Science
Key Stage 3
Subject Introduction
Students start their Science education at St Wilfrid’s in the autumn with a focus on investigation, learning through the physics topics of the AQA model of the National Curriculum. Students then continue through chemistry and biology topics into the summer. Lessons are aspirational, with each having a clear retrieval focus to set the tone, building in key vocabulary and developing scientific and mathematical skills where possible, and providing opportunities to apply key learned knowledge. We aim to nurture students’ curiosity of the world and living things, and underpin the skills and key knowledge required for study in year 8 and beyond.
Modules
- Forces
- Electricity
- Energy
- Waves
- Earth
- Matter
- Reactions
- Genes
- Organisms
- Eco-systems
Assessment
Half-termly key marked pieces of work which vary in format.
Termly assessments beginning at the first term. Consisting of a retrieval, knowledge, application and skills questions.
Homework
Once students have their iPads they are introduced to Educake, which is the primary homework tool we use at KS3. It is used to question students on previous topics, to build retrieval into students’ routines from an early age. It consists of a weekly online homework that is marked online and analysed by teachers to identify areas for student improvement.
Enrichment activities
KS3 Science club is run in the summer term, to build curiosity and to partake in some demonstrations or investigations that would not normally be included in the NC. We also take the full year group to Blackpool Zoo in the summer term to inspire and enthuse students about wildlife and conservation and linking it to our Eco-system module.
Activities and demonstrations take place during Science Week (March).
Texts to be issued and arrangements for return
Students do not need set texts for Science at St Wilfrid’s, but can choose to buy KS3 revision guides that would help with homework and assessment revision.
Subject Introduction
Students continue their Science education at St Wilfrid’s in a similar format to year 7. The autumn starts with a focus on investigation, learning through the physics topics of the AQA model of the National Curriculum. Students then continue through chemistry and biology topics into the summer. Lessons continue to be aspirational, with each having a clear retrieval focus to set the tone, building in key vocabulary and developing scientific and mathematical skills where possible, whilst continuing to provide opportunities for application of key knowledge. We aim to prepare our students in terms with the key knowledge and scientific skills to thrive at GCSE.
Modules
- Forces
- Magnetism
- Energy
- Waves
- Matter
- Reactions
- Earth
- Organisms
- Eco-systems
- Genes
Assessment
Half-termly key marked pieces of work which vary in format.
Termly assessment consisting of key retrieval, knowledge, application and skills questions.
Homework
Students continue to use Educake. It is used to question students on previous topics, including those from year 7. It consists of a weekly online homework that is marked online and analysed by teachers to identify areas for student improvement.
Enrichment activities
KS3 Science club is run in the summer term, to build curiosity and to partake in some demonstrations or investigations that would not normally be included in the NC.
Science week activities and demonstrations are run every year in March.
Some students are invited to attend the Big Bang Fair in June, which is a national STEM careers fair aimed at enthusiastic and aspiration young scientists.
Texts to be issued and arrangements for return
Students do not need set texts for Science at St Wilfrid’s, but can choose to buy KS3 revision guides that would help with homework and assessment revision.
Subject Introduction
Having developed a foundation of knowledge, scientific and mathematical skills in KS3 whilst following the KS3 NC, students will now be taught by a specialist teacher in each discipline and build on the content taught previously whilst beginning the foundations of their GCSEs in year 9 whilst ensuring that any remaining strands of the NC are completed. Students will have either opted to study AQA Separate Sciences, or will study AQA Combined Trilogy Science and will study a slightly different schedule dependent on the course they have opted for.
Modules
TERM 1
Combined Sciences:
B: Cells, Organisation
C: Elements, Compounds and Mixtures, Atoms and Periodic Table
P: Energy stores and transfers, Energy resources, Particle Theory, Density
TERM 2
Combined Sciences:
B: Disease, Respiration and Photosynthesis
C: Chemical reactions, Burning fuels and atmosphere
P: Particle theory continued, Static charge, Current, Resistance, Potential Difference
TERM 3
Combined Sciences:
B: Bioenergetics continued, Classification
C: Fuels continued, Rates of reaction
P: Magnets and electromagnets, Motion graphs and calculations
Assessment
Half-termly key marked piece of work which will vary in format.
Termly assessment, consisting of key knowledge retrieval, short answer questions assessing key knowledge and understanding and written sections assessing application of knowledge.
Homework
In year 9 students continue to use Educake as a regular weekly homework retrieval tool that covers current and previously learned content. Students will also be given a half-termly key piece of exam question homework which will be marked and fed back.
