis and response
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Ecology
Key ideas
Activities of interest include hunting for tardigrades, astro-farming 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.
AQA GCSE Separate Sciences, also known as Triple Science, allows students to study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as individual subjects, earning three separate GCSEs (one for each science). This option offers a more in-depth understanding of each subject, making it suitable for students with a strong interest in science or those considering further studies in the field.
Embark on a journey through the captivating world of AQA GCSE Chemistry! This course offers a deep dive into the science of matter, exploring everything from the fundamental principles of atoms and molecules to the complexities of chemical reactions and energy changes. You'll study the periodic table, chemical bonding, and the real-world applications of chemistry in industry and everyday life. With a blend of theoretical insights and practical experiments, AQA GCSE Chemistry will help you understand the building blocks of our universe and prepare you for future scientific endeavors. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of matter and chemistry!
Scientists represent the school each year at the annual UK Chemistry Olympiad (RSC) and we have many opportunities for students to work on project based learning and competitions through our STEM expansive curriculum.
1. Atomic structure and the periodic table
2. Bonding, structure and the properties of matter
3. Quantitative chemistry
4. Chemical changes
5. Energy changes
6. The rate and extent of chemical change
7. Organic chemistry
8. Chemical analysis
9. Chemistry of the atmosphere
10. Using resources
Activities of interest include hunting for tardigrades, astro-farming 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.
AQA GCSE Separate Sciences, also known as Triple Science, allows students to study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as individual subjects, earning three separate GCSEs (one for each science). This option offers a more in-depth understanding of each subject, making it suitable for students with a strong interest in science or those considering further studies in the field.
Dive into the fascinating realm of AQA GCSE Physics, where you'll explore the fundamental principles that govern the physical world! This course covers a wide range of topics, from the forces and energy that shape our universe to the intricacies of waves, electricity, and magnetism. You'll investigate how these concepts apply to real-world phenomena and technological advancements. With a focus on both theoretical understanding and practical experimentation, AQA GCSE Physics will deepen your knowledge of how the universe works and prepare you for future studies or careers in science and engineering. Get ready to experience the wonder of physics and unlock the secrets of the physical world!
Scientists represent the school each year at the annual UK Physics Olympiad (BPhO) and we have many opportunities for students to work on project based learning and competitions through our STEM expansive curriculum.
Energy
Electricity
Particle Model of Matter
Atomic Structure
Forces
Waves
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Space Physics (for triple scientists only)
Activities of interest include hunting for tardigrades, astro-farming 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.
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.
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.
GCSE Grade 6 or equivalent in Biology; or Grade 6|6 in GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) or equivalent; and GCSE Grade 5 in Mathematics or equivalent.
Required for Medicine (and most Medicine-related courses) and Bio-science courses at university, along with Chemistry and often Mathematics.
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. Students are offered opportunities to attend lectures and to participate in National competitions including Olympiads.
A-Level Chemistry attempts to answer the big question ‘what is the world made of’ and it’s the search for this answer that makes this subject so fascinating. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that chemistry provides are endless.
Students will gain a thorough understanding of physical, inorganic and organic topics throughout the Chemistry A-Level. A-level Chemistry subject content is divided into the following core topics:
Year 12
Physical chemistry: Atomic structure, Amount of substance, Bonding, Energetics, Kinetics, Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc, Oxidation, reduction and redox equations. Inorganic chemistry: Periodicity, Group 2, Group 7. Organic chemistry: Introduction to organic chemistry, Alkanes, Halogenoalkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols, Organic analysis. Also in Year 12 students complete six required Practicals. These will be assessed in the exams.
Year 13
All of the above in addition to the following topics: Physical chemistry: Thermodynamics, Acids and bases, Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells, Rate equations, Equilibrium constant Kp. Inorganic chemistry: Transition metals, Reactions of ions in aqueous solution, Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides. Organic chemistry: Optical isomerism, Aldehydes and ketones, Carboxylic acids and derivatives, Aromatic chemistry, Amines, Polymers, Amino acids, proteins and DNA, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Chromatography, Organic synthesis.
Also in Year 13 students complete six required Practicals. These will be assessed in the exams and provide the evidence for the Practical Endorsement.
There is a strong emphasis placed in our lessons on working scientifically which is a key component in the A-Level specifications. Students will spend an almost equal amount of time on written tasks and practical application. Science lessons involve students actively constructing their learning, often via practical activities in our fully equipped chemistry.
GCSE Grade 6 or equivalent in Chemistry; or Grade 6|6 in GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) or equivalent; and GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics or equivalent.
Required for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering courses at university (with P{hysics and Mathematics). Also required for most Medicine courses along with Biology.
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 Grade 6 or equivalent in Physics; or Grade 6|6 in GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) or equivalent; and GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics or equivalent.
Required for Physics and Engineering courses at university. Physics and Engineering courses at Russell Group universities also require Further Mathematics.
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.
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.
Skill Development: Students build practical, mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills while developing self-management and teamwork abilities.
Real-World Application: Activities and scenarios reflect the challenges of scientific careers, preparing students for professional environments.
Progression Pathways: The qualification supports progression to university courses such as biology, geography, business, sport science, and more when combined with other Level 3 qualifications.
This course develops key employability and academic skills, including:
Independent learning and research techniques.
Presentation and communication skills for group and individual tasks.
The ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.
Preparation for degree programs with vocational and theoretical expertise.
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.
