Science
Curriculum Intent
The study of science offers students a rich intellectual and hands-on exploration of the world around them. It empowers them to ask bold, meaningful questions and seek evidence-based answers to challenges we face today and those the future has yet to ask.
How did the universe begin? How can we protect endangered species? What lies ahead in space exploration? Can climate change be reversed—or even halted? And with the rise of projects like the Synthetic Human Genome Project, what are the implications of writing the code of life as easily as we read it?
By delivering a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich science curriculum, we ensure all pupils, regardless of background or starting point, develop a strong foundation in scientific principles. Through practical investigations, real world applications, and interdisciplinary connections, we aim to empower our students to see the relevance of science in their everyday lives and future careers.
The curriculum is enhanced by a varied enrichment program that includes: KS3 Science club,
Science students at Walton High are very successful at all levels. Students from our Key Stage 5 program have been successful in gaining places to study amongst others; Natural Sciences at Cambridge, Biological Sciences at Oxford, Physics at the University of Southampton and Medical Sciences at the University of Birmingham.
KS3
A two-year program of study that focuses on the foundations of science through hands-on experiments and investigations. Students will cover content from biology, chemistry and physics in 5 hours of science a fortnight. The course starts off with ‘Being a good scientist’ which focuses on key practical skills such as using a microscope and lighting a Bunsen burner! Other topics include:
- Cells, the building blocks of life
- Explaining chemical changes
- Magnetism and electricity
- Our health and the effect of drugs
- Motion on Earth and in space
Through the course students will also be developing other skills such as teamwork, presentation skills, creativity, discussion and debates, and analysing and evaluating.
KS4
Students can select a preference for the study of science in Years 9-11, either OCR Gateway A (9-1); GCSE Combined Sciences or OCR Gateway A (9-1) GCSE Separate Sciences (GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Physics)
Students have 4 hours per fortnight for each science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) regardless of which preference they have selected. GCSE Combined Science students have 3 hours for each Science, every fortnight.
Students will study the topics linked to questions such as –
- What are genes?
- Why are families alike but not identical?
- How can genetic information be used?
- What is nanotechnology?
- How can we improve air quality?
- Which radiation harms living tissue and why?
- How does an electric motor work
We offer 4 different courses for students in Year 12 and 13:
- A2 Biology (Specification OCR A)
- A2 Chemistry (Specification OCR A)
- A2 Physics (Specification OCR A)
Our entry requirements are 5 grades awarded at 9-5 at GCSE/L2 Merit or above at BTEC/CTEC including a GCSE grade 5 or above in both English and Maths. In addition, a grade 6 or 6-6 in science is required
- BTEC Nationals Medical Science (AAQ)
Our entry requirements are 5 grades awarded at 9-5 at GCSE/L2 Merit or above at BTEC/CTEC including a GCSE grade 5 or above in both English and Maths. In addition, a grade of 5 or 5-5 in science is required.