Enrichment Activities
Periodically we enter students in local and regional competitions run by businesses and other organisations. The Ogden Trust usually run a Physics Olympics event hosted by a local school for groups of year 9 students.
Key Stage 4
Subject Introduction
Having a year of developing knowledge, skills and understanding to underpin the more difficult GCSE content, students will notice the change in pace and rigour. The framework for lessons is similar to that of year 9, but students will sit an end of year exam that consists of a tiered GCSE paper that will help ascertain setting for the final year and focus on GCSE exams.
Modules
TERM 1
Combined Sciences:
B: Enzymes, Photosynthesis, Homeostasis and hormones
C: Rates of reaction, Burning Fuels and the Atmosphere
P: Forces and motion 2 (Newton’s Laws), Energy 2 (kinetic/gravitational and work/power)
Separate Sciences:
B: Enzymes, Photosynthesis, Homeostasis
C: Rates of reaction, Burning Fuels and the Atmosphere
P: Forces (moments, levers, weight), Energy 2, Waves
TERM 2
Combined Sciences:
B: Natural selection and evolution, ecology
C: Reactions of acids, Structures and Bonding
P: Energy continued, Waves 1 (inc. EM spectrum, ripple tank investigation)
Separate Sciences:
B: Hormones, Evolution and natural selection
C: Reactions of acids, Structures and Bonding, Qualitative Chemistry
P: Waves and light, Atomic structure and radioactivity, Current, charge and resistance
TERM 3
Combined Sciences:
B: Ecology, Cycles, Cell division
C: Quantitative chemistry 1 (masses, moles and conservation of mass), Gas testing and chromatography, Using resources
P: Electricity 2 (Circuits, Energy and electrical power), Atomic structure, Particle model
Separate Sciences:
B: Ecology, Nutrient cycles, Humans and the environment, Cell division
C: Quantitative chemistry 1 (masses, moles and conservation of mass), Using resources, Electrolysis
P: Electricity 3, Atomic structure (inc. PAGs and circuits), Particle Model 2
Assessment
Half-termly key marked piece of work which will vary in format.
Termly assessment, consisting of key knowledge retrieval, short answer questions assessing key knowledge understood and written sections assessing application of knowledge.
End of year tiered GCSE style exam, based on taught content assesses likely tier of entry for Y11.
Homework
Up until around February, students continue to use Educake for their weekly homework. After the autumn term ends and students have covered sufficient content the online tool we move to is Tassomai. This is a retrieval and practice app, that learns students’ strengths and weaknesses and develops core knowledge, in order to enable its application. Students will also be given other homework as their teachers see the need.
Enrichment Activities
Some students are invited GCSE Science Live! in Manchester around the new year subject to availability.
Texts to be issued and arrangements for return
Students are encouraged to buy the Oxford Revision and Practice guides that will be used to help with homework, with interventions and for practice before assessments.
Subject Introduction
Students are focussed on completing any outstanding GCSE content in year 11 and refining their scientific and mathematical skills before completing GCSE examinations in May/June.
Modules
TERM 1
Combined Sciences:
B: Communicable disease and immunity, Movement of substances
C: Electrolysis, Quantitative chemistry 2 (reacting masses, limiting reagents HT)
P: Forces and motion 3 (resultants and vectors, forces and energy, momentum), Waves 3 (reflection/refraction/ applications), Electricity 3 (IV characteristics, mains and national grid)
Separate Sciences:
B: Communicable disease and immunity, Movement of substances, Circulatory system
C: Quantitative chemistry 2 (Reacting masses and gases, Yields and atom economy, Titrations)
P: Particle model calculations, Energy calculations, Forces and pressure
TERM 2
Combined Sciences:
B: Circulatory system, Non-communicable disease, Genetics
C: Energy and equilibrium
P: Atomic Structure and radiation, Particle Model calculations, Electromagnetism 2 (Induction, Motor effect and Fleming)
Separate Sciences:
B: Non-communicable disease, Genetics and cloning
C: Chemical cells, Energy and equilibrium, Organic chemistry 2 (functional groups, polymers and amino acids/DNA)
P: Waves applications, electromagnetism and motor effect, space
TERM 3
Combined Sciences:
GCSE exams preparation and outstanding unit completion
Separate Sciences:
GCSE exams preparation
Assessment
Half-termly key marked piece of work which will vary in format.
PPE1 covering a complete tiered paper in each discipline.
PPE2 covering another complete tiered paper in each discipline.
