Science at ACE
​Key stage 3
In Key stage 3 we follow the National Curriculum, supported by AQA. This curriculum has been designed to identify gaps in pupil knowledge and address them in line with curriculum expectations.  All topics have been carefully selected and sequenced to meet the ever changing needs of the pupils. From September 2022 pupils are assessed 3 times per year using a summative assessment.  This has been designed to check prior knowledge, new learning and knowledge application in unfamiliar contexts.  These 3 key points in the year are identified by the teacher to ensure pupils have sufficient subject knowledge to continue to the next stage in the curriculum.  Areas of study are as follows:
  1. Organisms, Behaviour and Health. Life processes, Cells to systems, Reproduction, Diet, drugs and health, Disease, Variation and classification, Food Chains and Behaviour.
  2. Chemical and Material Behaviour. Particle model, Behaviour of matter, Atoms and elements, Compounds and mixtures, Acids, bases and metals.
  3. Energy, Electricity and Forces. Energy transfer and storage, Forces, Electric current and voltage, Magnets and electric current.
  4. The Environment, the Earth and the Universe. The rock cycle, Astronomy and space science, Changes in the environment.
Key stage 4
 At KS4 we offer AQA GCSE Biology 9-1. This course consists of 2 exam papers each lasting 1hr 45 and is taken at the end of year 11. Each paper is worth 50% of the overall mark.
The GCSE Biology curriculum has been carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils can develop a love for Biology and constantly build on prior learning from KS3. Year 10 starts with topic 1-4 with year 11 finishing topics 5-7. This sequence allows pupils to build knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the key biological concepts that underpin the curriculum. 

Paper 1 (1 hr 45) consists of Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and Response and Bioenergetics.
Paper 2( 1 hr 45)consists of Homeostasis and Response, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution and Ecology.
Required practicals - there are 8 practicals that all pupils must undertake before being entered for this examination.

If you have any questions regarding the science curriculum offered at ACE please feel free to get in touch.

Ross Crilly
ACE Science Co-ordinator
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