BGS Science Curriculum
The BGS Science Department is committed to developing curious, independent, critical thinking and highly motivated responsible learners, setting the foundations for understanding the world through the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We offer a diverse and balanced curriculum with engaging lessons and enrichment that enables outstanding progress for all pupils across all science disciplines. By building up a body of key foundational knowledge, concepts and skills, students will be able to recognise the power of evidence to rationalise and explain the world and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They will understand how science can be used to explain, predict and analyse. At the conclusion of their school career, our students will:
Intent
Implementation
Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all students are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to teaching and learning of science involves the following:
Impact
The successful approach at Burnham Grammar School results in a fun and engaging high quality science education that provides students with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world. Our engagement with local industries and universities ensures that students learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them. Frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside of lessons is embedded throughout the science curriculum. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, students have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital for the world's prosperity. Students learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links and connections with national agencies such as STEM association and visits to local science industries, and learn from and work with professionals ensuring they have access to positive role models within the field of science from the immediate and wider local community. From this exposure to a range of different scientists from various backgrounds, all students feel they are scientists and are capable of achieving. Students at Burnham Grammar School overwhelmingly enjoy science and this results in motivated learners with a sound scientific understanding.
BGS KS3/KS4 Chemistry Curriculum Map
BGS KS5 Chemistry Curriculum Map
For detailed information about the Sixth Form Chemistry Curriculum, please use the link below to access the sixth form curriculum page.
Key Stage 4
The science curriculum is taught as either the Separate Sciences or Combined Science, with the latter covering almost 75% of the content of the separate sciences. Students taking the separate sciences will be awarded individual GCSEs in the respective science subject, whilst the combined science students will be awarded a double GCSE e.g. Grade 7/7 but will be assessed across the three science disciplines.
AQA Scheme of Assessment
In Separate Sciences, there will be two examinations for each science subject at the end of Y11. Students are required to complete between 8 to 10 required practicals per science discipline throughout the course. These are not formally assessed, but the theory of practical work and How Science Works will be examined in the final written papers. Maths skills are also tested in all three science qualifications (10% of Biology exam marks, 20% of Chemistry exam marks and 30% of Physics exam marks).
Further details are available on the websites below
Combined Science Triology 8464
In Combined Science, students will sit two examinations for each of the science disciplines at the end of Y11. Students are required to complete a total of 21 practicals throughout the course. These are not formally assessed, but the theory of practical work and How Science Works will be examined in the final written papers together with Maths skills.
Internal KS4 Science assessments
Year 11 students will sit assessments in all three Sciences in the Autumn and Spring terms to inform their progress grades. They will also sit formal mock examinations in December which consist of one or two papers per science discipline, akin to the AQA exams. The assessments are composed of GCSE exam questions at the relevant demand.
Year 10 students will sit assessments in the Autumn and Summer term to inform their progress grades and the mock examinations for year 10 are in the Spring term, which consist of one paper per science discipline. The assessments are composed of GCSE exam questions at the relevant demand.
All year 9 students will sit assessments in the Autumn and Spring term to inform their progress grades and they will have internal science exams in the Summer term, which consist of one paper per science discipline. The assessments are composed of GCSE exam questions at the relevant demand.
Combined Science Curriculum Map - Year 9
Term |
Biology |
KS3 Link |
Chemistry |
KS3 Link |
Physics |
KS3 Link |
Autumn Sept - Oct |
B1 Cell Structure and Transport |
Organisms, movement and Cells |
C1 Atomic Structure |
Matter |
P1 Energy stores |
Energy |
HALF TERM |
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Autumn Nov- Dec |
B2 Cell Division |
Organisms, movement and Cells |
C1 Atomic Structure |
Matter |
P3 Energy resources |
Energy |
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY |
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Spring Jan- Feb |
B3 Organisation and the Digestive System |
Organisms, movement and Cells Organisms, Breathing and Digestion |
C2 Periodic Table |
Matter Reactions |
P8 Forces in balance |
Forces |
Spring Feb- March |
B4 Organising Animals and Plants |
Ecosystems Interdependence and Plants |
C3 Structure and Bonding |
Matter |
P8 Forces in balance |
Forces |
Easter Holidays |
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Summer April-May |
B5 Communicable Diseases |
C4 Chemical Calculations |
Reactions |
P9 Motion |
Forces |
|
Half Term |
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Summer May-June |
B6 Preventing and treating Disease |
C5 Chemical Changes |
Reactions
|
P9 Motion |
Forces |
