Science
Science
The Science Curriculum at The Angmering School helps every student make sense of the world around them, following our values of ambition, respect, and courage, and providing the knowledge and disciplinary skills to understand and question the natural and physical world. We want students to be ambitious about what they can achieve, whether that leads to further study, a vocational pathway, or a career in STEM or healthcare; to respect evidence, differing viewpoints, and the collaborative nature of scientific enquiry; and to have the courage to question, get things wrong, and challenge misconceptions in pursuit of a better understanding of the truth. Across KS3, AQA GCSE Combined and Separate Sciences, AQA A Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics, BTEC Level 3 Medical Science, and A Level Psychology, these values are woven through every lesson, ensuring science shapes how students think and act as young citizens, not just a body of facts to be learned.
Science contributes significantly to students' wider education and personal development, extending far beyond exams. Studying biology, chemistry, and physics builds resilience as students tackle challenging concepts, while paired and group practical work develops teamwork, communication, and independent critical thinking — skills that underpin responsible citizenship in a world increasingly shaped by science and technology. Our BTEC Level 3 Medical Science provision gives equal status to applied vocational routes into healthcare, and whatever field a student progresses into, our aim is that their time in the science department equips them with the confidence and capability to succeed.
We intend for all students to leave Angmering with essential knowledge alongside an understanding of how scientific theories are established, tested, and revised. Working scientifically is embedded throughout, so students can plan, carry out, and evaluate investigations, handle data accurately, and reason scientifically about evidence. We are also committed to building students' cultural capital: an awareness of scientists, discoveries, and breakthroughs, historical and contemporary; an appreciation of the ethical and societal implications of scientific advances; and an understanding of the career and study routes available to them, so no student is limited by a lack of knowledge of what is possible.
Our curriculum is designed to be ambitious and inclusive, ensuring every student, regardless of starting point, background, or need, can access a challenging and rewarding science education. KS3 sequencing deliberately prepares all students for the demands of GCSE, with key concepts revisited and developed in increasing depth. Teaching is adapted to provide scaffolding and targeted support for SEND and disadvantaged students, giving genuine access to the full curriculum. With the offer of AQA Entry Level Science, GCSE and A Level Biology and Chemistry, Edexcel A Level Physics, BTEC Level 3 Medical Science, and AQA A Level Psychology, we ensure ambition is not reserved for a select few, but that every student is stretched and supported to achieve their full potential.
Full coverage of the National Curriculum is ensured through careful long-term mapping at KS3, designed to build the foundational knowledge required for GCSE. Schemes of work are regularly reviewed against National Curriculum and AQA requirements, with curriculum leaders monitoring coverage, sequencing, and progression across all key stages — ensuring a coherent journey from KS3 through to GCSE, A Level, and BTEC study.
Students say…
"The teaching is good and I like that there are specialist teachers for each of the sciences."
"Science classrooms are really nice and there is lots of good equipment for everyone to use."
"We do lots of practicals in science and they help me to understand the lessons."
"Teachers give us feedback which is really clear and it helps me see what I need to improve."
"Sparx Science homework is good because it gives you help when you get answers wrong and shows you the topics you need to work on independently."
What are the key features of the programmes of study?
We follow the AQA structure of 10 Big Ideas in Science across Years 7, 8 and 9. Year 7 covers the fundamentals, which are then built on in Years 8 and 9 with more complex ideas to prepare students for GCSE. Every year group also completes a Health topic in the Summer term as part of the school's mandatory PSHE curriculum.
What will my child study in Year 7?
Being a Scientist; Movement; Particles; Forces Part 1; Cells; Earth Structure; Acids & Alkalis; Interdependence; Electromagnets Part 1; Separating Mixtures; Energy; Variation; Sound.
What will my child study in Year 8?
Human Reproduction; Metals & Non-Metals; Light; The Universe; Elements; Plant Reproduction; Contact Forces; Breathing; Types of Reaction; Respiration; Pressure; Climate; Evolution.
What will my child study in Year 9?
Electromagnets Part 2; Digestion; Periodic Table; Energy Part 2; Waves; Chemical Energy; Earth's Resources; Photosynthesis; Introduction to GCSE.
How are the groups organised?
Groups are organised by students' ability in science.
What equipment is needed?
Pen, pencil, ruler, purple pen, calculator, and a hair tie for practical lessons.
What assessment is used?
Each half term, students complete a mini assessment covering three key areas: Scientific Process, Handling Data, and Critical Thinking. This includes a short multiple-choice quiz and a writing task to practise extended scientific writing. There are also three formal exams during the year — the first two are sat in class, and the final end-of-year exam is sat in the hall.