Homework
Year 11 students are expected to regularly complete their minimum weekly daily goal target on Tassomai, which builds students’ knowledge base so that lessons can become more skills focussed. Students will also be given other homework as their teachers see the need.
Enrichment Activities
Select students will be chosen for intervention forms in year 11 to further bolster their confidence in Science as they prepare for GCSEs. Other students will be invited for intervention and revision booster sessions. There are also opportunities for some students to partake in Physics sessions run by the Ogden Trust.
Texts to be issued and arrangements for return
Students are encouraged to buy the Oxford Revision and Practice guides that will be used to help with homework, with interventions and for practice before assessments.
Sixth Form
Subject Intent
Our A-Level Biology course is all about nurturing curiosity and passion for life sciences. We want students to feel inspired by the living world—from cells and molecules to ecosystems—and equipped with the investigative, analytical, and collaborative skills needed for future studies and careers in science, healthcare, research, conservation, and more.
Course Overview
Year 12 (AS content)
- Module 1: Development of practical skills – experimental design, data handling, analysis.
- Module 2: Foundations in biology – cells, biological molecules, enzymes, and DNA.
- Module 3: Exchange & transport – gas exchange, circulation in animals and plants.
- Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution & disease – classification, evolution, communicable diseases.
Year 13 (A2 content)
- Module 5: Communications, homeostasis & energy – nerve responses, hormonal coordination, photosynthesis & respiration.
- Module 6: Genetics, evolution & ecosystems – gene expression, populations, ecosystem dynamics & conservation.
Practical work is woven throughout, building confidence and competence, all contributing to the Practical Endorsement.
Assessment
Three exams at the end of Year 13 (Paper 1 & 2: 2 h 15 m each, 37% each; Paper 3: 1 h 30 m, 26%), plus a separately reported practical endorsement.
Homework & Independent Study
Regular exam-style questions, practical write-ups, research tasks, quizzes, and guided reading or media resources to build independent study habits and deepen understanding.
Enrichment Opportunities
Workshops, guest speakers, field trips, Biology Olympiad, conservation projects, lab visits, university open days, and revision clinics to bring biology to life and foster community.
Where Can Biology Take You?
Biology paves the way to careers in medicine, veterinary sciences, environmental science, research, teaching, and biotechnology. The analytical, practical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills developed here are highly valued across all sectors—and we're with you every step of the way.
Subject Intent
A-Level Chemistry is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and prepare our students for an exciting future in science. Whether you're aiming for a career in healthcare, engineering, research, or just love solving problems, this course helps you develop the knowledge and practical skills to make sense of the world around you. We focus on bringing chemistry to life, encouraging students to ask questions, work collaboratively, and think critically. By the end of the course, students will not only be ready for exams but also for the challenges and opportunities of university and beyond.
Course Overview
Year 12 (AS content)
- Module 1: Development of Practical Skills – learning how to plan and carry out experiments safely and effectively.
- Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry – the building blocks of chemistry, including atoms, bonding, and equations.
- Module 3: The Periodic Table and Energy – exploring patterns in the periodic table and the energy changes in reactions.
- Module 4: Core Organic Chemistry – understanding the structure, naming, and reactions of key organic molecules.
Year 13 (A2 content)
- Module 5: Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements – delving deeper into how and why reactions happen, and the unique behaviour of transition metals.
- Module 6: Organic Chemistry and Analysis – more advanced organic chemistry and how we can use spectroscopy and analysis to identify substances.
Practical work is central throughout the course, giving students a chance to build confidence in lab skills while earning the Practical Endorsement.
Assessment
Students sit three written exams at the end of Year 13 and complete a practical endorsement:
- Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry – 2h 15m (37%)
- Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques – 2h 15m (37%)
- Paper 3: Unified chemistry – 1h 30m (26%)
- Practical Endorsement: a non-exam assessment showing practical competence
Homework & Independent Study
We encourage our students to take ownership of their learning. Weekly homework might include exam-style questions, revision tasks, research, or practical write-ups. There are also plenty of online tools and resources to support independent study, and we’re always happy to help students find extra practice if they need it.
Enrichment Opportunities
Beyond lessons, we offer plenty of ways to bring chemistry to life:
- Practical workshops and lab sessions
- Guest speakers from universities and industry
- Chemistry Olympiad and other competitions
- Trips to universities or science centres
- Support sessions and revision workshops
We also encourage students to keep up with science in the news and take an interest in how chemistry affects the world around them.
Where Can Chemistry Take You?
