Science

Click on the sections below to explore and learn more about the Science curriculum at St Gabriel’s.

Introduction

Here at St Gabriels we believe that students deserve a broad and ambitious Science curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which ignites curiosity and prepares them well for either future learning or employment. The high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Throughout our curriculum, key scientific principles are introduced and built upon allowing for progression in subject knowledge and skills to ensure students secure a thorough understanding across the Science disciplines. Purposeful practical activities are embedded throughout the curriculum, providing exciting opportunities for students to experiment and make links in the learning by applying what they know and can do with increasing fluency and independence. At KS3, Pupils study science for three lessons every week. The innovative Key stage 3 curriculum has been developed to complement the GCSE specification whilst building on their understanding of Science in KS2. There are 9 Science topics in each year group which encompass knowledge and understanding as well as developing scientific practical skills. There are 3 Biology, 3 Chemistry and 3 Physics modules in each year group outlined below. Pupils will also have an Introduction to Science week at the start of Year 7 to develop new experimental skills and provide a comprehensive understanding of the Health and Safety of working in a laboratory. There are 2 possible routes at key stage 4. Triple Science, where pupils are taught 15 hours over 2 weeks. This is taught by 3 specialist staff members. Pupils achieve 3 GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This is offered as an option, however due to the complexity of the course, pupils must achieve well in their Year 9 Science tests to ensure they can choose this option. In 2024 our Triple Scientists achieved well with 89.66% of pupils achieving a grade 9-4 in all 3 subjects. Most pupils in Key stage 4 follow the combined Science route and are taught 9 hours of Science over 2 weeks. Pupils still study Biology, Chemistry and Physics by specialist teachers, but the results are combined together to 2 GCSE grades. In 2024 our results were in line with national with 51.53% of pupils receiving grades 9-4 in combined Science.