How do you give feedback to students?
Students receive feedback after every assessment via a green sheet, which sets out specific feedback and targets for improvement.
What course(s) is/are offered?
GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (Equivalent to two GCSEs). Covers Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as separate disciplines
Link to specifications
GCSE Science
What will my child study in year 10?
Paper 1 Content: Students build foundational knowledge across all three sciences: Biology: Cells, organisation, infection, response, and bioenergetics.
Chemistry: Atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, and energy changes.
Physics: Energy, electricity, particle model of matter, and atomic structure.
What will my child study in year 11?
Paper 2 Content: Students progress to advanced applications and environmental topics:
Biology: Homeostasis, response, inheritance, selection, evolution, and ecology.
Chemistry: Rate of chemical change, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, atmosphere, and using resources.
Physics: Forces, waves, magnetism, and electromagnetism.
How is the course assessed?
100% Exam-Based: Formally sat at the end of Year 11.
Six Papers: 2 Biology, 2 Chemistry, and 2 Physics exams.
Exam Length: Each exam lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Exam Tiers: Foundation tier (grades 1–5) or Higher tier (grades 4–9).
Required Practicals: No coursework; knowledge of 21 required practical experiments are tested in the written papers
What course(s) is/are offered?
AQA GCSE Biology
Link to specifications
What will my child study in year 10?
Paper 1 Content: Cell biology, organisation (organs and digestion), infection and response, and bioenergetics (photosynthesis and respiration).
What will my child study in year 11?
Paper 2 Content: Homeostasis and response (nervous system and hormones), inheritance, variation, evolution, and ecology.
How is the course assessed?
100% Exam-Based: Two written exams sat at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1: Covers Year 10 topics (1 hr 45 mins | 100 marks | 50% of GCSE).
Paper 2: Covers Year 11 topics (1 hr 45 mins | 100 marks | 50% of GCSE).
Required Practicals: There is no coursework. You will complete 10 required practical’s in class, which will be tested in your written exams
What course(s) is/are offered?
AQA GCSE Chemistry
Link to specifications
GCSE Chemistry
What will my child study in year 10?
Paper 1: Atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, structure, properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes, and energy changes.
What will my child study in year 11?
Paper 2: The rate and extent of chemical change, organic chemistry (carbon compounds), chemical analysis, chemistry of the atmosphere, and using resources.
How is the course assessed?
100% Exam-Based: Two written exams sat at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1: Covers Year 10 topics (1 hr 45 mins | 100 marks | 50% of GCSE).
Paper 2: Covers Year 11 topics (1 hr 45 mins | 100 marks | 50% of GCSE).
Required Practicals: There is no coursework. You will complete 8 required practical’s in class, which will be tested in your written exams
What course(s) is/are offered?
AQA GCSE Physics
What will my child study in year 10?
Paper 1: Energy, electricity, the particle model of matter, and atomic structure (radiation).
What will my child study in year 11?
Paper 2: Forces, waves, magnetism, electromagnetism, and Space Physics
How is the course assessed?
100% Exam-Based: Two written exams sat at the end of Year 11.
Paper 1: Covers Year 10 topics (1 hr 45 mins | 100 marks | 50% of GCSE).
Paper 2: Covers Year 11 topics (1 hr 45 mins | 100 marks | 50% of GCSE).
Required Practicals: There is no coursework. You will complete 8 required practical’s in class, which will be tested in your written exams
AQA A Level Biology Course Code 7402
Link to specifications:
What will my child study in year 12?
Biological Molecules, Cells, Organisms and Exchange with the Environment, Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships between Organisms
What will my child study in year 13?
Energy Transfers in and between Organisms, Survival and Response, Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems, Control of Gene Expression
How is the course assessed?
External Exams:
Paper 1 Units 1-4 (2 hours)
Paper 2 Units 5-8 (2 hours)
Paper 3 Units 1-8 (2 hours)
What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
A Level Biology allows students to access university degrees and highly skilled careers in healthcare, engineering, technology, and applied sciences.
AQA A level Chemistry: Course Code 7405
Link to specifications:
What will my child study in year 12?
Physical chemistry: atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria and redox reactions.
Inorganic chemistry: periodicity, group 2 and group 7 elements
Organic Chemistry: introduction to organic chemistry, alkanes and halogenoalkanes, alkenes and alcohols, and organic analysis.
What will my child study in year 13?
