Science

The Science Curriculum at Leventhorpe

Our intent at Leventhorpe is to spark students’ curiosity in science, whilst gradually building the maths, literacy, practical, and scientific enquiry skills needed for success in GCSE science and beyond.

Through teaching biology, chemistry and physics to all students we will equip students with essential knowledge and understanding about how the world around them works.

Our students will develop the skills they need to evaluate scientific claims that they are exposed to every day in the media and will go on to become scientifically literate members of society.

Key Stage 3

All content in the KS3 Science National Curriculum is covered in our KS3 schemes of work.

KS3 Science National Curriculum

• All students in Years 7,8 and 9 are taught in mixed ability classes.
• Year 9 covers foundational concepts required for GCSE.
• There is a strong emphasis on the use of practical work and scientific enquiry skills are embedded in our schemes of work.
• Assessments are based on exam-style questions as preparation for exam questions in KS4.

Key Stage 3 Term Plan:

Useful links

Educake

BBC Bitesize KS3 Science

Key Stage 4 

We follow the AQA GCSE specifications.
AQA GCSE Combined Science Specification (Double Science)
AQA GCSE Biology Specification (Triple Science)
AQA GCSE Chemistry Specification (Triple Science)
AQA GCSE Physics Specification (Triple Science)

• Students are placed in a Foundation Combined Science, Higher Combined Science or Separate Science (Triple Science) group at the start of Year 10.
• All required practicals are planned into our schemes of work. 
• Assessments at the end of each topic are based on GCSE questions. 
• There are standard home learning tasks that all students are set, these are also based on GCSE exam questions but link back to previous topics studied to build in the opportunity for ongoing revision. 
• We have a fully planned and resourced revision programme which covers maths and scientific enquiry skills as well as science content.

Key Stage 4 Term Plan:

Useful links

BBC Bitesize KS4 ScienceMy-gcsescienceSeneca Learning

Isaac Physics

Physics.net

Educake

Key Stage 5

We follow the OCR A-Level specifications.
OCR  A-Level Biology SpecificationOCR A-Level Chemistry SpecificationOCR A-Level Physics A Specification

• Students have 9 hours of lessons per fortnight split between 2 teachers. 
• PAGs (practical assessments) are scheduled in to our long-term plans. 
• Assessments at the end of each topic are based on past paper questions and interleave material from previous topics with new material.

Key Stage 5 Term Plan:

Useful links

Isaac Physics

Physics.netBiotopicsRoyal Society of Chemistry

Extra-Curricular Activities and Trips

Our Science Department offers a rich variety of extra-curricular activities, trips, and competitions designed to spark curiosity and stretch our students across all Key Stages.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 & 8)

• Weekly Science Club: Gives students the opportunity to carry out a range of fun experiments in a supportive environment.
• The Leventhope Science Fair: In Year 8, students are encouraged to plan and investigate a hypothesis, write up their findings, and present them at our annual Spring Term fair.
• Exciting Trips: Year 7 and 8 students have the opportunity to visit Colchester Zoo and New Scientist Live at the ExCel Centre in London.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 & 11)

• Science Drop-Down Days: Students spend immersive days carrying out advanced investigations designed to stretch their scientific understanding.
• National Competitions: We encourage students to challenge themselves by taking part in the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Olympiads.

Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)

• Our A-Level scientists are given the opportunity to attend Science Live events, visit the Urenco Young Scientist Centre, and experience cutting-edge physics firsthand with a trip to CERN in Geneva.

Book List