Chemistry opens doors. From medicine and dentistry to environmental science, pharmacology, and engineering, it’s a subject that’s highly valued by universities and employers alike. This course builds strong analytical, practical, and problem-solving skills that are useful in many careers — even outside science. Whatever your goals, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Subject Intent
This course brings the science of the human body to life, from the tiniest cells to complex bodily systems. Students build confidence in research, laboratory skills, communication, and health-focused thinking—perfect for those considering careers in nursing, biomedical science, sports science, or healthcare.
Course Overview
Extended Certificate (H149 – 360 GLH, full A-Level equivalent)
- F170: Fundamentals of Human Biology – external written exam (1h 15m)
- F172: Genetics – non-exam assessment (NEA)
- F173: Biomedical Techniques – NEA
- F171: Health and Disease – external written exam (1h 15m)
- Choose two NEA units (Chosen by the teacher) from: Nutrition and Metabolism, Human Reproduction, The Brain or Drug Development
Assessment Structure
- External Exams (40%)
- F170 and F171: each 60 marks, 1h 15m exams covering theory in anatomy, disease, and cellular biology
- Non‑Exam Assessments (60%)
- All NEAs are centre-assessed and OCR-moderated practical or research-based projects
- Optional NEAs in engaging fields like brain structure, nutrition, or drug development
Assessment uses a compensatory process, meaning students can still achieve a Pass/Merit/Distinction overall even if one area is weaker.
Homework & Independent Study
Student tasks include:
- Exam-style questions and mock papers
- Lab write-ups and data review
- Research into health trends, diseases, and biological techniques
- Extended project work for NEA units
Enrichment Opportunities
- Practical sessions: microscopy, genetic testing, physiological tests
- Workshops with healthcare professionals and biomedical scientists
- Visits to labs, hospitals, or research centres
- Participation in community health initiatives or science challenges
- Peer-led revision clinics and cross-subject study with subjects like Chemistry or Psychology
Progression & Careers
This qualification builds a solid foundation for higher education and careers in:
- Nursing, midwifery, paramedicine
- Biomedical science, physiotherapy, sports science
- Healthcare research, biotechnology, public health
The scientific thinking, practical skills, and communication gained are valued across science and health sectors.
Subject Intent
This course aims to fuel curiosity and understanding of how the universe works—from quantum particles to stars. Students will develop analytical thinking, precise problem-solving, practical investigation skills, and scientific communication. Whether you're drawn to engineering, astrophysics, medicine, or technology, this qualification builds a strong foundation for higher education and future careers.
Course Overview
The course is organised into six modules, with practical work woven throughout:
- Development of Practical Skills in Physics – Experimental techniques, data gathering & analysis
- Foundations of Physics – Measurement, units, uncertainties, vector/scalar quantities
- Forces and Motion – Dynamics, energy conservation, materials, momentum
- Electrons, Waves, and Photons – Electricity, circuits, wave phenomena, quantum mechanics
- Newtonian World and Astrophysics – Thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, gravitation, cosmology
- Particles and Medical Physics – Fields, electromagnetism, nuclear physics, medical imaging
Assessment Structure
- Component 01 – Modelling Physics – Modules 1, 2, 3, 5 – 2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks – 37%
- Component 02 – Exploring Physics – Modules 1, 2, 4, 6 – 2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks – 37%
- Component 03 – Unified Physics – All modules 1–6 – 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks – 26%
- Component 04 – Practical Endorsement – Practical skills – NEA, reported separately – no weighting
Each paper blends multiple-choice, structured problem-solving, quantitative calculations, and extended response questions. Practical skills are assessed both in exams and through a teacher-led practical endorsement.
Homework & Independent Study
- Regular practice with paper-style questions (calculations, theory, problem-solving).
- Deep dives into case studies (e.g., black holes, particle decay, circuit models).
- Lab write-ups and data analysis to solidify practical understanding.
- Additional reading around modern physics, current research, and news topics.
Enrichment Opportunities
- Physics lab workshops (e.g., oscilloscopes, radiation detection).
- Guest sessions from physicists, engineers, or medical physicists.
- Visits to university facilities, observatories, or research centres.
- Participation in competitions like Physics Olympiad or BPhO.
- Support sessions, revision clinics, and peer-led study groups.
Where Can Physics Take You?
A-Level Physics opens doors to degrees and careers in:
- Engineering, Physics, Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Aerospace.
- Data Science, Computing, Quantitative Finance, Environmental Science.
- It also builds problem-solving, analytical reasoning, maths fluency, and technical communication skills—valuable in virtually any field.