Overview:
Grace Academy Darlaston aims to cultivate an atmosphere where students not only find enjoyment in science but also develop a deep understanding of the relevance of Biology, Chemistry and Physics to everyday life. Through a curriculum that emphasizes investigative and practical skills, students are encouraged to be inquisitive and ambitious in their pursuit of scientific knowledge. By providing challenging opportunities for hands-on learning, the science curriculum equips students with transferrable skills and enable them to structure facts and opinions to construct their own arguments.
Our students will aspire to study Triple Science, A levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and pursue scientific careers spanning a variety of sectors, from those closely tied to our local community—such as healthcare, food sciences, and mechanics—to broader fields like surgery, toxicology and nuclear engineering on a national or even global scale.
Teaching staff:
- Miss K Hodgetts (Director of learning – Science)
- Miss S Palmer (Head of Biology)
- Mr B Aujila (Head of Chemistry)
- Mr E Taylor (Head of Physics)
- Mr K Wadelin Clarkosn (Associate Vice Principal)
- Miss D Biddulph (Science teacher)
- Mr M Jones (Science teacher)
- Miss C Davies (Science teacher)
- Miss M Williams (Science teacher)
Year 7
Curriculum Summary
The Year 7 curriculum establishes the foundational knowledge and skills required for success in science. Pupils develop an understanding of fundamental concepts while learning how scientific enquiry is carried out safely and accurately. Emphasis is placed on building curiosity, confidence, and core disciplinary knowledge.
Main Topics
Practical skills, separating mixtures, the particle model, cells, human reproduction, contact forces, sound and light, the atom and the nucleus, elements and compounds, variation and interdependence, magnetism, static electricity.
Assessment
Pupils complete 45-mark summative assessments each half term, assessing knowledge recall, application, and interpretation. Each assessment includes an extended written response, supporting the development of scientific vocabulary, structured explanations, and written accuracy.
Parental Support
Parents and carers can support learning by encouraging discussion of scientific ideas, reinforcing key vocabulary, and supporting regular revision using knowledge organisers and online resources.
Character Development
Pupils develop resilience, collaboration, and curiosity through practical work and investigative learning, supporting personal development alongside academic progress.
Useful Websites
BBC Bitesize | Oak National Academy | STEM Learning
Year 8
Curriculum Summary
The Year 8 curriculum builds depth and complexity, strengthening pupils’ ability to make connections across scientific disciplines. Pupils apply scientific knowledge to real-world contexts, including health, materials, and environmental issues.
Main Topics
Health and disease, digestion, the periodic table, metals and materials, work, resistance, inheritance, earth resources and climate, types of reactions, acids and alkalis, speed, gravity and wave properties.
Assessment
Pupils complete 45-mark assessments each half term, including extended responses that develop clarity, precision, and depth of scientific explanation.
Parental Support
Support includes encouraging regular retrieval practice, discussing real-world scientific applications, and supporting the use of exam-style questions.
Character Development
The curriculum promotes analytical thinking, teamwork, and independence, preparing pupils for increased academic challenge.
Useful Websites
BBC Bitesize | Seneca Learning | National Geographic
Year 9
Curriculum Summary
Year 9 consolidates Key Stage 3 learning and prepares pupils for the demands of GCSE science. The curriculum develops higher-order thinking, mathematical skills in science, and the ability to construct extended, evidence-based responses.
Main Topics
Heating and cooling, energy costs, the universe, plant life, breathing and exercise, bonding, the mole, matter, energy transfers and calculations, cells and transport, infection and disease, the atom and periodic table, chemical changes.
Assessment
Pupils complete 45-mark assessments each half term, closely aligned to GCSE-style questions and expectations. Extended writing is embedded to strengthen scientific literacy and exam readiness.
Parental Support
Parents and carers can support pupils by encouraging structured revision, reinforcing the importance of clear written explanations, and supporting the use of revision platforms.
Character Development
Pupils develop perseverance, confidence, and responsibility, ensuring a smooth transition into Key Stage 4.
Useful Websites
BBC Bitesize | Seneca Learning | Cognito
Year 10
Curriculum Summary
Year 10 marks the start of GCSE study, with a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds secure subject knowledge and examination skills. Pupils follow either Combined Science or Triple Science, with ambition and challenge built into both pathways.
