Science
Science Curriculum Vision
Science at All Saints aims to be interesting, thought-provoking, and fun. At all levels the science curriculum consists of a mix of topics that look at how science affects the world around us. In KS3 the sciences are blended to introduce students to the basic scientific principles and understanding that they will need both in life and as a stepping stone to GCSE study.
In KS4 students are taught aspects of Biology, Physics and Chemistry in their theoretical aspects but also as practically as possible.
All Saints students can also elect to study the three sciences further in A level courses to further develop their scientific understanding.

KS3 Science Curriculum
In KS3 Science, our students study the following topics:
Year 7
Biology
- Movement
- Cells
- Variation
- Human reproduction
- Interdependence
- Plant reproduction
Chemistry
- Earth structure
- Universe
- Particles
- Separating substances
- Metals
- Acids and alkalis
Physics
- Speed
- Gravity
- Voltage and resistance
- Current
- Energy cost and transfer
- Sound
- Light
Year 8
Biology
- Evolution
- Inheritance
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Respiration
- Photosynthesis
Chemistry
- Chemical energy
- Types of reaction
- Climate
- Earth resources
- Periodic table
- Elements
Physics
- Magnetism
- Electromagnetism
- Contact forces
- Pressure
- Wave properties and effects
- Work
- Heating and cooling
KS4 GCSE Biology Curriculum
Exam board: AQA
In KS4 GCSE Biology, our students study the following topics:
Paper 1: 50% of GCSE
Cell biology
- Cell structure
- Cell division
- Transport in cells
Organisation
- Principles of organisation
- Animal tissues, organs and organ systems
Infection and response
- Communicable diseases
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Plant disease
Bioenergetics
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
Paper 2: 50% of GCSE
Homeostasis and response
- Homeostasis
- The human nervous system
- Hormonal coordination in humans
- Plant hormones
Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Reproduction
- Variation and evolution
- The development of understanding of genetics and evolution
- Classification of living organisms
Ecology
- Adaptions, interdependence and competition
- Organisation of an ecosystem
- Biodiversity and the effect of human interactions on ecosystems
- Trophic levels in an ecosystems
- Food production
Useful websites
KS4 GCSE Chemistry Curriculum
Exam board: AQA
In KS4 GCSE Chemistry, our students study the following topics:
Paper 1: 50% of GCSE
Atomic structure and the periodic table
- A simple model of the atom, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotopes
- The periodic table
- Properties of transition metals
Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic
- How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances
- Structure and bonding of carbon
- Bulk and surface properties of matter including nanoparticles
Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical measurements, conservation of mass and the quantitative interpretation of chemical equations
- Use of amount of substance in relation to masses of pure substances
- Yield and atom economy of chemical reactions
- Using concentrations of solutions in mol/dm3
- Use of amount of substance in relation to volumes of gases
Chemical changes
- Reactivity of metals
- Reactions of acids
- Electrolysis
Energy changes
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Chemical cells and fuel cells
Paper 2: 50% of GCSE
The rate and extent of chemical change
- Rate of reaction
- Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium
Organic chemistry
- Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
- Reactions of alkenes and alcohols
- Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers
Chemical analysis
- Purity, formulations and chromatography
- Identification of common gases
- Identification of ions by chemical and spectroscopic means
Chemistry of the atmosphere
- The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere
- Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases
- Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources
Using resources
- Using the Earth’s resources and obtaining potable water
- Life cycle assessment and recycling
- Using materials
- The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilisers
Useful websites
KS4 GCSE Physics Curriculum
Exam board: AQA
In KS4 GCSE Physics, our students study the following topics:
Paper 1: 50% of GCSE
Energy
- Energy change in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes
- Conservation and dissipation of energy
- National and global energy resources
Electricity
- Current, potential difference and resistance
- Series and parallel circuits
- Domestic uses and safety
- Energy transfers
- Static electricity
Particle model of matter
- Changes in state and the particle model
- Internal energy and energy transfer
- Particle model and pressure
Atomic structure
- Atoms and isotopes
- Atoms and nuclear radiation
- Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation
- Nuclear fission and fusion
Paper 2: 50% of GCSE
Forces
- Forces and their interactions
- Work done and energy transfer
- Forces and elasticity
- Moments, levers and gears
- Pressure and pressure differences in fluids
- Forces and motion
- Momentum
Waves
- Waves in air, fluids and solids
- Electromagnetic waves
- Black body radiation
Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields
- The motor effect
- Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid
Space physics
- Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites
- Red-shift
Useful websites
KS4 GCSE Science (Trilogy) Curriculum
Exam board: AQA
In KS4 GCSE Science (Trilogy), our students study the following topics:
Biology
- Cell biology
- Organisation
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Ecology
Chemistry
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources
Physics
- Energy
- Electricity
- Particle model of matter
- Atomic structure
- Forces
- Waves
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
Useful websites
KS5 A Level Biology Curriculum
Exam board: AQA
In KS5 A Level Biology, our students study the following topics:
Paper 1: 35% of A Level
- Biological modules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- Practical skills
Paper 2: 35% of A Level
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- The control of gene expression
- Practical skills
Paper 3: 30% of A Level
- Biological modules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- The control of gene expression
- Practical skills
Useful websites
KS5 A Level Chemistry Curriculum
Exam board: AQA
In KS5 A Level Chemistry, our students study the following topics:
Paper 1: 35% of A Level
- Atomic structure
- Amount of substance
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
- Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium constant Kp for homogenous systems
- Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
- Acids and bases
- Periodicity
- Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
- Group 7 (17), the halogens
- Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides
- Transition metals
- Reactions of ions in aqueous solution
- Practical skills
Paper 2: 35% of A Level
- Amount of substance
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Kinetics
- Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
- Rate equations
- Introduction to organic chemistry
- Alkanes
- Halogenoalkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Organic analysis
- Optical isomerism
- Aldehydes and ketones
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Aromatic chemistry
- Amines
- Polymers
- Amino acids, proteins and DNA
- Organic synthesis
- Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Chromatography
- Practical skills
Paper 3: 30% of A Level
All content and practical skills from Paper 1 and Paper 2
Useful websites
KS5 A Level Physics Curriculum
Exam board: AQA
In KS5 A Level Physics, our students study the following topics:
Paper 1: 34% of A Level
- Measurements and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
- Further mechanics
Paper 2: 34% of A Level
- Thermal physics
- Fields and their consequences
- Nuclear physics
- Assumed knowledge from Paper 1
Paper 3: 32% of A Level
- Practical skills and data analysis
- Astrophysics
Useful websites
KS5 AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science Curriculum (equivalent to 1 A Level)
Exam board: AQA
In KS5 Level 3 Applied Science, our students study the following topics:
- Unit 1: Key concepts in science (external exam)
- Unit 2: Applied experimental techniques (portfolio)
- Unit 3: Science in the modern world (external exam with pre-release material)
- Unit 4: The human body (external exam)
- Unit 5: Investigating science (portfolio)
- Unit 6: Microbiology, medical physics or organic chemistry (portfolio)
Useful websites
AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science Specification