Physical chemistry: thermodynamics; rate equations and Kp; electrode potentials and cells; acids, bases and pH;
Inorganic chemistry: period 3 elements and transition metals.
Organic Chemistry: isomerism and carbonyl compounds; aromatic compounds and amines; polymers; amino acids, proteins and DNA; and further synthesis and analysis.
How is the course assessed?
Three External Exams:
Paper 1: Physical and inorganic chemistry (specific topics)
Paper 2: Physical and organic chemistry (specific topics)
Paper 3: Physical inorganic and organic (any topics) with extra focus on practical skills and data analysis and a section of 30 marks on multiple choice. There are also 12 required practicals throughout the 2 years which are internally assessed.
What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
Chemistry opens many doors into various industries. Medicine, veterinary science and dentistry typically require chemistry A level. There are also various different science routes you can take including but not limited to forensic science, chemical engineering, and biochemistry. It is also useful if you want to go into environmental science, environmental policy or consultancy. Finally, the highly analytical nature of the course lends itself well to further study in business, finance, or law. There are many transferable skills such as communication, organisation and analysis that means that many careers can be open to you.
EDEXCEL A Level Physics Course Code 9PH0
Link to specifications:
What will my child study in year 12?
(1) Working as a Physicist, (2) Mechanics, (3) Electric Circuits, (4) Materials, (5) Wave and Particle Nature of Light.
What will my child study in year 13?
(1) Working as a Physicist, (6) Further Mechanics, (7) Electric & Magnetic Fields, (8) Nuclear & Particle Physics, (9) Thermodynamics, (10) Space, (11) Nuclear Radiation, (12) Gravitational Fields, (13) Oscillations.
How is the course assessed?
External Exams:
The papers may include multiple-choice, short open questions , open-response questions, calculations and extended writing questions.
Overall, a minimum of 40% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above.
Students will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Paper 1: Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes.
The paper consists of 90 marks covering topics (1), (2), (3), (6), (7) and (8).
Paper 2: Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes.
The paper consists of 90 marks covering topics (1), (4), (5), (9), (10), (11), (12) and (13).
Paper 3: Assessment is 2 hours 30 minutes.
The paper consists of 120 marks covering all topics.
Some questions will assess conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.
What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
A Level Physics allows students to access university degrees and highly skilled careers in Engineering, Energy & Utilities, IT services, Medical Sciences, Transport and Logistics (including Aviation), Construction & Civil engineering and many other career pathways.
A level Physics is an eminently valued qualification which demonstrates a broad range of transferable skills applied to a high standard including practical, analytical and mathematical skills. Throughout the course these are applied to a wide variety of real life contexts.
WJEC Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)
Qualification Code: 4403QX
Course Specification: View the full specification here.
What will my child study in Year 12?
Human Health and Disease (Externally Assessed): Human anatomy and physiology, Organ Systems and Function, Health and Disease
Physiological Measurement Techniques: Physiological testing, Measurements of Body System Function and Analysis of Data
Medical Science Research Methods: Research Techniques, Planning and carrying out Medical research, Interpretation, Analysis and Evaluation of Data.
What will my child study in Year 13?
Medicines and Treatment of Disease: Medicines and the body, Cancer causes and treatments
Clinical Laboratory Techniques (Externally Assessed): Laboratory techniques used to assess body function and diagnose disease. Human physiology and biochemistry, Interpreting clinical test results.
Medical Case Study (Externally Assessed): Synoptic unit to bring together the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course. Students apply learning from across the qualification to analyse and complete a medical case study.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment is a combination of external examinations and internally assessed coursework completed over the two-year course.
External assessment (170 guided learning hours):
- Written examinations for Units 1 and 6.
- An externally set and marked task-based assessment for Unit 5.
- Examinations include pre-release materials and synoptic questions that draw on knowledge from across the course.
Internal assessment (190 guided learning hours):
- Two coursework assignments in Year 12.
- One coursework assignment in Year 13.
Where could this course lead?
This qualification provides an excellent foundation for students wishing to progress to higher education or employment within the medical science sector. It develops knowledge and practical skills across a range of key areas, including human health, physiology, disease, pharmacology, physiological measurement, clinical testing and medical research.
Many students go on to careers in nursing, biomedical science, sports science and psychology or take degree courses in these areas.
AQA A Level Psychology:
Specification link:
What will my child study in Year 12?
Papers 1 and 2: Social Influence, Memory and Attachment (these topics prepare students for Paper 1) and Approaches, Biopsychology and Research Methods (Paper 2 topics) Students are also explicitly taught a range of skills which enable them to meet learning objectives and describe, apply and evaluate psychological theory and evidence.
