Science

Science at Sheringham High School is delivered by a team of enthusiastic subject specialists who aim to make the subject engaging, exciting and relevant to real-life, in order that all students can see the importance of Science in their everyday existence.

The subject is delivered as a five year scheme of work divided into a two year Key Stage 3 and a three year Key Stage 4. The Key Stage 3 curriculum has been written as an in-house resource, by our specialist Science teachers, to suit our students' interests. Teaching is differentiated to suit all students using a blend of classroom and online based resources at foundation or higher tier. Knowledge and skills are merged coherently through a programme of topic based lessons that increase in their complexity and content in a spiral fashion. Students are given as much opportunity as possible to develop their hands on practical skills.

Combined with the Science content are links to English, Maths and ICT along with contextual connections to SMSC (social, moral, spiritual and cultural) considerations and career opportunities to budding scientists or transferring scientific skills to other vocations and employment.

Teaching is supported by regular, rigorous assessment using proven materials and grade boundaries that give realistic progress indicators. Students have online access to the Kerboodle text books and a wealth of interactive resources in both KS3 and KS4. When they reach Year 10, students will be offered the opportunity to purchase a GCSE Revision Guide if they wish.

Our Curriculum KS3 SCIENCE

Our Curriculum KS4 COMBINED SCIENCE

KS4 Triple Science Curriculum Map

KS5 Science curriculum map

KS5 Medical Science curriculum map

Key Stage 3

In each of Years 7 and 8, students complete a range of topics across each of the three main Science disciplines. For more detail about the modules covered, and how they are assessed, please click on the link 'Our Curriculum'. Half-termly tests are used to determine whether students are on, above or below their trajectory progression. This is supported by a range of assessment tasks, including homework, which gives teachers an accurate picture of how well each student is performing. Appropriate intervention will be introduced should students fall below this expected progression or are well above expectations and need some further challenge. In Year 9, students prepare to begin GCSE Combined or Triple Science by completing a range of practical projects alongside topics.

At the end of Year 9, the data collected during the year is used to make decisions about options and sets for Year 10 and the start of GCSE. Students considering Triple Science must select it as an option

Key Stage 4

In Year 10, all students start on their GCSE programme of study in either AQA Trilogy Combined Science, in which students achieve two GCSEs, or choose the option that is referred to as Triple Science. This involves separate AQA Biology, AQA Chemistry and AQA Physics GCSE courses, with each being awarded a separate GCSE. Both programmes culminate in exams at the end of Year 11.

Students completing Combined Trilogy will be timetabled for 10 hours of Science lessons per fortnight and will usually be supported by two teachers, whereas Triple Science students have 5 lessons in each subject per fortnight, with a subject specialist teaching these lessons.

The course provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required to access GCSE examinations including links to English, maths, ICT, SMSC and career opportunities. In addition to the scientific content, there are many opportunities for students to explore how Science is relevant to academic and industrial worlds beyond High School and Sixth Form. Many of the lessons are practical based giving students the chance to develop, test and evaluate their own ideas.

Each area of study is broken down into smaller modules which are assessed using end of topic tests. Students are also required to complete the Required Practical Activities for Science. The practicals are based on the theoretical content of the lesson but include investigative and mathematical skills all of which will be examined and contribute towards 30% of the marks in the final exams.

For the Trilogy Combined Science the exams at the end of Year 11 consist of:

Two Biology papers, each 1 hour and 15 minutes long, and comprising 70 marks each. 10% of the marks will be awarded for mathematical based questions and 30% for questions about the RPAs
Two Chemistry papers, each 1 hour and 15 minutes long, and comprising 70 marks each. 20% of the marks will be based on mathematical questions and 30% on questions about the RPAs
Two Physics papers, each 1 hour and 15 minutes long, and comprising 70 marks each. 30% of the marks will be based on mathematical calculation and 30% on questions about the RPAs

Each paper is worth 16.7% of the total mark

Students will sit exams at either Foundation of Higher level and questions will include multiple choice, structured questions, closed short answer and open responses.

Triple Science students will sit the following exams at the end of Year 11:

Two Biology papers, each of 1 hour and 45 minutes, and comprising 100 marks each
Chemistry papers, each of 1 hour and 45 minutes, and comprising 100 marks each
Physics papers, each of 1 hour and 45 minutes, and comprising 100 marks each

The style of questions is the same as for the trilogy GCSE exams and the marks awarded for mathematical calculation and RPAs are the same as for the Trilogy exams.

Whilst Triple Science helps students to prepare for A-level, it is not essential for students to complete this option in order to do any of the A-level Sciences. Students can still do A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics having completed Trilogy Combined Science GCSE. There is also a Medical Science course available with slightly lower entry requirements but which can still earn UCAS points for university entrance purposes.

STEM Club

The Sheringham High STEM club is an engaging and innovative group where students explore various scientific and engineering concepts through hands-on projects. Recently, the club has delved into exciting topics such as Disney Imagineering, where creativity meets engineering, and rollercoaster design, focusing on physics and thrill.

Additionally, members have had the opportunity to visit the Natural History Museum, enriching their understanding of the natural world and its wonders. These experiences not only foster a love for STEM subjects but also encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills among students.

Looking ahead to next year, we’re eager to take advantage of the world around us, including the Norfolk Show, where we can explore more hands-on experiences, creating curiosity at every corner and connecting with the broader STEM community.
STEM Club runs Wednesday after school 3-4 pm.

Science

Science at Sheringham High School is delivered by a team of enthusiastic subject specialists who aim to make the subject engaging, exciting and relevant to real-life, in order that all students can see the importance of Science in their everyday existence.

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