Curriculum Intent

The Science department at Trinity believes that an outstanding Science education is fundamentally and intrinsically important in the development of student’s academic, social, physical and emotional wellbeing. Science is essential for them to make informed and responsible choices as they mature into adults. 

We believe that a strong, broad based and in-depth grounding in scientific knowledge and ideas is critical in dealing with the multiple global challenges we face, from addressing food security issues to the global energy crisis, from preventing any further pandemics to attaining carbon neutrality.  

The Science department believes that students with a secure grasp of scientific understanding will be able to better look after themselves, their neighbours, their families and the planet in the future. In an age where scientific disinformation is rife and dangerous, they will be equipped to become independent thinkers who can discern fact from fiction and use this knowledge to make better choices. 

Our aim is to inform, inspire and enable all students to reach their goals, from those who are potential healthcare workers, engineers and research scientists to those for whom science will be an essential backdrop to their daily lives which has to be understood in a changing scientific world.   

Simply put, we believe that Science matters and we seek to pass on our passion for the Sciences to our students so that they are able to utilise this, thrive and succeed in their scientific world.  

KS3 Science

In KS3 Science our main aim is to provide students with a curriculum that gives students a base of scientific knowledge and skills, both practical and analytical, which they will continue to develop in KS4 and KS5. Our curriculum is designed to inspire and develop curiosity in our students and a desire to explore more about Science in all areas of their lives. Students are encouraged to gain a love of the natural world, exploring science by experiencing natural phenomena. The department uses the AQA specification which links directly to GCSE. We use OXFORD AQA Activate textbooks, each student is supplied with their own copy as well as having access to an online version.  We use a hands on approach and teach through practical work. At Trinity all students in Year 9 begin AQA GCSE Sciences.

KS3 Science focuses on common themes which are further developed in KS4 and KS5:

 

KS3 Physics

• Forces
• Electromagnets
• Energy
• Waves

KS3 Chemistry

• Matter
• Reactions
• Earth

KS3 Biology

• Organisms
• Ecosystems
• Genes

 

KS4 Science

In KS4 Science students study AQA Combined Science or AQA Separate Sciences.

Students explore nature and the universe through research and experimental means which develops their understanding of the role that Science plays in their lives. Science is the discovery of new knowledge that explains how our world was formed, how it developed, and how it works. The subject sheds light on our natural curiosities and develops robust analytical and critical thinking skills which are essential in our world today

The Separate Sciences form a natural foundation for continued study of the Sciences at A level.

All students are provided with personal copies of OXFORD textbooks as well as access to a variety of online packages including Tassomai and Kerboodle.

Topics studied in Biology:

• Cells and organisation
• Disease and Bioenergetics
• Biological Responses
• Genetics and reproduction
• Ecology

Topics studied in Chemistry:

• Atoms, bonding and moles
• Chemical reactions and energy changes
• Rates, equilibrium and organic chemistry
• Analysis and the Earth’s resources

Topics studies in Physics:

• Energy and energy resources
• Particles at work
• Forces in action
• Waves, electromagnetism and space

 

KS5 Physics 

At Trinity our students follow the AQA A-level Physics specification.

Physics is the most fundamental of all the Sciences. It is concerned with the study of matter, energy and the interactions between them. It is important as a subject in its own right, but also as an essential element in all the other sciences, engineering and technology. Students who continue their study of Physics to degree level will find a wide range of careers open to them. Some of the fields that graduate Physicists enter include: Research and Development, Design and Production, Medical Physics, Astronomy, Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation, Civil Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Teaching, Geophysics, Meteorology, Computing (hardware and software), Administration and Management, Accountancy, Banking, Financial Analysis and Science Journalism.

Core content

• 1 Measurements and their errors
• 2 Particles and radiation
• 3 Waves
• 4 Mechanics and materials
• 5 Electricity
• 6 Further mechanics and thermal physics
• 7 Fields and their consequences
• 8 Nuclear physics

Options (only one option module is studies).

• 9 Astrophysics (Traditionally we choose this option at Trinity)
• 10 Medical physics
• 11 Engineering physics
• 12 Turning points in physics
• 13 Electronics

ASSESSMENT:

There will be three written exams:

Paper 1: written exam of 2 hours duration and worth 85 marks (34% of A Level) covering sections 1 to 5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion).

