Science

What is Science?

Science helps us make sense of the world around us. From the smallest particles to the largest galaxies, almost everything in our lives can be explained through science. At Armthorpe Academy, we want every student to experience the excitement and curiosity that comes from exploring how things work.

In science lessons, pupils learn through practical investigations, experiments, and discussion. They develop knowledge and skills that not only prepare them for exams but also for life beyond school, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

We also connect science learning to the wider world. Pupils explore big issues like climate change, biodiversity, medical research, energy, and healthy living. This helps them form their own opinions and make informed choices about the world they live in.

Above all, science at Armthorpe Academy is about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and giving every child the opportunity to succeed; whatever their ambitions for the future.

Year 7

Science in Year 7 is taught across the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, giving pupils a strong foundation in the big ideas that underpin each subject.

The biology content of the curriculum includes studying living organisms and how their bodies work, as well as exploring variation, health, and the factors that influence life. Pupils begin to develop their understanding of how science helps us explain and improve the natural world.

The chemistry content of the curriculum introduces pupils to the study of substances, their properties, and how they interact. Pupils build knowledge of the smallest building blocks of matter and consider how materials are designed and used in everyday life.

The physics content of the curriculum focuses on the forces and processes that explain how the universe works. Pupils explore ideas such as energy, movement, waves, and space, developing skills to apply scientific knowledge to real-world situations.

Year 8

In Year 8, pupils continue to build on their scientific foundations with a broad curriculum that helps them make stronger connections between the topics they study and the world around them.

The biology content of the curriculum includes studying how lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise affect the body, as well as exploring reproduction, interdependence, and ecosystems. Pupils develop a deeper understanding of how living things survive, grow and interact with their environment.

The chemistry content of the curriculum develops pupils’ understanding of how substances behave, interact and change. This includes building knowledge of chemical reactions, acids and alkalis, and the water cycle. Pupils also begin to explore environmental issues such as air pollution and the use of natural resources.

The physics content of the curriculum focuses on forces, motion, energy, light, and space. Pupils investigate how we see and create images, learn how simple electrical circuits work, and build their knowledge of different stores of energy and their effects.

Year 9

In Year 9, pupils continue to strengthen their scientific understanding and make meaningful links between the big scientific ideas.

The biology content of the curriculum includes the study of infectious diseases, biodiversity, adaptation and evolution, and inheritance and the genome. Pupils also revisit cell biology and interdependence, deepening their understanding of how living things function and interact.

The chemistry content of the curriculum builds on earlier knowledge of substances and reactions. Pupils study weathering and erosion, rock changes, the periodic table and atomic structure, and chemical bonding. They also consider the costs, uses and impacts of different fuels, linking chemistry to real-world issues.

The physics content of the curriculum focuses on energy, forces, and the behaviour of matter. Pupils study more complex electrical circuits, waves, floating and sinking, and the energy of moving particles. They also develop their understanding of magnets, electromagnets, and how to measure and calculate motion.

KS4

At Key Stage 4, students continue their journey in science with the AQA curriculum. They study biology, chemistry, and physics, either through Combined Science, which gives a broad overview of all three areas, or through Separate Sciences (Triple Science), which allows students to study each subject in more depth. Both pathways cover the same essential topics, and students are supported to choose the route that best fits their interests and aspirations, whether they are curious about the natural world, enjoy experiments, or are considering future studies and careers in science.

The biology content of the curriculum covers areas such as cell transport, human body systems, coordination and control, growth and development, infectious disease, reproduction, bioenergetics, and evolution. Pupils also study how lifestyle choices and human activity affect health and the environment.

The chemistry content of the curriculum includes quantitative chemistry, acids and bases, rates of reaction, electrolysis, crude oil, chemical equilibrium, chemical analysis, material properties, and sustainability. Pupils build on their KS3 knowledge to understand how substances behave, interact and change, linking their learning to real-world issues such as pollution and resource use.

The physics content of the curriculum develops pupils’ understanding of energy, forces, waves, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics. They study topics such as energy of moving objects, circuit components and calculations, waves, electromagnetism, and mains electricity, applying their knowledge to both everyday life and technological advances.