Main Topics
B1 Cells, C1 Atomic structure, P4 Particle model, B2 Organisation, C2 Bonding, P3 Atomic structure, B3 Infection and disease, C3 The mole, P1 Energy, B4 Bioenergetics, C4 Chemical changes, P2 Electricity, B7 Ecology, C5 Energy changes.
Assessment
- Combined Science: 30-mark summative assessment per topic
- Triple Science: 45-mark summative assessment per topic
All assessments include extended written responses to develop exam technique and scientific reasoning.
Parental Support
Parents and carers can support by encouraging consistent revision, supporting independent study habits, and reinforcing effective exam preparation strategies.
Character Development
Pupils develop independence, resilience, and self-discipline, essential for success at GCSE and beyond.
Useful Websites
BBC Bitesize | Seneca Learning | Cognito | Physics and Maths Tutor
Year 11
Curriculum Summary
Year 11 focuses on completion of the GCSE specification and preparation for final examinations. Teaching prioritises application of knowledge, exam technique, and confidence in extended responses.
Main Topics
B5 Homeostasis and response, C6 Rates of reaction, P5 Forces, B6 Inheritance and evolution, C7 Organic chemistry, P6 Waves, C8 Chemical analysis, C9 Chemistry of the atmosphere, P7 Magnetism and electromagnetism, C10 Using resources.
Assessment
- Combined Science: 30-mark assessments per topic
- Triple Science: 45-mark assessments per topic
Assessments closely reflect GCSE examination demands and provide targeted feedback to inform progress.
Parental Support
Support includes promoting effective revision routines, encouraging reflection on feedback, and supporting pupil wellbeing during exam preparation.
Character Development
The curriculum supports the development of resilience, confidence, and responsibility, preparing pupils for further education, training, or employment.
Useful Websites
BBC Bitesize | Seneca Learning | Cognito | Physics and Maths Tutor
Post 16 Courses
A level Physics
Year 12 Curriculum Summary
Year 12 introduces the foundational principles of A Level Physics and develops the analytical and practical skills required for success in Year 13 and final examinations. Teaching focuses on deepening conceptual understanding, applying mathematical techniques, and building confidence in problem-solving and extended written responses.
Main Topics
- Module 2: Foundations of Physics
Physical quantities, units, measurements, uncertainties - Module 3: Forces and Motion
Motion, forces in action, work, energy, power, materials, Newton’s laws - Module 4: Electrons, Waves and Photons
Charge and current, energy and power, circuits, waves, quantum physics
Practical work is integrated throughout, following the OCR Practical Endorsement requirements.
Assessment
- Internal Assessments: End-of-topic tests (60 marks) aligned with OCR A Level exam style and interleaved with previous content.
- Practical Skills: Assessed through required practical activities and written questions
Parental Support
Encourage:
- Regular review of class notes and completion of practice questions
- Use of online resources for independent learning
- Balanced approach to workload and wellbeing during transition to A Level study
Character Development
The curriculum promotes resilience, independence, and critical thinking, preparing students for higher education and STEM-related careers.
Useful Websites
- Physics and Maths Tutor
- Seneca Learning
- OCR Specification & Past Papers
- Isaac Physics
Year 13 Curriculum Summary
Year 13 builds on the foundations of Year 12 and focuses on completing the A Level specification while preparing for final examinations. Teaching emphasises mastery of advanced concepts, application of mathematical models, and confidence in extended problem-solving and synoptic questions.
Main Topics
- Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics
Circular motion, oscillations, thermal physics, ideal gases, gravitational fields, astrophysics and cosmology - Module 6: Particles and Medical Physics
Nuclear physics, radioactivity, particle physics, imaging techniques, medical applications
Practical work continues to meet OCR Practical Endorsement requirements, with increasing independence in experimental design and analysis.
Assessment
- Internal Assessments: End-of-topic tests (60 marks) reflecting A Level exam style and interleaving content from Year 12.
- Mock Exams: Full A Level papers to develop exam technique and time management
- Practical Skills: Assessed through required practical activities and written questions
Parental Support
Encourage:
- Consistent revision and practice using past papers
- Effective time management for balancing coursework and exam preparation
- Support for wellbeing during the demanding final year
Character Development
The curriculum fosters resilience, independence, and analytical thinking, equipping students for higher education and careers in physics, engineering, and related fields.
Useful Websites
- Physics and Maths Tutor
- Seneca Learning
- OCR Specification & Past Papers
- Isaac Physics
