Our approach
Subject Leader
Curriculum Overview
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13

Our approach

Science is the knowledge of the known universe and our relationship to it. Science consists of three distinct academic disciplines – biology is the study of life, chemistry the study of the properties of matter, and physics the study of energy, forces and matter. Pupils have the opportunity to study science for 7 years at Ark St Alban’s academy, progressing from key-stage three to studying A-level biology, chemistry, physics or BTEC applied science.   

Each scientific discipline has been divided into four big concepts of science that allow pupils to make connections between different units of work, deepening their understanding over time.  In addition, pupils will also explore different concepts of working scientifically. These ideas are interwoven throughout the curriculum to ensure that pupils develop an understanding of scientific method in context.   

We use AQA as our exam board for our GCSEs and A-level courses.  Pupils at GCSE will either study combined science trilogy, or separate sciences. The specification giving a detailed breakdown of the content required is available on the AQA website. 

Pupils use Century for their homework, and can also use this as an independent study tool. By clicking the icon that looks like a book on their home page, they can search for the topics listed below to study at any time. GCSE and A-level pupils can also access study booklets, lesson PowerPoints and exam practice from our pupil SharePoint sites.  

Exam Board: AQA

Subject Leader

Amber Barnard

amber.barnard@arkstalbans.org

Curriculum Overview

Year 7

Autumn Term

  • C7.1 - How does the particle model explain the properties of different states of matter? 

  • C7.2 - What is the difference between an element and a compound? 
Spring Term

  • C7.3 - How do oxidation and combustion reactions rearrange atoms? 

  • C7.4 - How are the different types of rock on Earth formed? 

All Year 7 subjects Next Year 7 Subject - Computer Science

Year 8

Autumn Term

  • C8.1 - How can we separate different types of mixture? 

  • C8.2 - What do indicators tell us about different types of chemicals? 
Spring Term
  • C8.3 - How do displacement and thermal decomposition reactions rearrange atoms? 
Summer Term

  • C8.4 - What effect does the water and the carbon cycle have on the Earth and its atmosphere? 

  • C8.5 - How do we use the Earth’s natural resources? 

All Year 8 subjects Next Year 8 Subject - Computer Science

Year 9

Autumn Term

  • C9.1 - What are atoms made from, and how have our ideas changed over time? 

  • C9.2  - What are the trends in different groups of the periodic table? 
Spring Term

  • C9.3 - How can we make salts in chemical reactions? 

  • C9.4 - How has the Earth’s atmosphere changed over time? 
Summer Term
C9.5 - How can we tell if a substance is pure? 

All Year 9 subjects Next Year 9 Subject - Computer Science

Year 10

Autumn Term

  • C10.1 - How do ionic bonds form between atoms? (paper 1) 

  • C10.2 - What trends of reactivity can be seen in metals? (paper 1) 
Spring Term

  • C10.3 - How can electrolysis be used to split up compounds? (paper 1) 

  • C10.4 - How is drinking water produced? (paper 2) 

  • C10.5 - What trends of reactivity can be seen in non-metals? (paper 1) 

  • C10.6 - What are moles and how can they be used? (paper 1) 
Summer Term

  • C10.7 - What do energy changes tell us about reactions? (paper 1) 

  • C10.8 - What factors affect the rate of a chemical reaction? (paper 2) 

All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Computer Science

Year 11

Autumn Term

  • C11.1 - How do covalent bonds form between atoms? (paper 1) 

  • C11.2- How does Le Châtelier’s principle allow us to make predictions about reactions? (paper 2) 
Spring Term

  • C11.3 - How do neutralisation reactions happen? (paper 1) 

  • C11.4 - What is the impact of fractional distillation and cracking? (paper 2) 
Summer Term
Revision & exams  

All Year 11 subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Computer Science

Year 12

Autumn Term

  • Physical Chemistry (3.1.1 - 3.1.7) 

  • Inorganic Chemistry (3.2.1 - 3.2.3) 
Spring Term

Organic Chemistry  (3.3.1 - 3.3.5) 
Summer Term

  • Organic Chemistry (3.3.6 - 3.3.9) 

  • Physical Chemistry (3.1.8) 

All Year 12 subjects Next Year 12 Subject - Computer Science

Year 13

Autumn Term

  • Physical Chemistry (3.1.9 - 3.1.12) 

  • Inorganic Chemistry (3.2.4- 3.2.6) 
Spring Term

Organic Chemistry (3.3.11 - 3.3.16) 
Summer Term
Revision & Exams  

All Year 13 subjects Next Year 13 Subject - Computer Science