The format of the paper will be 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 2: written exam of 2 hours duration and worth 85 marks (34% of A Level) covering sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8.

The format of the paper will be 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 3: written exam of 2 hours duration and worth 80 marks (32% of A Level) divided into two sections.

• Section A Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis
• Section B: Students enter for one of sections 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 (i.e. one option topic)

The format of this paper will be 45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis and 35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic.

 

KS5 Chemistry

At Trinity our students follow the AQA A-level Chemistry specification.

Chemistry helps us to understand the world in which we live and underpins a wide range of science-based degree courses and careers. Success with A level chemistry will prepare you for a future in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medicine and dentistry. This course is designed to be stimulating, enjoyable and challenging. We want you to develop a passion for the subject and understand its practical relevance, as well as learn from the experiences of those already in the industry.

Core Content 

3.1 Physical Chemistry

3.1.1 Atomic structure

3.1.2 Amount of substance

3.1.3 Bonding

3.1.4 Energetics

3.1.5 Kinetics

3.1.6 Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle

3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox equations

3.1.8 Thermodynamics

3.1.9 Rate equations

3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kc for homogeneous systems

3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells

3.1.12 Acids and bases

3.2 Inorganic chemistry

3.2.1 Periodicity

3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals

3.2.3 Group 7(17), the halogens

3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides

3.2.5 Transition metals

3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous solution

3.3 Organic chemistry

3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry

3.3.2 Alkanes

3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes

3.3.4 Alkenes

3.3.5 Alcohols

3.3.6 Organic analysis

3.3.7 Optical isomerism

3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones

3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives

3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry

3.3.11 Amines

3.3.12 Polymers

3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins and DNA

3.3.14 Organic synthesis

3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

3.3.16 Chromatography

ASSESSMENT:

There will be three written papers:

Paper 1: Written exam of 2 hours (35% of A-Level), 105 marks of short and long answer questions covering relevant physical chemistry topics (sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.4, 3.1.6), Inorganic Chemistry (section 3.2) and relevant practical skills.

Paper 2: Written exam of 2 hours (35% of A-Level), 105 marks of short and long answer questions covering relevant physical chemistry topics (sections 3.1.2 to 3.1.6 and 3.1.9), Organic Chemistry (section 3.3) and relevant practical skills.

Paper 3: Written exam of 2 hours (30% of A-Level), 90 marks. 40 marks of questions on practical techniques and analysis, 20 marks of questions testing across the specification and 30 marks of multiple choice questions.

 

KS5 Biology

At Trinity our students follow the AQA A-level Biology specification.

Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms. The word Biology is derived from the Greek words “Bios”, (meaning life) and “logos”, (meaning study). Modern Biologists generally study the structure, function, growth, evolution and distribution of living organisms. However, there are various unifying concepts that govern the study and research of Biology: the cell, genes, evolution, transfer of energy and homeostasis. As well as developing practical skills, problem solving and critical thinking, a degree in the Biological Sciences field can lead to careers in: research, pharmacology, ecology, nature conservation, biotechnology, forensic science and the medical sciences.

CORE CONTENT

• 1 Biological molecules
• 2 Cells
• 3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
• 5 Energy transfers in and between organisms
• 6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
• 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• 8 The control of gene expression

ASSESSMENT:

There will be three written exams:

Paper 1 – written exam of 2 hour’s duration and worth 91 marks (35% of A-level) covering topics 1 to 4, including relevant practical skills. The format of the paper will be 76 marks of short and long answer questions and 15 marks of extended response questions.

Paper 2 – written exam of 2 hour’s duration and worth 91 marks (35% of A-level) covering topics 5 to 8, including relevant practical skills. The format of the paper will be 76 marks of short and long answer questions and 15 marks for a comprehension question.

Paper 3 – written exam of 2 hour’s duration and worth 78 marks (30% of A-level) on topics 1 to 8, including relevant practical skills. The format of this paper will be 38 marks of structured questions, including practical techniques, 15 marks of critical analysis of experimental data questions and 25 marks for one essay questions from a choice of two titles