What will my child study in Year 13?
Clinical Psychology, Relationships, Schizophrenia, Forensic Psychology and Issues and Debates.
How is the course assessed?
Three exams at the end of Year 13. Each paper is 2 hours long and each incorporates all of the skill sets taught. Exam questions are awarded between 1-16 marks and include short answer questions as well as essay questions. There are a range of questions across all 3 papers.
Psychology is a highly valued course and enables a range of options both in terms of further study and relevance to different career paths. It compliments Science courses well, and is a popular choice for students looking to go into further study relating to medicine and health or areas of social care. It is also recognised as a sound basis for studies in both Law and Politics, Policing and Forensics as well as Media and Business/ Human Resources. Psychology is commended by employers as there is recognition that a depth of understanding regarding motivation and behaviour is intrinsically valued. Skills developed in analysis and critical thinking are also recognised favourably.
The Science Department at The Angmering School is staffed by subject specialists with strong knowledge across biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. This expertise ensures students are taught by confident, passionate teachers who bring up-to-date subject knowledge into every lesson. Regular CPD and collaboration between specialists ensure this expertise is shared across the team, so all students receive high-quality teaching regardless of who teaches them.
Lessons are delivered using a range of evidence-based approaches. Explicit instruction and modelling introduce new concepts clearly, before students apply their understanding through guided and independent practice. Practical work is central to how science is taught, giving students regular hands-on experience of scientific enquiry, from core practicals at KS3 to required practicals at GCSE and A Level and applied investigative work within BTEC Medical Science. Strategic questioning checks understanding and addresses misconceptions in the moment, while extended writing tasks give students regular opportunities to construct scientific arguments in depth.
Helping students retain and apply their knowledge is a key priority. Retrieval practice is embedded into everyday teaching, with lessons often beginning with tasks that require recall of prior learning to strengthen long-term memory and highlight gaps. Key concepts are deliberately revisited across the curriculum: our KS3 programme is designed to build the foundation for GCSE, while interleaving within the AQA and BTEC specifications encourages students to connect new learning to what has come before. Regular low-stakes quizzing, mini assessments, and formal exam points provide further opportunities to consolidate knowledge and address misconceptions early.
Literacy, numeracy, and technology are woven throughout the curriculum. Students are explicitly taught scientific vocabulary and command words, with regular extended writing tasks developing clear, well-reasoned explanations. Numeracy is developed through data handling, graph work, and calculations, reflecting the mathematical demands of the AQA specifications. Technology, including data-logging equipment, simulations, and online platforms for research and revision, further builds students' digital literacy alongside their scientific skills.
Homework is set weekly for all students across KS3, GCSE, and Sixth Form, providing regular opportunities to consolidate and build upon learning from lessons. We use SPARX Science, an online homework platform, for KS3 and GCSE students. Students complete weekly quizzes focused on consolidation and retrieval practice, helping students revisit and secure key knowledge from current and previous topics. Sparx Science is particularly effective in supporting all students, as it provides built-in guidance and support for every question, along with video tutorials and worked examples where needed, ensuring students can access the homework independently and with confidence. The platform also adapts automatically to each student's level of understanding, adjusting the difficulty of questions in response to their performance, so that homework is personalised, appropriately challenging, and effective in addressing individual gaps in knowledge. Students in the 6th form are set weekly tasks by their teachers to prepare for new learning or to complete extended pieces of work, such as research or exam-style practice, ensuring homework supports both the consolidation of prior learning and readiness for what comes next.
We are committed to bringing science to life beyond the classroom through a range of enrichment opportunities and trips that broaden students' experiences and inspire their curiosity. Regular annual trips include a residential trip to Geneva including a visit to CERN, giving students a unique insight into cutting-edge particle physics research. We also visit Legoland, linking engineering and physics concepts to real-world design. Our Winchester Planetarium trip allows students to explore the technology used to study astronomy and space, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, connecting classroom physics to motorsport engineering and technology.
In addition to trips, students benefit from STEM enrichment activities delivered by external providers within school, offering hands-on experiences that complement and extend the curriculum. A highlight of our enrichment programme is the Science Fair, in which students complete individual research projects during the summer term, developing their skills in scientific enquiry, independent research, and project management. These projects are then exhibited at the STEAM Festival, giving students the opportunity to showcase their work, celebrate their achievements, and share their passion for science with the wider school community.
