The key stage 4 curriculum is taught in distinct specialisms, building on the substantive and disciplinary knowledge mastered at key stage 3. The curriculum pathways at key stage 4 are inclusive and designed to account for the needs of all students. At GCSE students will study all the parts of what good Science is, whether it be investigating, observing, experimenting, or testing out ideas and thinking about them. The way scientific ideas flow through the curriculum will support them in building a deep understanding of science. This will involve talking about, reading, and writing about science plus the actual doing, as well as representing Science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models. Students will be encouraged and supported in the development of scientific thinking; experimental skills and strategies; and analysis and evaluation of scientific data. 

GCSE Biology 

In GCSE Biology students will learn how the development of stem cell technology allows doctors to repair damaged organs by growing new tissue. How the population can reduce their risk of coronary heart disease through improved diet and lifestyle; and the surgical techniques used if preventative measures are unsuccessful. How vaccine development has enhanced our bodies to protect against unusual or dangerous diseases.  How plants harness the Sun’s energy and why this is vital for all life on Earth.  How our knowledge of hormones has developed treatments for infertility and diabetes. How species evolve and how we have utilised this knowledge to enhance selective breeding techniques.  Why cloning and genetic modification remain highly controversial even though they have huge potential benefits in medical science. How humans are threatening biodiversity and the actions needed to ensure our future health, prosperity, and well-being. 

GCSE Chemistry  

In GCSE Chemistry student will learn how scientists use knowledge of structure and bonding to engineer new materials with desirable properties and how these materials may offer new applications in a range of different technologies. How chemists use quantitative analysis to determine the purity of chemical samples and to monitor the yield from chemical reactions. How in industry, chemists and chemical engineers can determine the optimal conditions needed to make a chemical product. How chemists can take organic molecules and make new and useful materials such as polymers, pharmaceuticals, perfumes and flavourings, dyes, and detergents.  How the development of instrumental methods has provided an accurate means of analysing chemicals and how forensic scientists and drug control scientists rely on these methods in their work. How scientists and engineers have developed solutions that help to reduce air pollutants and the impact of human activity on the Earth. How chemists operate sustainably to minimise the use of limited resources, use of energy, waste, and environmental impact in the manufacture of these products.  

 GCSE Physics  

In GCSE Physics students will learn why the use of fossil fuels and global warming are critical problems for this century. How Physicists and engineers are working hard to identify ways to reduce our energy usage. How our continued demand for all things electrical means building power stations that promise a sustainable future.  How engineers use physics when designing vessels to withstand high pressures and temperatures, such as submarines and spacecraft. Why radioactive materials are hazardous and how today they are used widely in medicine, industry, agriculture, and electrical power generation. How engineers analyse forces when designing a great variety of machines and instruments, from road bridges and fairground rides to atomic force microscopes. How modern technologies such as imaging and communication systems can make the most of electromagnetic waves. How electromagnetism works and how and engineers have taken advantage of this to develop a wide range of applications. Separate Physicists will also study the structure of the universe and what is causing the universe to expand. 

Key Stage 4 Combined Science

Year 10 Separate Science

Key Stage 4 Combined Science

Key Stage 4 Separate Science