For more information about the Subject curriculum, please contact: Mrs J McCutcheon the Curriculum Leader.
Mrs J McCutcheon - Curriculum Leader
Mr J Bailey
Mr M Daniels - GCSEPod and ClassCharts coordinator
Mrs J Hayes
Mrs D Holden - Teacher in charge of Physics
Mr D Simpson - Teacher in charge of Chemistry
Miss C Warburton
Mrs A Ellis -Technician
Mrs S Walsh - Senior Technician
Mrs K Pye - Science Support
Science Department
The intent of our Science Curriculum is to develop scientifically literate citizens who are equipped with scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of Science. Students are encouraged to see how Biology, Chemistry and Physics interconnect with each other and the outside world. We want to develop their understanding and appreciation of the natural, material and physical world around them and to encourage awe and wonder.
We want students to realise how scientific innovation and advances changes our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity.
At Balshaw’s Church of England High School we wish to inspire many students to become future scientists and for others to see the applications of Science within our everyday lives.
Our Science Curriculum area is one of the largest in school with 7 members of teaching staff, one Science teaching assistant and two laboratory technicians. We have 6 well equipped laboratories and a science classroom.
We operate a three year KS3 programme of study, incorporating fully the National Curriculum.
Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 will usually have one Science teacher who delivers all three Sciences using topics (see table below). Students in Years 7 have five Science lessons per fortnight and Year 8 and Year 9 students have six lessons. We have 7 classes in Year 7 and 8 with 3 ability sets in the X band and 4 in the Y band. In Year 9 we have 4 ability sets in both the X and Y bands.
Students are assessed regularly throughout KS3 with the use of summative and formative assessments for each topic as well as summative assessments that require retention and recall of more than one topic at a time.
We operate a carousel system for each year group at KS3 to facilitate the sharing of practical equipment.
Year 7 Topics
Year 8 Topics
Year 9 Topics
C1 Particles
B4 Nutrition & Digestion
C7 Chemical Reactions 2
B1 Cells
C4 Periodic Table, Atoms & Elements
P10 Forces, Energy Transfer, Electricity
P1 Forces
P3 Light & Sound
B9 Photosynthesis
C2 Diffusion & Separation
C5 Chemical Reactions 1
P5 Motion
B3 Reproduction
P9 Heat & Insulation
B8 Genetics & Evolution
C3 Acids & Alkalis
B5 Health
Maths Skills
P2 Space
C8 Materials
Scientific Skills
B6 Ecosystems
P8 Pressure
Astronomy & Space
C6 Earth & Atmosphere
P6 Electrical Circuits & Magnetism
Careers in Science
KS4 Curriculum
We operate a two year KS4 with students having 11 lessons per fortnight of Science. We have one group studying AQA Separate Sciences and six groups studying for AQA Combined Science GCSEs. Where possible students are taught by specialists in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There are 7 teaching groups banded in to Higher and Foundation tier classes.
We follow the AQA specifications at KS4.
Students are assessed throughout every unit of study, with a formative assessment for each as well as up to three summative assessments.
Students are taught Paper 1 content primarily in Year 10 and Paper 2 content towards the end of Year 10 and in Year 11 (see information below).
Combined Science
Separate Sciences
2 GCSES
3 GCSES
AQA Combined Science (8464)
AQA Biology (8461)
AQA Chemistry (8462)
AQA Physics (8463)
6 exam papers
6 exam papers
1 hour 15 minutes per paper
1 hour 45 minutes
11 hours of Science per fortnight
11 hours of Science per fortnight
Combined Science
Separate Sciences
21 equations to recall and use
23 equations to recall and use
7 equations they can select from the Physics data sheet and apply
12 equations they can select from the Physics data sheet and apply
multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
Tier of entry
Higher or foundation
Higher only
Chemistry
Combined Science
Separate Sciences
Paper 1 Content
Atomic Structure & Periodic Table, Bonding, Structure & Properties of Matter, Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Changes, Energy Changes
Atomic Structure & Periodic Table, Bonding, Structure & Properties of Matter, Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Changes, Energy Changes
Paper 2 Content
Rate & Extent of Chemical Change, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the Atmosphere, Using Resources
Rate & Extent of Chemical Change, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the Atmosphere, Using Resources
Available marks per paper
70 marks
100 marks
% of the GCSE
Each paper worth 16.7%
Each paper worth 50%
Type of questions featured in exam papers
multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
Tier of entry
Higher or foundation
Higher only
Physics
Combined Science
Separate Sciences
Paper 1 Content
Energy, Electricity, Particle Model of Matter, Atomic Structure
Energy, Electricity, Particle Model of Matter, Atomic Structure
Paper 2 Content
Forces, Waves, Magnetism & Electromagnetism
Forces, Waves, Magnetism & Electromagnetism, Space Physics
Available marks per paper
70 marks
100 marks
% of the GCSE
Each paper worth 16.7%
Each paper worth 50%
Type of questions featured in exam papers
multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
Tier of entry
Higher or foundation
Higher only
As a department we run successful Science clubs in Years 7 and 8.
We offer a wealth of enrichment opportunities including overseas trips to Iceland and Geneva. Year 7/8 Science Clubs have the opportunity to travel to London to visit the Natural History and Science museums. Year 9 are offered a Saturday day trip to Birmingham Big Bang Fair and Year 10 can choose to attend Science Live events in Manchester.
Members of the department are involved in the American Ski Trip, Staff Choir, Lego – Future Engineers, Salter’s Chemistry Festival, Ogden Trust Physics Olympics and Hockey.
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