|
Summer; June-July |
Exams |
Combined Science Curriculum Map - Year 10
Term |
Biology |
KS3 Link |
Chemistry |
KS3 Link |
Physics |
KS3 Link |
Autumn Sept - Oct |
B5 Communicable Diseases |
C5 Chemical changes |
Reactions |
P4 Electric circuits |
Electric Circuits |
|
HALF TERM |
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Autumn Nov- Dec |
B6 Preventing and Treating Disease B7 Non communicable diseases |
C6 electrolysis |
Energy (Physics) Reactions |
P4 Electric circuits |
Electric Circuits |
|
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY |
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Spring Jan- Feb |
B8 Photosynthesis B9 Respiration |
Ecosystems, Respiration and Photosynthesis |
C7 energy Changes |
Matter Energy (Physics) Reactions |
P5 Mains electricity P6 The particle model |
Electric Circuits Matter (Chemistry) |
Spring Feb- March |
B10 The Human Nervous System B11 Hormonal control in Humans and Plants |
C8 Rates and Equilibrium |
Reactions Matter |
P6 The particle model |
Matter (Chemistry) |
|
Easter Holidays |
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Summer April-May |
B11 Hormonal Control in Humans and Plants |
C9 Crude OIl and Fuels |
Reactions |
P11 Wave properties |
Waves |
|
Half Term |
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Summer May-June |
B12 Reproduction |
Genes |
C10 Chemical Analysis |
Matter |
P12 The electromagnetic spectrum |
Waves
|
Combined Science Curriculum Map - Year 11
Term |
Biology |
KS3 Link |
Chemistry |
KS3 Link |
Physics |
KS3 Link |
Autumn Sept - Oct |
B12 Reproduction |
Genes |
C11 Earth's Atmosphere |
Earth |
P7 Radioactivity |
Matter (Chemistry) |
Autumn Nov- Dec |
B13 Variation and Evolution B14 Genetics and Evolution |
Ecosystems Interdependence and Plants Genes |
C12 The Earth's Resources |
Earth |
P7 Radioactivity |
Matter (Chemistry) |
Spring Jan- Feb |
B15 Adaptations, Interdependence and Competition |
Ecosystems Interdependence and Plants |
C12 The Earth's Resources |
Earth |
P13 Electromagnetism |
Magnetism |
Spring Feb- March |
B16 Organising an Ecosystem B17 Biodiversity and Ecosystems |
Revision and Exam Preparation |
Revision and Exam Preparation |
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Summer April-May |
Revision and Exam Preparation |
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Summer May-June |
External Exams |
Examining body: OCR Chemistry syllabus A – H432
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Grades 7,6,6 in GCSE Chemistry, Biology and Physics, where grade 7 is in Chemistry; or grades 7,7 in Combined Science GCSE. In addition, students require a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics. Those who have not followed a triple Science course will be expected to complete extra study to bring them in line with those with triple Science GCSE.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Chemistry Specification A is a content-led course that encourages learners to develop essential knowledge and understanding of different subject areas and how they relate to each other. The course also allows learners to develop competence and confidence in practical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills; whilst gaining a deeper appreciation of scientific methods, such as how society makes decisions about scientific issues. There is a strong element of how chemistry applies to everyday life, including current environmental concerns associated with sustainability and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
The course covers 6 modules:
Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
Module 2 – Foundations in Chemistry
Module 3 – Periodic Table and Energy
Module 4 – Core Organic Chemistry
Module 5 – Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements
Module 6 – Organic Chemistry and Analysis
OCR A SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT
The OCR A Level Chemistry syllabus is assessed through three written exams and a practical endorsement:
Paper 1 (37%): Covers Modules 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Paper 2 (37%): Focuses on Modules 1, 2, 4, and 6.
Paper 3 (26%): A synoptic exam testing content from all six modules.
Practical skills are assessed in both the written exams, where questions test students' knowledge of experimental techniques, and through a Practical Endorsement. This involves completing a series of required practical activities, which are internally assessed and externally moderated. The Practical Endorsement is reported separately from the final exam grades.
Progression
Chemistry is a central science that bridges Mathematics and Physics with applied sciences such as Biology, Medicine, and Engineering. A solid understanding of Chemistry helps students comprehend the physical universe and everyday processes. Studying Chemistry also fosters objectivity, and equips students with analytical, methodical, and problem-solving skills.
As one of the Russell Group universities' 'facilitating' subjects, A-level Chemistry opens up a broad range of degree options and places students in an excellent position to pursue rewarding careers, including medicine, dentistry, forensic chemistry, geochemistry, R&D management, pharmacy, chemical engineering, and petroleum engineering.
Internal Assessment
Year 12 students will sit assessments in Autumn and Spring, based on typical A level exam questions to inform their progress grades.
They will also sit a formal mock exam in Summer which will consist of short multiple choice questions and longer, more demanding, A level questions to test their application and practical skills. The results of this will be used to inform their predicted grades for UCAS.
Students are also assessed throughout the year with topic tests after each module of teaching.
In Y13, students will be assessed in Autumn and will also sit mock exams in Spring covering all of the content of the course taught up to this point. The assessments will focus on short (multiple choice) and longer, more demanding, A level exam questions.