Schedule of learning
- Module 1: Sound and waves (Criteria B/C)
- Module 2: Cells (Criteria D)
- Module 3: Particles Criteria A)
- Module 4: Energy (Criteria D)
- Module 5: Atoms, Elements & Compounds (Criteria B/C)
- Module 6: Human Body (Criteria A)
Intent
At Leigh Academy Strood, the curriculum intent for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) Science aims to foster inquisitive and scientifically literate students who develop a deep understanding of the natural world and its interconnections. Our curriculum is designed to empower students to become critical thinkers, effective problem solvers, and responsible global citizens through an inquiry-based approach to science education.
Curriculum Journey
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of scientific inquiry, including the scientific method, experimental design, and data analysis. They will explore basic concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics through hands-on activities and experiments.
Schedule of learning
- Module 1: Genetics and evolution (Criteria B/C)
- Module 2:Periodic table and materials (Criteria A)
- Module 3: Forces and Space (Criteria D)
- Module 4: Chemical reactions (Criteria B/C)
- Module 5: Using Electricity (Criteria A)
- Module 6:Plants (Criteria D)
Schedule of learning
- Module 1: Health and disease (Criteria D)
- Module 2: Key concepts and practicals within Chemistry (Criteria B/C)
- Module 3: Electricity and magnetism (Criteria A)
- Module 4: Atomic structure (Criteria A)
- Module 5:Ecology (Criteria B/C)
- Module 6: Forensics (Criteria D)
Assessment
Each module in the information above is assessed based on the following criterion in the table below. Each criteria is graded from 1-8 (8 demonstrating that the criteria has been fully met) with this being determined by teacher judgments about students’ work.
Criteria
How is this assessed?
A – Knowledge & Understanding
Traditional style exam question, holistic approach to marking based on banded questions
B – Enquiring and designing
Practical based – students will create a prediction and prepare a method for a practical including their variables.
C – Processing and evaluating
Practical based – students will analyse their results, and evaluate their prediction to see if this is supported.
D – Reflecting on the impacts of science
Longer answer response – students will research a topic and reflect on the social, economic and environmental impacts of this.
Resources
Final grades are then awarded from a range of 1-8, with each ascending grade demonstrating the students mastery of that particular subject.
If you would like more information about MYP Science please refer to the IB subject brief here:
KS4: GCSE Combined Science
Intent
At Strood academy, GCSE Combined Science curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and balanced understanding of the core scientific principles that govern the natural world. This integrated science course combines elements of biology, chemistry, and physics, allowing students to develop a strong foundation in all three disciplines. Our curriculum intent is to inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking skills, and promote scientific literacy, equipping students with the knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed academically and engage with scientific concepts in their everyday lives.
Curriculum Journey
Our curriculum is designed to provide a seamless and progressive journey for students as they transition from Key Stage 3 (MYP) to Key Stage 4 (GCSE) in science. The curriculum is structured to ensure that students build upon the knowledge and skills they acquire during KS3, deepening their understanding of scientific concepts and preparing them for more advanced studies at KS4. The journey is designed to be engaging, inclusive, and challenging, catering to the diverse learning needs of our students.
Assessment
Internal Assessment
External Assessment
- Formative assessment
- Synoptic assessment
- Mock exams
- AQA GCSE combined Science trilogy
Careers
Pupils studying Combined Science Trilogy will be well placed to pursue a career pathway in:
- Further education
- Healthcare and medicine
- Engineering
- Environmental sciences
- Forensic Sciences
- Laboratory technician
- Science education
Schedule of learning
Module 1:
- Cell biology
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Energy
Module 2:
- Organisation and enzymes
- Bonding
- Waves
Module 3:
- Cardiovascular system
- Quantitative chemistry
- Radioactivity
Module 4:
- Health and disease
- Metals and acids
- Particle model
Module 5:
- Organisation in plants
- Chemical energy changes
- Ecology
Module 6:
- Electricity
- Homeostasis
- Consolidation of core content ahead of the mock exam period
Schedule of learning
Module 1:
- The nervous system
- Hormonal co-ordination
- Rates and equilibrium
- Forces in balance
- Motion
Module 2:
- Forces and Motion
- Inheritance and variation
- Earth and atmospheric science
Module 3:
- Waves
- Evolution
- Chemical Analysis
- Resources
Module 4:
- Mock examinations
- Resources
- Magnetism
Modules 5 & 6:
- Revision
- Examinations
KS5: Applied Science
Intent
Our intent at Leigh Academy Strood is also to provide a flexible foundation for progression. Because Applied Science covers multiple scientific disciplines (such as elements of biology, chemistry, and physics) and includes mandatory units on core scientific principles, it effectively prepares students for a wider variety of specialized degree courses or technical apprenticeships, ensuring they don’t narrow their options too early. Furthermore, the emphasis on practical assessment and continuous evaluation across the course often mirrors the structure of higher education and professional training, providing a valuable transition experience compared to the purely exam-based nature of some traditional qualifications
Curriculum Journey
Our curriculum is designed to provide a smooth and progressive transition for students as they move from Key Stage 4 (KS4) to Key Stage 5 (KS5) Building upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during KS4, the curriculum at KS5 aims to deepen students’ understanding of biology, develop their scientific research abilities, and prepare them for higher education or careers in the sciences. The journey is structured to be challenging, engaging, and reflective of the latest advancements in the field.
Careers
Pupils studying KS5 Applied Science will be well placed to pursue a career pathway in:
- Doctor
- Clinical molecular geneticist
- Nature conservation officer
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist
- Vet
- Secondary school teacher
- Marine biologist
- Dentist
Assessment
Internal Assessment
External Assessment
Formative assessment, synoptic assessment and Mock exams
There are three exams at the end of the two years for A-level, all of which are two hours long. At least 15% of the marks for A-level Biology are based on what students learn in their practicals.
Schedule of learning
Module 1:
- Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Biology
Module 2:
- Unit 2: Principles and Applications of Chemistry
Module 3:
- Unit 3: Principles and Applications of Physics
Module 4:
- Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Module 5:
- Unit 4: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Module 6:
- Revision & Exam practice
Schedule of learning
Module 1:
- Unit 2: Assignment progression – Calibration of equipment, titration and calorometry.
- Unit 16: Astronomy and Space Science
Module 2:
- Unit 2: Assignment C and D – Investigations into chromatography
- Unit 16: Assignment C
Module 3:
- Unit 16: Assignment D – Advanced Astronomy
Module 4:
- Unit 3: Scientific Skills
Modules 5 & 6:
- Unit 3: Scientific Skills & Revision