KS4 Subject: Science

What topics will you study in KS4 Science?

Topics covered in Year 7 & 8 are revisited throughout our year KS4 curriculum.

Biology:

  • Cell biology
  • Organisation
  • Infection & response
  • Bioenergetics
  • Homeostasis
  • Inheritance & Evolution
  • Ecology

Chemistry:

  • Atomic structure & Periodic table
  • Bonding
  • Quantitative chemistry
  • Chemical changes
  • Energy changes
  • Rate of reactions
  • Organic chemistry
  • Chemical analysis
  • Chemistry of the atmosphere
  • Using resources

Physics:

  • Energy
  • Electricity
  • Particle model of matter
  • Atomic structure
  • Forces
  • Waves
  • Magnetism & Electromagnetism
  • Space Physics (Triple Only)

Combined science students follow Combined Science: Trilogy GCSE (9 - 1) AQA. Details of this specification can be found at: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

Separate science students follow GCSE AQA Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Details of these specification can be found at:

Do you have a reading list for this subject?

  • CGP New grade (9-1) GCSE Science: AQA Revision Guide
  • Collins AQA GCSE (9-1) Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics

How will you be assessed during the course?

Combined science students sit:

  • Biology Paper 1: written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes. 
  • Chemistry Paper 1: written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes. 
  • Physics Paper 1: written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes. 
  • Biology Paper 2: written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes. 
  • Chemistry Paper 2: written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes. 
  • Physics Paper 2: written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Separate (Triple) science students sit:

  • Biology Paper 1: written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes. 
  • Chemistry Paper 1: written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Physics Paper 1: written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Biology Paper 2: written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes. 
  • Chemistry Paper 2: written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes. 
  • Physics Paper 2: written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

How can you help your child excel in this subject?

In addition to discussing learning with your child, checking the DPR and monitoring their homework, encourage your child to watch science programmes, documentaries and keep abreast of the latest scientific discoveries.

Taking your child to interesting places, such as; the natural history museum or the science museum will provide them with the broader knowledge they need to excel in the curriculum.