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. Students experience a range of extracurricular experiences through our DEEP learning days, including working with the RAF, The Bloodhound Race for the Line Project and Plant Raisers. We hope to continue building relationships with local businesses to help students identify how a good understanding of Science can help them to succeed in a range of jobs and careers.'
Mrs. R. Adams, Head of Science
KEY STAGE 3
Students follow a Key Stage 3 scheme of learning that has been developed by the Science Department at Howden School. The content is based upon the National Curriculum, covering a wide range of topics across the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We firmly believe that students learn more effectively when lessons are set in context. Each of our schemes helps students to discover how Science works, through investigation and research linked to their lives. The course aims to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to provide a strong foundation for GCSE studies.
KEY STAGE 4
Students will begin their GCSE studies during their time in year 9. Students taking the Trilogy route will begin GCSE work after Easter, students studying Separate Sciences will begin GCSE studies after Christmas.
We follow the specifications for the AQA exam board and all students will take 6 exams at the end of Year 11. Diagrams of the course structure are provided below.
The Combined Science option is compulsory study. It prepares students well for post- 16 courses, including A Levels. It is also a desirable qualification for many vocational and work related learning opportunities.
The Separate Sciences cover a larger amount of subject content than the Combined Science Trilogy course. This pathway is suitable for students who work well independently, are motivated to learn and prepare thoroughly for exams. Students who take Separate Sciences may have ambitions to follow Science related degree courses.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
Students begin Year 7 with an introduction to practical work and lab safety. They then study the following topics:
| Topic Title | Science content covered |
| All About You | Cells, tissues, organs, reproduction |
| Modelling | Particles, physical and chemical changes |
| Energy MATTERS | Energy |
| Extreme Sports | Forces |
| Catastrophe! | Rocks, weathering |
| Ecological Disaster | Using resources, classification, adaptation |
Revision for end of topic tests will be set on Doddle :
https://www.doddlelearn.co.uk/app/login.
The following website may also be useful for revision:
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p BBC Bitesize KS3
Year 8
Students study the following topics in Year 8:
| Topic Title | Science content covered |
| Forensics | Atoms, elements, periodic table |
| In the Kitchen | Heat energy transfers, acids and alkalis |
| Olympic Dreams | Energy resources, light, sound |
| I’m a Biologist | Sampling, interdependence |
| Space Exploration | Space, magnetism |
| Athletes Camp | Microbes, health and fitness, respiration and circulation |
Revision for end of topic tests will be set on Doddle:
https://www.doddlelearn.co.uk/app/login
The following website may also be useful for revision:
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p BBC Bitesize KS3
Key Stage 4
Year 9
Students study the following transition units before moving on to GCSE studies:
| Topic Title | Science content covered |
| Old McDonald | Photosynthesis |
| Final Frontier | Digestion, disease, space travel |
| Grand Designs | Energy, insulation, materials |
| Forces and Engineering | Speed, levers, moments, pressure |
| Recipe of Life | Genes, chromosomes, DNA |
Revision for end of topic tests will be set on Doddle:
https://www.doddlelearn.co.uk/app/login
The following website may also be useful for revision:
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p BBC Bitesize KS3
Once students begin their GCSE studies they will study the following Chemistry topics:
| Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table |
| Bonding, Structure and Properties of Matter |
| Quantitative Chemistry |
| Chemical Changes |
| Energy Changes |
Year 10
Current Year 10
Students study the following topics from the AQA specifications:
| Cell Biology |
| Organisation |
| Infection and Response |
| Bioenergetics |
| Particle Model of Matter |
| Energy and Energy Resources |
| Waves and Optics |
| Electricity |
| Homeostasis and Response |
| Inheritance, Variation and Evolution |
| Ecology |
Year 11
Current Year 11
Students study the following topics from the AQA specifications:
| Homeostasis and Response |
| Inheritance, Variation and Evolution |
| Ecology |
| Organic Chemistry |
| Chemical Analysis |
| Chemistry of the Atmosphere |
| Using Resources |
| Forces, Motion and Pressure |
| Waves |
| Magnetism and Electromagnetism |
| Space (Physics Separate Science only) |
Useful Links - KS4 Revision
COMBINED SCIENCE TRILOGY
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/z8r997h BBC Bitesize Trilogy
SEPARATE SCIENCES
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/zpgcbk7 BBC Bitesize Biology
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/z8xtmnb BBC Bitesize Revision Chemistry
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/zsc9rdm BBC Bitesize Revision Physics
BOTH SEPARATE AND COMBINED SCIENCES
https://www.doddlelearn.co.uk/app/login Doddle
http://freesciencelessons.co.uk/ Free Science Lessons – video tutorials for every aspect of the AQA Science specification. Ideal for revision or catching up on work missed due to absence.
https://www.primrosekitten.com/ Primrose Kitten – video tutorials for every aspect of the AQA Science specification. Excellent advice on exam technique and managing workloads.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-TM-z1-tmX1iK_H4SxVhww/videos Malmesbury Science required practicals videos. This school has produced videos of all the required practicals you are expected to have done while studying for your GCSE. Excellent for revision/ catchup.
APPS
Using apps on mobile devices and tables is also really helpful. Our students have recommended the apps below:
The BBC Bitesize app contains subject information, flashcards and exam questions as well as exam top tips.
The Get Revising app is brilliant for helping you organise your time before the exams. Enter your exam dates, plan revision and use their revision materials and tips.
