Science

Why do we study Science?

At Barnhill, students engage in all the parts of what good science looks like, whether it be investigating, observing, experimenting or testing ideas and thinking about them. The way scientific ideas flow through the curriculum will support our students in building a deep understanding of science. This will involve talking about, reading and writing about science plus the actual doing and representing science in its many forms, both mathematically and visually, through models.

Studying science at Barnhill helps us make informed decisions in our personal lives and society. Understanding scientific concepts enables us to evaluate information, assess risks, and make choices based on evidence. Also, it gives us the knowledge and skills to navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex and technologically driven world. It is a fundamental part of a well-rounded education that benefits individuals and society as a whole.

Programme Study

Year 7	Cells Particle Model Forces – Speed Movements Separating mixtures Energy -cost and transfer Interdependence Acids/Alkali Plant Reproduction The Earth Structure Voltage, Current and Resistance Human Reproduction Gravity & Universe Wave properties and Effects
Year 8	Breathing Elements Contact forces Digestion Periodic table Pressure Respiration Climate Waves- Sound Photosynthesis Earth Resources Light Variation Work Heating and cooling
Year 9	Types of reaction Chemical change Magnetism and Electromagnets Evolution, variation and inheritance Energy Bioenergetics The Chemistry and the atmosphere
Year 10	Biology Cell biology Organisation Infection and response Bioenergetics Chemistry Atomic structure and the periodic table Bonding, structure and the properties of matter Quantitative chemistry Chemical changes Energy changes Physics Energy Electricity Particle model Atomic structure
Year 11	Biology Homeostasis and response Inheritance, variation and evolution Ecology Chemistry The rate and extent of chemical change Organic chemistry Chemical analysis Chemistry of the atmosphere Using resources Physics Forces Waves Magnetism and electromagnetism Space
Year 12	AQA Biology: Paper 1: 50% Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Practical skills Paper 2: 50% Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Required practical 1-6 AQA Chemistry: Paper 1: 50% Physical chemistry Atomic structure Amount of substance Bonding Energetics Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc Oxidation, reduction and redox equations Practical skills Inorganic chemistry Periodicity Group 2, the alkaline earth metals Group 7(17), the halogens Practical skills Paper 2: 50% Physical Chemistry: Amount of substance Bonding Energetics Kinetics Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc Practical skills Organic chemistry Introduction to organic chemistry Alkanes Halogenoalkanes Alkenes Alcohols Organic analysis Required practical 1-6 AQA Physics: Paper 1: 50% Measurements and Errors Particles and radiation Electricity Mechanics and materials Waves Paper 2: 50% Measurements and Errors Particles and radiation Electricity Mechanics and materials Waves Required practical 1-6
Year 13	AQA Biology: Paper 1: 35% Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Practical skills Paper 2: 35% Energy transfers in and between organisms Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems The control of gene expression Practical skills Paper 3: 30% Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Energy transfers in and between organisms Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems The control of gene expression Required practical 1-12 AQA Chemistry: Paper 1: 35% Physical chemistry Atomic structure Amount of substance Bonding Energetics Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc Oxidation, reduction and redox equations Thermodynamics Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells Acids and bases Practical skills Inorganic chemistry Periodicity Group 2, the alkaline earth metals Group 7(17), the halogens Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides Transition metals Reactions of ions in aqueous solution Practical skills Paper 2: 35% Physical Chemistry: Amount of substance Bonding Energetics Kinetics Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc Rates equations Practical skills Organic chemistry Introduction to organic chemistry Alkanes Halogenoalkanes Alkenes Alcohols Organic analysis Optical isomerism Aldehydes and ketones Carboxylic acids and derivatives Aromatic chemistry Amines Polymers Amino acids, proteins and DNA Organic synthesis Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy Chromatography Practical skills Paper 3: 30% Physical chemistry Atomic structure Amount of substance Bonding Energetics Kinetics Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc Oxidation, reduction and redox equations Thermodynamics Rate equations Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells Acids and bases Inorganic chemistry Periodicity Group 2, the alkaline earth metals Group 7(17), the halogens Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides Transition metals Reactions of ions in aqueous solution Organic chemistry Introduction to organic chemistry Alkanes Halogenoalkanes Alkenes Alcohols Organic analysis Optical isomerism Aldehydes and ketones Carboxylic acids and derivatives Aromatic chemistry Amines Polymers Amino acids, proteins and DNA Organic synthesis Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy Chromatography Required practical 1-12 AQA Physics: Paper 1: 35% Measurements and Errors Particles and radiation Electricity Mechanics and materials Waves Further Mechanics Paper 2: 35% Fields and their consequences Thermal Physics Nuclear Physics Paper 3: 30% Turning points in Physics Required practical 1-12

Useful Resources

KS3:

KS4:

KS5:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Homework

KS3: Week A: Tassomai Homework (online); Week B – Exam practice AND
For the independent reading booklet, read one article per week and write a summary. Also, complete the new vocabulary table.

KS4: Week A: Tassomai Homework (online); Week B – Exam practice

Year 10: For the independent reading booklet, read one article per week and write a summary. Also, complete the new vocabulary table.

Year 11: Complete revision pack two topics per week

KS5: Every student in KS5 gets homework after every lesson which includes exam practice and pre-reading for the next lesson.

Enrichment Opportunities

All students will be enriched primarily through the study of a diverse curriculum reflecting the multicultural community and society of the students. This will be enhanced through trips and visits to Whipsnade Beach and the Science Museum.

In school, the Science Department also runs a ‘COP 28’ day, British Science Week, Women in Science and World Science Day for different year groups, offering the chance for students to see scientific topics directly or indirectly related to the curriculum. In KS5, students will participate in an Olympiad Science competition which recognises excellence in young scientists through annual competitions.