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“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.” ~ Job 12:7-10
The Science department endeavours to fulfil the school mission by providing an ambitious and relevant curriculum. Our curriculum is designed to support students to flourish into well-rounded individuals, who have a love for and respect the world around them.
Our team of subject specialist teachers impart knowledge with passion, enriching students’ understanding of the world and communities.
We hope to inspire and empower our students to have the faith to envision a brighter future, embracing their role as stewards of the planet, making meaningful and innovative contributions to the world around them.
Our curriculum is designed to inspire and encourage all students to be inquisitive and respectful learners of the world around us. Throughout students 5 or 7 year journey, scientific skills are taught through engaging, relevant contexts in every day life and are encouraged to build their confidence in asking questions and look for answers as the scientists of the future.
The key pillars of science are introduced, revisited and consolidated through each key stage, enabling students to develop a secure knowledge and build upon prerequisites to understand complex concepts and theories.
Career education and STEM opportunities are embedded throughout the curriculum and are constantly referred to during topics in all key stages. This helps to deepen student understanding of the importance of science in the real world.
We acknowledge that science is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. Our curriculum equips students with the resilience, adaptability, and growth mindset necessary to navigate uncertainty, and persist in the face of challenges as they explore the frontiers of scientific knowledge.
At St John Bosco Arts College, we currently study the AQA GCSE Combined Science Specification at KS4.
More information on this course can be found by following this link.
Biology paper 1: Cell Biology; Organisation; Bioenergetics; and Infection and response
Biology paper 2: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology
Chemistry paper 1: Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; and Energy changes
Chemistry paper 2: The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; and using resources
Physics paper 1: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; and Atomic structure.
Physics paper 2: Forces; Waves; and Magnetism and electromagnetism
Biology
Cell biology
Animal organisation and respiration
Plant organisation and photosynthesis
Infection and response
Chemistry
Atomic Structure
Structure and bonding
Chemical changes
Energy changes
Physics
Energy and particle model
Atomic structure
Electricity
Biology
Ecology
Homeostasis and response
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Chemistry
Quantitative chemistry
Rates of chemical change
Chemistry of the atmosphere
Organic Chemistry
Chemical analysis
Using resources
Physics
Waves
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Forces
We run a number of courses at KS5, providing students with a number of options to continue studying science after their GCSE’s.
We follow the AQA specifications for A Level Biology, A Level Chemistry and A Level Physics, all of which can be found at the respective links. These courses are linear, meaning they have a series of three external assessments which are sat at the end of Year 13. Student also complete the A Level Science Practical Endorsement, which is specific to the subject that they are studying.
For vocational courses, we follow the Pearson specifications for BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates in Applied Human Biology and in Applied Science. These courses are assessed in two ways, by external assessment and internal assessment (coursework), with two units in each year contributing to the overall grade in Year 13.
A Level Biology
Biological molecules
Cells
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
Physical Chemistry
Atomic structure
Amount of substance
Bonding
Energetics
Kinetics
Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
Inorganic Chemistry
Periodicity
Group 2
Group 7 (17)
Organic Chemistry
Introduction to organic chemistry
Alkanes
Halogenoalkanes
Alkenes
Alcohols
Organic analysis
A Level Physics
Measurement and their errors
Particles and radiation
Waves
Mechanics and materials
Electricity
BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Human Biology
Unit 1 – Principles of Applied Human Biology
Unit 2 – Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Science
Unit 1 – Principles of Applied Science
Unit 2 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
A Level Biology
Energy transfers within and between organisms
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
Genetics, population, evolution and ecosystems
The control of gene expression
Physical Chemistry
Thermodynamics
Rate equations
Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
Acids and bas
Inorganic Chemistry
Properties of period 3 elements and their oxides
Transition metals
Reactions of ions in aqueous solution
Organic Chemistry
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
A Level Physics
Further mechanics
Nuclear physics
Fields and their consequences
Thermal physics
Optional Unit: Engineering
BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Human Biology
Unit 3 – Human Biology and Health Issues
Optional Unit: Unit 8 – Human Reproduction and Fertility
BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Science
Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills
Optional Unit: Unit 8 – Physiology of Human Body Systems
Introduction to scientific skill
Lab safety and investigations
Apparatus
Bunsen burner
Collecting and analysing data
Biology
Movement
Cells
Human reproduction
Plant reproduction
Interdependence
Chemistry
Universe
Particle model
Elements
Periodic table
Separating mixtures
Physics
Speed
Gravity
Energy transfers
Energy costs
Current
Biology
Breathing
Digestion
Variation
Inheritance
Evolution
Chemistry
Earth structure
Earth resources
Acids and alkalis
Types of reaction
Metals and non-metals
Physics
Voltage and resistance
Sound
Light
Contact forces
Pressure
Biology
Respiration
Photosynthesis
Evolution
Chemistry
Climate
Acids and alkalis
Chemical energy
Physics
Waves
Work
Magnetism
Electromagnetism
Heating and cooling
There are a number of visits and opportunities students can access throughout their time at St John Bosco Arts College.
The well-established STEM Club enables students to get involved in challenges and develop their scientific skills in completing their own research. Students also have opportunities to take part in city-wide and country-wide STEM challenges to enhance their scientific understanding, enhance their love for STEM and introduce a number of career pathways available to them.
We work closely with local Universities and STEM companies to provide additional opportunities for our students to access throughout their time at the College.
If you are interested in chemistry, biology or physics then why not try one of our book recommendations all about science - simply select the 'Science' Reading List image, and click on the book cover that you are interested in. Looking for more books based on this subject? Then check out our further book recommendations on Accessit here: Science Reading List
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