Students will study science throughout their time at Holgate. The curriculum is designed and delivered in an environment that supports students to become skilled, articulate, resilient and well-rounded scientists. Practical work is used to develop the students’ ability to work scientifically and improve their analytical skills. We want to harness and nurture the enthusiasm that students bring from key stage 2, developing their knowledge and understanding of science so students can see how relevant science is to their everyday lives.
The taught curriculum is supplemented with a range of extra-curricular opportunities to develop and extend skills and inspire our students further.
Key stage 4
GCSE separate science
This is an optional course at key stage 4.
In this course, students will study all that is covered in the combined science course and more. Some topics will be covered in greater depth. For example, the structure of the eye and the brain will be studied as part of a topic on the human nervous system. Other topics are unique to the separate science course. In physics, for example, students will study a space topic.
Students who are interested in a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), will find separate science essential. Students will have eight lessons of science a week, so a genuine interest in the subject is the most important criteria.
At key stage 4, we also offer combined science – view the course here
Exam board: AQA
Qualification type: GCSE
Contact: Mr Dench-Smith
SDench-Smith@holgate-ac.org.uk
How will I be assessed?
- Examinations – two each in biology, chemistry and physics
Future pathways and careers
- Further study of science
- Medicine – doctors, nurses, radiographers, pathologists, paramedic, etc.
- Engineering – aeronautical, chemical, civil, electrical, structural
- Veterinary scientist
- Astrophysicist
- Research scientist
- Forensic scientist
- Biomedical scientist
- Or any other career in STEM