School Life
Discover academic excellence, personal development, and a vibrant community at Ernest Bevin Academy.
Science
The Science curriculum at Ernest Bevin Academy aims to inspire curiosity and excitement about natural phenomena, develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding, and equip students with the skills needed for scientific inquiry. Our approach balances theoretical understanding with practical investigation, helping students to understand the power and limitations of science in explaining the world around them.
We emphasize the importance of scientific literacy, enabling students to engage with scientific developments and make informed decisions about science-related issues that affect their lives and society as a whole.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides a foundation in the three main disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, while emphasizing the interconnected nature of science. Students develop practical skills through regular laboratory work alongside theoretical understanding.
Year 7
Biology
- Cells and microscopes
- Human body systems
- Reproduction
- Classification and ecology
Chemistry
- Particle model
- Elements, compounds and mixtures
- Chemical reactions
- Acids and alkalis
Physics
- Forces and motion
- Energy transfer
- Sound and light
- Space and astronomy
Year 8
Biology
- Food and digestion
- Breathing and respiration
- Plant biology
- Adaptations and environment
Chemistry
- The periodic table
- Metals and their reactions
- Earth science
- Materials and their properties
Physics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Heat transfer
- Waves and electromagnetic spectrum
- Work, power and machines
Year 9
Biology
- Cells and transport
- Inheritance and genetics
- Evolution and natural selection
- Health and disease
Chemistry
- Atomic structure
- Chemical bonding
- Energy changes in reactions
- Rates of reaction introduction
Physics
- Forces and motion in detail
- Energy stores and transfers
- Electricity and circuits
- Radioactivity introduction
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
At Key Stage 4, students follow the AQA GCSE specifications in either Combined Science (Double Award) or Separate Sciences (Triple Award). The decision on which pathway to follow is usually made at the end of Year 9, based on performance and future career aspirations.
Combined Science: Trilogy (Double Award)
Worth 2 GCSEs
Covers the core concepts of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This pathway is suitable for students who wish to study a balanced science curriculum but may not intend to pursue science at A-Level.
Separate Sciences (Triple Award)
Three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Provides a more in-depth study of each science discipline. This pathway is recommended for students considering A-Level sciences or careers in STEM fields.
GCSE Content Overview
Biology
- Cell biology and transport
- Organisation in plants and animals
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance, variation, and evolution
- Ecology
Chemistry
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and properties
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
- Rate of reaction and equilibrium
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources
Physics
- Energy and energy resources
- Electricity
- Particle model of matter
- Atomic structure and nuclear radiation
- Forces and motion
- Waves
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Space physics (Triple only)
Required Practicals
A key component of the GCSE Science curriculum is the required practical activities. These develop essential laboratory skills and are assessed in the written examinations. Students maintain a laboratory notebook to record their methods, results, and conclusions for each practical.
Additional Scientific Opportunities
Science Club
Our weekly Science Club allows students to explore scientific concepts beyond the curriculum through fun and engaging experiments and projects. Open to all year groups.
STEM Competitions
Students have opportunities to participate in various STEM competitions, including the Big Bang Fair, BP Ultimate STEM Challenge, and the Royal Society of Chemistry's Top of the Bench competition.
Science Visits and Field Trips
Educational visits to places like the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and field study centers enhance students' understanding of scientific concepts and their real-world applications.
How Parents Can Help
- Encourage curiosity about the natural world and scientific phenomena
- Discuss science in the news and current scientific developments
- Visit science museums, nature reserves, and other science-related attractions
- Support homework completion and revision for assessments
- Ensure students have the necessary equipment for practical work
- Encourage use of online resources like BBC Bitesize and Seneca Learning
- Help students to see the relevance of science in everyday life and future careers
Useful Resources
Recommended Resources
- GCSE Science Revision Guides (Download PDF)
- Required Practical Guide (Download PDF)
- Science Equipment List (Download PDF)
- KS3 Science Topics Overview (Download PDF)