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Science

'The Science Department aims to deliver tailored learning for all of our students. Our schemes of learning are designed to develop an interest and curiosity in Science that makes students want to understand the world around them.  Students will develop practical skills that help them to understand the nature of scientific enquiry and allow them to make informed choices about information they are presented with. ' 

Mrs R Adams, Head of Science

‘A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.’ Adapted from National Curriculum, DfE, 2015.

The Howden School curriculum for science aims to ensure that all students:

  • Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
  • Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
  • Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future and develop an interest and curiosity about science and careers in science
  • Can review evidence, make informed choices, and articulate their knowledge and skills

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Year Autumn Spring Summer
7

Biology: Cells and organisation 

Chemistry: Particles, substances and mixtures  

Physics: Fundamentals 

 

Biology: Organ systems 

Chemistry: Chemical changes  

Physics: Sound and light 

Biology: Life cycles  

Chemistry: Materials 

8

Biology: The Body 

Chemistry: Chemical formulae 

Physics: Electricity 

 

Biology: Healthy Living

Chemistry: Development of the Periodic Table 

Physics: Waves 

Biology: Bioenergetics 

Chemistry: Materials / rock cycle 

Physics: Magnetism 

9

Biology: Cells and communicable diseases 

Chemistry: Atomic structure and the Periodic Table 

Physics: Energy I and particles 

 

Biology: Supplying the cell and body systems 

Chemistry: What is it made of? 

Physics: Electricity and magnetism

Chemistry: The Earth’s atmosphere 

Physics: Forces I 

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Year Autumn Spring Summer
10

Biology: Plants, animal health and respiration 

Chemistry: Structures and bonding 

Physics: Energy and particles 2, Electricity and magnetism 

 

Biology: Biotechnology 

Chemistry: Chemical changes 

Physics: Atomic structure 

Biology: Evolution, Ecology 

Chemistry: Extraction of metals  

Physics: Forces 2, Waves 1
11

Biology: Ecology 

Chemistry: Organic chemistry,  Chemical analysis 

Physics: Forces and motion, Waves 2 

 

Biology: Homeostasis and response 

Chemistry: Chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere, Using the Earth’s resources 

Physics: Magnetism and electromagnetism 
Revision