In KS4, we follow the Pearsons Edexcel syllabus to allow the students to study either Triple or Combined science at GCSE. We aim for students to leave the course being well rounded Scientist who understand a large number of the phenomena found in the world around them. By the end of the key stage, they should have a firm grasp of how to use practical equipment in science, how to conduct a scientific investigation by focusing on one variable and how to analyse different evidence.

Our KS4 curriculum is based around Pearsons EDEXCEL specification. Students start year 9 with our foundational knowledge GCSE topics. This gives them time to fully understand and absorb the content needed to be successful in their GCSEs and are seamlessly blended into a 5-year learning journey in science. At Ercall Wood Academy, we offer both Combined Science and Triple Science as options for students, with the Triple option enhanced with extra time to deliver the extra GCSE that they would gain. In both Combined and Triple GCSEs students can sit either the higher or foundation papers.

The implementation of KS4 follows the same routines gathered in KS3 including general knowledge quiz, guided explanations, checking for understanding and reteaching, if necessary, followed by independent practice.

Students at Ercall wood Academy have the opportunity to understand many of the fundamental processes that govern life, our planet and how the resources around us work. They should leave KS4 with a greater understanding of the world around them and will have gained a number of problem-solving skills which should give them a good grounding in ideas of evidence and testing to take with them whether they choose to study science further or not.

At KS3, homework is set on SENECA which is our online learning platform. These homework’s are based around knowledge and videos and then quiz questions on what they have learnt.

Homework is set her teacher, per subject. It can either be set:

• Weekly: around 20 minutes over the week per Subject for Biology, Chemistry and physics
• Biweekly: around 40 minutes over two weeks per subject for Biology Chemistry and physics.

The setting of this homework depends on how often the teacher sees their class but should average of 1 hour per week for science.

Enrichment at KS4 includes a STEM club and the CANSAT club that offer the opportunity to be part of a group looking at launching satellites into space. We have trips out to Cadbury world, Science lives and a look at the Science of the Wrekin in our local context.

Skills gained at KS4 include:

Practical techniques using a range of different scientific equipment.

The understanding of Hazard symbols and risk assessing different activities

How to run a practical investigation that is accurate, reliable.

How to analyse different evidence sources, check the validity of different sources and to look at the difference between correlation and causation.

A good understanding of different mathematical techniques and how they relate to real world scenarios.

By studying science, they are many options of further studies including apprenticeships in both Science and engineering, T levels, Btecs in applied science and different Science A levels.

Due to the rigour of the course and the content pupils who do well in science find their Science GCSEs of real benefit to them in their future careers