Key Stage 3 Curriculum

KS3 Sciences lays the foundation for a good grasp of general Sciences with our younger cohort. Mr Williams goal is to deliver engaging lessons that provide the basic scientific knowledge that is vital to facilitate an understanding of the world. Practical and theoretical sessions are designed to be relatable and interesting and ultimately instil a sense of passion for the subject.

KS3 aims in Science In accordance with The National Curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils: - Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. - Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. - Students are equipped with scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.

GCSE Curriculum Offer from September 2021

Studying in Year 9, 10 and Year 11 at Egerton High School is different from some other secondary schools. Learning is related to the world of work and aspirations so that students can better understand the relevance of what they are learning.

Mr. Filipe's goal is to deliver inspiring lessons that take a hands-on, practical approach to science in order to trigger curiosity in students in science-related careers after GCSE. Lessons are taught in ways that ensure students have the knowledge to enable them to develop curiosity about the natural world, insight into working scientifically, and appreciation of the relevance of science to their everyday lives.

The content in our KS4 course follows the AQA specification and covers both substantive and disciplinary knowledge in line with the National Curriculum’s. In KS4, we aim to continue the process of building upon and deepening knowledge and the understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages. Science is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, therefore, we teach all students the essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes, and uses of science. These key ideas include: - developing scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of chemistry, and physics; - developing an understanding of the nature, processes, and methods of science through different types of scientific inquiry that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them; - developing and learn to apply observational, practical, modelling, inquiry, problem-solving skills, and mathematical skills, both in the laboratory and in the field and in other environments.

We offer a group of selected pathways, all with bespoke and complimentary subject options. Each of our pathways has clear links to next steps after GCSE courses are completed, supporting all students in choosing the right destination at post-16.

Our offering not only allows students to specialise and deepen knowledge in areas they are passionate about, but the pathways also provide meaningful connections to real world employers and industry skills that are required to succeed. These are the foundations of a successful and lasting career.

This phase of your compulsory school education is probably the most important and hopefully the most exciting part of your learning so far. The next chapter in the learning journey will bring challenge and change, as well as increased responsibility and a wealth of opportunities as young adulthood beckons.

What are GCSE qualifications?

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.

For GCSE’s, a grading scale of 9 to 1 will be used, with 9 being the top grade. This will allow greater differentiation between students and will help distinguish the new GCSEs from previous versions. Assessment will be mainly by exam, with other types of assessment used only where they are needed to test essential skills.

There will be new, more demanding, content which has been developed by the Government and the exam boards. For delivery of the GCSE courses will here at Egerton High School please refer to the learning journeys. GCSEs themselves are no longer divided into different modules and students will take all their exams in one period at the end of their course.

Exams can only be split into ‘foundation tier’ and ‘higher tier’ if one exam paper does not give all students the opportunity to show their knowledge and abilities. The exams are structured like this to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to show what they are capable of without being put off by questions that are too hard or too easy. Subject teachers will decide which is the most appropriate tier of entry for each student.

GCSEs are the main entry requirements for continuing study at Level 3. They are also the minimum educational requirement for many jobs.