Science
From un-ravelling the DNA to leaving footsteps on the moon, man has used science as a tool for improving the quality of life. At TIBHS, pupils discover the achievements of great scientific minds and aspire for the same level of scientific exploration.
In studying the physical, chemical and biological aspects of matter, minds are opened to the multi-dimensional sphere of life through the perspective of the natural sciences.
Science is the evidence-based approach for discovering how the universe works. Studying science can answer the questions you asked since you were young; why leaves are green, why we have seasons or even why is water wet!
Studying science branches into the three broadest categories of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These incorporate the full scale of our modern understanding from subatomic particles up to galaxy systems – with a bit of how the body works in between.
Science is a method, and not just a series of facts to learn. Therefore, we make sure you understand how we know what we know and the experimental techniques you can use in the future to perhaps make your own discoveries one day.
Our curriculum intents to blend these concepts together to provide a holistic knowledge of various scientific disciplines and hopefully breed the curiosity for our students to continue further in the future.
Science is studied through conventional lessons and practical work. You will have 4 lessons a week in Y7 to Y10 before moving on to 6 lessons in Y11 and KS5. Science is taught in blocks by subject (so you will study Biology for a few weeks before then studying Chemistry for example). These topics are then revisited as we build your understanding further.
Practical work is carried out alongside the relevant content as it is covered. Practicals are a key part of understanding science, and we make sure to teach an understanding of practical methods as we carry them out.
Outside of lesson time there is additional weekly support for those in KS4 aimed at solidifying prior knowledge.
For many, key stage 3 is our pupils’ first experience of science. Therefore, we start off by teaching lab skills and scientific method. We then move on to the fundamentals of Biology, such as cells; Physics, forces; and Chemistry with particle theory.
We investigate how these concepts relate to their real-life applications and encourage our pupils to ask as many questions as they can think of.
Over the course of Y7 and Y8, we aim to introduce most of the broader aspects of each science. Upon year 9, we start to take those concepts and delve a little deeper. For example, of why cells are adapted in certain ways, or why energy transfers occur in particular ways.
Please have a look at our visual learning journeys so you can see how our curriculum develops.
| Pearson Edexcel |
At the end of KS3, pupils go onto study either Separate Science or Combined Science for their GCSEs
- Separate Sciences – Biology, Chemistry and Physics – this gives the pupils three separate GCSE grades at the end of the course in Y11, with each going into more depth than combined. This is the ideal preparation for studying A level sciences.
- Combined Higher – Biology, Chemistry and Physics is studied by all pupils, the pupils are awarded two GCSE grades at the end of the course. This provides a strong understanding of the core aspects of science; a strong combined grade is a good foundation for studying A levels.
- Combined Foundation – allows all learners to access the fundamentals of scientific knowledge and process. Foundation science provides 2 GCSE grades and good baseline understanding to use science in the wider world.
| Biology P1 | Biology P2 | Chemistry P1 | Chemistry P2 | Physics P1 | Physics P2 | |
| Separates | 50% of the Biology qualification | 50% of the Biology qualification | 50% of the Chemistry qualification | 50% of the Chemistry qualification | 50% of the Physics qualification | 50% of the Physics qualification |
| Combined Higher | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification |
| Combined Foundation | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification | 16.67% of the qualification |
At TB6 you will have the chance to study A Level Sciences or BTEC Applied Science.
A Levels provide you with an incredible depth of knowledge to enable you to study at the most prestigious universities. We offer Biology, Chemistry and Physics A level and have high ambitions for all our students.
A Level science follow their relevant AQA specification. These take some of the broader elements of Key Stage 4 but go into thorough scientific detail. For example, at A level, you learn HOW genes can be switched on or off, or how plants can take carbon dioxide in the air and turn it into an 80m tall tree.
A Levels are challenging and the step up can be intimidating for some students; therefore, our course aims to support everybody by explicitly teaching the skills you need to succeed. We will teach you how to read a scientific paper and how to conduct your own complex experiments.
This depth also gives you the chance to chase your own line of curiosity. We have a rich collection of books for wider reading and the teaching expertise to steer you in the right direction for learning beyond the specification.
Science A Levels are sought after for all strong university degrees. We have years of expertise in our staff to support with the UCAS application process. We want students to know the range of amazing opportunities they can access with science A levels and want to make sure no-one misses out.
BTEC Applied Science Level 3 is a vocational course that is the equivalent of three separate A Levels.
The course uses coursework alongside assessment to provide a grade at the end of two years. The applied science course covers the essentials of A levels but then put them in real world context.
