Science

 

High-quality science teaching delivers powerful knowledge that empowers students from all backgrounds to explain, explore, and understand the world around them. Our intent is to nurture scientifically literate, inquisitive learners who appreciate the relevance of science in everyday life and future careers. 

By studying science, students: 

• Develop an understanding of the world, built on current scientific theories. 

• Learn that science involves processes and ways of developing and organising knowledge and that these continue to evolve. 

• Use their current scientific knowledge and skills for problem solving and developing further knowledge. 

• Use scientific knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about the communication, application, and implications of science as these relate to their own lives and cultures and to the sustainability of the environment. 

We aim to develop not only knowledge but also a love of science – encouraging students to question, investigate and critically analyse the world through the lens of biology, chemistry, and physics. 

Inclusivity and Ambition for All

Our curriculum is built on the belief that every student can achieve in science, regardless of starting point. We prioritise: 

• High challenge for all, with scaffolding to support disadvantaged and SEND learners 

• Literacy and oracy strategies to break down scientific language and promote confident communication 

• Representation of diverse scientists and science careers to raise aspirations and promote inclusivity 

Our End Goal

By the end of their science education, students will be: 

• Knowledgeable and curious about the natural world 

• Skilled in scientific thinking and practical investigation 

• Equipped for future academic study, technical training, or STEM careers 

• Critical consumers of scientific information in the media and society 

We deliver a curriculum that supports the scientists of tomorrow, while enabling all students to understand and contribute to the world today. 

 

The Science course is mapped over 5 years using the Big Ideas, covering the statutory curriculum requirements and the GCSE specification. It is designed to encourage pupils to be enthusiastic about science by engaging them in a great deal of practical work.  Pupils learn to be confident at handling scientific equipment e.g. the Bunsen burner in Year 7 and to evaluate any investigative work they complete.  The pupils cover all the core elements of science needed to underpin their GCSE courses. Pupils are taught to think scientifically and make their own models to explain how science works e.g. modelling of how enzymes work in digestion. 

Learning to draw graphs and analyse data is a key skill that is developed, and pupils learn to look at data critically for any misrepresentation or bias. Pupils carry out mini-research projects and are asked to communicate their findings to the rest of the class. Pupils are encouraged to work both independently and in group work. 

The big ideas include: 

• Forces 

• Electromagnets 

• Energy 

• Waves 

• Matter 

• Reactions 

• Earth 

• Organisms 

• Ecosystems 

• Genes 

Our science curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure a coherent progression from KS3 through KS5, with knowledge and skills intentionally mapped to build over time.

Each stage lays the groundwork for the next: 

• KS3 establishes foundational scientific concepts, inquiry skills, and an understanding of the scientific method. 

• KS4 (GCSE) deepens this knowledge into more complex theories and application, preparing students for future study or work in STEM fields. At GCSE, we follow the AQA GCSE combined science or separate sciences courses.  Practical skills are gleaned through experiments, including several ‘required practical’s which will test student’s ability to understand the whole range of enquiry skills, from planning and risk assessment, through to analysis and evaluation. 

All Science GCSEs incorporate the grading system 9-1, 9 being the highest grade and 1 the lowest grade.  

• KS5 (A-Level) develops mastery, with students applying sophisticated knowledge in abstract contexts and conducting extended practical investigations. At KS5, we follow the AQA GCE A level Biology, Chemistry, Physics and BTEC Level 3 National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate). 

This long-term planning ensures students are not simply prepared for exams but are equipped for the real-world application of science. 

 

 

GCSE Biology 

Specification link:  GCSE Biology 8461 | Specification | AQA

Course Overview: 

Students study AQA GCSE Biology (8461) or Combined Science: Trilogy (8464). The separate Biology course is more detailed and is typically taken by students aiming for science-based A-levels or careers. 

Exam Structure: 

Paper 1 (50%) 

Topics:  

• Cell biology 

• Organisation 

• Infection & response 

• Bioenergetics 

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 

Paper 2 (50%) 

Topics:  

• Homeostasis and response 

• Inheritance, variation & evolution 

• Ecology  

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 

• Assessment: 
  All exams are linear and taken at the end of Year 11. 
  Required practicals are embedded and assessed in written papers. 

Exam Board: AQA A-Level Biology (7402) 

Specification link AQA | Biology | A-Level | A-level Biology 

Course Overview: 

We follow AQA A-Level Biology (7402). It builds on GCSE knowledge and introduces deeper concepts including Cells, Genetics, Homeostasis and Gene technology. It’s a rigorous, respected course for students pursuing STEM fields. 

Course Structure and Assessment 

The A-Level course is taught over two years and assessed at the end of Year 13 through three written exams and a practical endorsement. 

Paper 1 

• Biological Molecules 

• Cells 

• Organisms exchange substances with their environment 

• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms 

Assessment: 2 hours, 35% of A-Level 

Paper 2:  

• Energy transfers in and between organisms  

• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment 

• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 

• The control of gene expression 

Assessment: 2 hours, 35% of A-Level 

Paper 3: Synoptic and Practical Skills 

• Questions across all topics 

• Data analysis, practical skills, required practical’s. 

• Essay 

Assessment: 2 hours, 30% of A level 

Practical Endorsement: 
Students must complete 12 core practicals to gain the practical endorsement (reported separately from A-level grade). 

Specification link : AQA | Chemistry | GCSE | GCSE Chemistry 

Course Overview: 

Students study AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) or Combined Science: Trilogy (8464). The separate Chemistry course is more detailed and is typically taken by students aiming for science-based A-levels or careers. 

