Science

INTRODUCTION

Science is a subject that links to most, if not all, careers. We aim to offer a curriculum that provides an engaging and inspiring springboard for our student’s aspirations, from medicine to agriculture to engineering and beyond.

We explore complex ideas in real-world contexts, whilst developing practical and analytical skills which can be applied to many different subjects and careers.

At City Academy Norwich, we study a five-year curriculum built around providing students with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in KS3 before stretching and applying their knowledge in KS4, enabling students to be successful in their GCSEs.

KS3

Science lessons at KS3 are designed to build the bridge between the knowledge, skills, and techniques introduced at Key Stage 2 and their GCSEs. Our KS3 curriculum is currently in transition as we adopt the Bohunt Education Trust scheme of learning, allowing us to share expertise and provide students with the best possible teaching. As such, in Year 7 content is delivered under the heading of 7 different topics, whereas 20 separate topics are delivered in Year 8, under the heading of 10 big ideas.

Year 7

• Working Scientifically
• Energy
• Forces and Space
• Particles
• Atoms and the Periodic Table
• Cells and Organisation
• Reproduction and Inheritance

Year 8

• Forces – Contact Forces and Pressure
• Electromagnetism – Magnetism and Electromagnetism
• Energy – Work and Heating & Cooling
• Waves – Wave Effects and Wave Properties
• Matter – Periodic Table and Elements
• Reactions – Chemical Energy and Types of Reaction
• Earth – Climate and Earth Resources
• Organisms – Breathing and The Digestive System
• Ecosystems – Respiration and Photosynthesis
• Genes – Evolution and Inheritance

KS4

Students begin studying and preparing for their GCSE Science examinations in Year 9.

They will look to build upon the knowledge and skills they have acquired during KS3,  and apply these to more complex and abstract concepts. During this time, students will complete a minimum of 21 required practicals, ensuring that not only do students leave City Academy Norwich with a great depth of Science knowledge,  but that they are equipped with the skills enabling them to pursue careers or further study within the field.

Students will undertake one of two GCSE Science routes;  either AQA Single Sciences, or AQA Combined Science: Trilogy. This ensures that every student can be successful in their Science GCSEs,  and effectively equips students with the best qualifications whatever their next steps may be. The examination information for each route and the topics studied can be seen below.