KS4 Science
For Science, we will achieve our curriculum vision by ensuring: that all UTC Leeds students are able to ask the right questions, to analyse and evaluate information, and be able to form and justify their own opinions based on scientific principles.
Students will explore the wonders of the natural world, the explosiveness of chemical reactions and the physical properties of our universe.
All students in Year 10 and 11 at UTC Leeds will study either Combined Science, or students can choose the option of separate science (biology, chemistry and physics as separate GCSEs).
In both routes, students develop analytical and enquiry skills through practical work. They will plan and carry out scientific practicals, as well analysing and reflecting on their results.
At UTC Leeds, our Science curriculum is built around a set of scientific non-negotiables: the essential knowledge and skills every student needs to succeed in science, engineering and industry. These foundations are taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops competence first, then mastery, enabling students to apply their learning to real-world challenges.
By making links across STEM subjects and industry contexts, students develop the analytical thinking, problem-solving and technical skills needed to become the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. Each stage of learning clearly identifies the key knowledge and skills being developed, supporting both academic success and future employability.
GCSE Combined Science – Trilogy
Exam board: AQA
Year 10
Students will cover topics that will be assessed in Paper 1 for biology, chemistry and physics:
| Biology | Chemistry | Physics |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cell Biology
2. Organisation 3. Infection and response 4. Bioenergetics |
8. Atomic structure and the periodic table
9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter 10. Quantitative chemistry 11. Chemical changes 12. Energy changes |
18. Energy
19. Electricity 20. Particle model of matter 21. Atomic structure 22. Forces |
Year 11
Students will cover topics that will be assessed in Paper 2 for biology, chemistry and physics:
| Biology | Chemistry | Physics |
|---|---|---|
| 5. Homeostasis and response
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution 7. Ecology |
13. The rate and extent of chemical change 14. Organic chemistry 15. Chemical analysis 16. Chemistry of the atmosphere 17. Using resources |
23. Waves 24. Magnetism and electromagnetism |
GCSE Biology (Separate)
Exam board: AQA
Year 10
Students will cover topics that will be assessed in biology Paper 1:
- Cell biology
- Organisation
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
Year 11
Students will cover topics that will be assessed in biology Paper 2:
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Ecology
- Key ideas
GCSE Chemistry (Separate)
Exam board: AQA
Year 10
Students will cover topics that will be assessed in chemistry Paper 1:
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
- Quantitative chemistry
- Chemical changes
- Energy changes
Year 11
Students will cover topics that will be assessed in chemistry Paper 2:
- The rate and extent of chemical change
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Chemistry of the atmosphere
- Using resources
GCSE Physics (Separate)
Exam board: AQA
Year 10
Students will cover topics that will be assessed in physics Paper 1:
- Energy
- Electricity
- Particle model of matter
- Atomic structure
Year 11
Students will cover topics that will be assessed in physics Paper 2:
- Forces
- Waves
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Space physics (physics only)
Useful Links
- Physics & Maths Tutor - Exam Preparation Resources & Past Papers
- freesciencelessons |YouTube - Excellent Exam Prep Videos
- Educake - Online Formative Assessment for Homework and Classwork
- https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/levels/z98jmp3
- https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science
- http://www.iop.org/
- http://www.rsc.org/