BTEC Applied Science is accepted for some courses at Russel Group Universities but also provides a great pathway for accessing the best apprentice courses. If you enjoy science and its application to the real world, BTEC is a brilliant option for you.
Pupils can take part in a Mad Science club. Pupils in KS4 are also invited to this but are also invited to Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress is made.
There are trips to Jodrell Bank and an ecology field trip amongst others throughout the course. In Key Stage 5 we have strong connections with the Babraham Research Institute at Cambridge University which we run trips to as well.
We always take the opportunity to embrace British Science Week with lots of interactive practical work. The British Aerospace Roadshow carry out a workshop with us, as well as TESLA speaking to our students about renewable energy sources. In addition to this, our student leaders manage Uniformity, a uniform upcycling service with an aim to promote the school’s focus on protecting the environment. Recently, uniformity has secured a £10 000 grant to expand its services.
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Optometry
- Nurse
- Midwifery
- Veterinary
- Biomedical Scientist
- Forensic Scientist
- Psychology
- Medical Scientist
- Dental nurse
- Laboratory Technician
- Neurosurgeon
- Radiography
- Geology
- Teacher/Lecturer in science
- ANYTHING! A strong science degree from a good university can get your child a start on any good career path.
Pupils with SEND are offered a wide, aspirational and ambitious curriculum across all subject areas through the All Stars Succeed strategy which emphasises the importance of Quality First Teaching. Every teacher has been trained on the understanding of pupil needs and implementation of high-impact adaptive strategies to enable pupils with SEND to make excellent progress, such as the use of High 5 strategies (informed by research conducted by the EEF) to create an inclusive environment in their teaching spaces. Moreover, the subject-specific All Stars Succeed charters allow for the implementation of subject-specific support in the classroom to help pupils overcome their barriers.
Collaboration between Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and classroom practitioners on MS Teams before, during and after a lesson is a pivotal mechanism to ensure there is a coordinated approach towards support for pupils with SEND. This is evidenced with a purple pen in student books.
Star Maps are created in collaboration with the SENCO, class teachers, pupils and parents advising on strategies to help break down any barriers to learning. Strategies include adaptive teaching methods that are specific to a particular need as well as subject-specific adaptive teaching methods for subjects in which a pupil may find additional challenge due to his need. Star Maps are reviewed on a termly basis strategies by teachers, parents and pupils. These meetings are led by members of the senior leadership team. Star Maps support pupils with a variety of needs including, visual impairment, cognition and learning difficulties, physical disabilities, speech, language and communication difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
Ancillary aids and assistive technologies are also utilised to enhance provision and ensure access. Learning aids are deployed to specific pupils with SEN, particularly those with visual impairments and difficulties with writing. Pupils are provided with a mobile learning device to aid research, independent working and innovative approaches to learning. Pupils are also given access to a Virtual Learning Environment through Microsoft Teams and Microsoft
OneNote to access resources and complete learning at school and at home with a device.
Specialist careers advice is provided by New Directions to prepare pupils with SEND for further education and transition to adult life.
Century Reps: Encourage each other’ online to log on and complete tasks online.
Practical Captains: That lead the group in practical’s and help other groups if they are struggling.
Civic: Communicating effectively, organisation and planning, working together and knowing and serving my community, moral leadership- being a role model.
Debating: Climate change, Pollution, Mining. Renewables etc. Opportunities to lead discussions during lessons.
Performance: self-belief, self-awareness, reflective and resilient, goal orientated.
MAD Science- G&T students deliver the science clubs after school.
Practical assembler – Assemble and disassemble practical equipment.
Yearly visit for aspiring surgeons.
Science Learning Journey 2023-24 – Year 7 & Year 8
Science Learning Journey 2023-24 – Year 9
Science Learning Journey 2023-24 – Year 10
Science Learning Journey 2023-24 – Year 11
Science Learning Journey 2023-24 – Year 12 – 13 Physics
Science Learning Journey 2023-24 – Year 12-13 Biology
Science Learning Journey 2023-24 – Year 12-13 Chemistry
In your son’s exercise book, you will find a number of key documentation:
Visual Learning Journeys – An overview of the key knowledge he will study from Y7-11 (vertical) and in your son’s specific year for each subject (horizontal).
Lesson specific Learning Journey – You will also be able to access a learning journey in your son’s exercise book which will allow him to articulate the bigger picture and make links between topics and lessons. This document includes the lesson outcome/s and key knowledge components for each lesson in the half term. This will serve as the reference point for all key learning and revision topics for the given half term whilst helping him to know more and remember more over time.