Science

At Abbey Manor College, students explore the importance of science in our world while fostering a lifelong passion for discovery. Through their science lessons, students start to understand how the world around them really works, from tiny cells to vast galaxies. This builds curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are useful in everyday life. Science also encourages students to ask questions, test ideas, and learn from mistakes, which boosts their confidence and creativity. Best of all, it opens doors to a huge range of exciting careers and helps young people make informed decisions about the world they live in.

• Through their science lessons, students will be able to:
• Analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate scientific information and data
• Make well-reasoned judgements about the social, ethical, and environmental implications of science
• Apply knowledge of scientific concepts and processes to understand the natural and technological world
• Use the scientific method to investigate problems, draw conclusions, and evaluate evidence
• Develop and apply numeracy and literacy skills within scientific contexts
• Plan and carry out practical investigations safely and accurately
• Communicate scientific ideas clearly using appropriate terminology
• Evaluate the reliability, validity, and limitations of scientific evidence

Oracy is woven into science lessons by encouraging students to talk through ideas, explanations, and evidence as part of their learning. This includes predicting outcomes, explaining scientific processes, discussing results from practical work, and debating scientific issues such as ethics or environmental impacts. Teachers model the use of precise scientific vocabulary, provide sentence starters, and structure talk through paired and group discussions. This helps students develop deeper conceptual understanding, improve scientific reasoning, and gain confidence in explaining their thinking clearly.

Key Stage 3 Science

At Key Stage 3, students have 2 double lessons in science each week. The curriculum builds a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics that prepares them for further study. They learn about cells, reproduction, health, and ecosystems in biology; particles, elements, reactions, and acids and alkalis in chemistry; and energy, forces, electricity, waves, and space in physics.
Alongside these topics, students develop essential scientific skills such as planning investigations, collecting and analysing data, using scientific models, and evaluating evidence. Their science lessons also encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and an understanding of how science relates to everyday life and global challenges.

Key Stage 4 Science

At Key Stage 4, students can study either GCSE Biology, or GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy). Students studying Biology have 2 double lessons and 1 single lesson each week, while those studying combined science have 4 double lessons and 2 single lessons each week.
AQA GCSE Biology covers the fundamental concepts of living organisms and how they interact with each other and their environment. Students study cell biology, including microscopy, cell division, and transport in cells, before moving on to organisation in animals and plants, such as tissues, organs, and body systems. The course also explores infection and response, bioenergetics (photosynthesis and respiration), homeostasis and response, inheritance, variation and evolution, and ecology. Throughout the specification, there is a strong emphasis on scientific skills, practical investigations, and applying biological knowledge to real-world contexts like health, medicine, and environmental issues.
AQA GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) covers the key ideas from biology, chemistry, and physics, giving students a broad understanding of how the natural world works. In biology, students learn about cells, body systems, inheritance, evolution, ecology, and health. Chemistry focuses on atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical reactions, energy changes, materials, and chemical analysis. Physics includes topics such as energy, forces, electricity, waves, matter, and the structure of the atom. Across all three sciences, the course emphasises practical skills, working scientifically, and applying knowledge to real-life situations, helping students develop strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Resources

• AQA GCSE Biology
• AQA GCSE Combined Science (Triology)
• Key Stage 3 Science Revision
• Key Stage 4 Biology Revision
• Key Stage 4 Combined Science Revision
• GCSE Biology and Combined Science revision

Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities

The department runs a weekly Robotics after school club. These sessions are fun and exciting, allowing all involved to explore science in innovative and inventive ways outside the curriculum.