Exam Structure: 

• Paper 1 (50%) 
  Topics: Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes, and Energy changes 
  Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 

• Paper 2 (50%) 
  Topics: The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere, Using resources 
  Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 

• Assessment: 
  All exams are linear and taken at the end of Year 11. 
  Required practicals are embedded and assessed in written papers. 

Full GCSE Chemistry Specification 

Exam Board: AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) 

Specification link: AQA A-Level Chemistry Specification 

Course Overview: 

We follow AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405). It builds on GCSE knowledge and introduces deeper concepts including spectroscopy, thermodynamics, and organic synthesis. It’s a rigorous, respected course for students pursuing STEM fields. 

Course Structure and Assessment 

The A-Level course is taught over two years and assessed at the end of Year 13 through three written exams and a practical endorsement. 

Paper 1: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry 

• Atomic structure 

• Amount of substance (mole calculations) 

• Bonding 

• Energetics 

• Kinetics 

• Chemical equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle 

• Redox 

• Group 2 and Group 7 elements 

• Periodicity 

Assessment: 2 hours, 35% of A-Level 

Paper 2: Organic and Physical Chemistry 

• Amount of substance (continued) 

• Kinetics (advanced) 

• Thermodynamics 

• Rate equations 

• Equilibrium constant (Kc and Kp) 

• Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells 

• Organic chemistry topics: 

• Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols 

• Halogenoalkanes, aldehydes and ketones 

• Carboxylic acids and derivatives 

• Aromatic chemistry 

• Amines, amino acids, proteins, DNA 

• Polymers 

• Organic synthesis and analysis 

Assessment: 2 hours, 35% of A-Level 

Paper 3: Synoptic and Practical Skills 

• Questions across all topics 

• Data analysis, practical skills, required practicals 

• Multiple choice, structured, and extended response questions 

 

Practical Endorsement: 
Students must complete 12 core practicals to gain the practical endorsement (reported separately from A-level grade). 

 

Specification link : AQA | Physics | GCSE | GCSE Physics 

Course Overview: 

Students study AQA GCSE Physics (8463) or Combined Science: Trilogy (8464). The separate Chemistry course is more detailed and is typically taken by students aiming for science-based A-levels or careers. 

Exam Structure: 

Paper 1 (50%) 
Topics:  

• Energy 

• Electricity  

• Particle model of matter 

• Atomic structure. 

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 

Paper 2 (50%) 
Topics:  

• Forces 

• Waves 

• Magnetism and electromagnetism 

• Space physics. 

 
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 

• Assessment: 
  All exams are linear and taken at the end of Year 11. 
  Required practicals are embedded and assessed in written papers. 

 

Exam Board: AQA A-Level Physics (7408 D) 

Specification link AQA | Physics | A-Level | A-level Physics 

Course Overview: 

We follow AQA A-Level Physics (7408 D). It builds on GCSE knowledge and introduces deeper concepts including spectroscopy, thermodynamics, and organic synthesis. It’s a rigorous, respected course for students pursuing STEM fields. 

Course Structure and Assessment 

The A-Level course is taught over two years and assessed at the end of Year 13 through three written exams and a practical endorsement. 

Paper 1:  

• Measurements and their errors  

• Particles and radiation  

• Waves  

• Mechanics and materials  

• Electricity 

• Periodic motion 

Assessment: 2 hours, 35% of A-Level 

Paper 2: 

• Thermal physics  

• Fields and their consequences  

• Nuclear physics  

Assessment: 2 hours, 35% of A-Level 

Paper 3: Synoptic and Practical Skills 

• Data analysis, practical skills, required practicals 

• Turning points (option unit) short and extended response questions 

Practical Endorsement: 
Students must complete 12 core practicals to gain the practical endorsement (reported separately from A-level grade). 

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in science and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in science alongside two A Levels.  

Specification link :  

Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) Specification 

  Students who study this should be good independent learners, have good attendance and be able to manage their time effectively. BTEC Applied Science AAQ links in well with other Science subjects and other BTEC Level 3 courses. This is a useful course for students who have an interest in science, are organised, hardworking, and good at producing coursework.  

Equivalent in size to one A Level. 4 units mandatory units, of which 3 are externally assessed. 2 optional units, of which one must be selected. Mandatory content (75%). External assessment (50%) 

Mandatory Units: 

• Principles and applications in Biology 

• Principles and applications in Chemistry 

• Principles and applications in Physics 

• Practical scientific procedures and techniques 

Optional unit: 

• Science investigation skills. 

 

Assessment for Learning 

Assessment is designed to: 

• Identify gaps in knowledge 

• Address misconceptions early 

• Inform future teaching 

• Support recall and deep understanding 

We use a combination of: 

• Formative assessment (key pieces of work, hinge questions, whiteboard activities, exam-based questions) 

• Summative assessment- components (end of topic summary questions). 

• Cumulative assessments – composites that require recall from prior topics. 

• Practical skills evaluation with feedback to develop disciplinary thinking. 

Each year group will complete: 

• A Key piece of work each half term. 

• End of topic key knowledge retrieval & practice questions. 

• Three composite assessments/ exams per year. 

 

We embed research-informed assessment strategies throughout our teaching: 

• Retrieval practice: low-stakes quizzes, spaced recall tasks, and knowledge organisers help students regularly revisit content to strengthen memory and understanding. 

• Interleaving: concepts are not taught in isolation – topics are woven together to help students form meaningful connections (e.g., linking energy transfer in physics with chemical reactions in biology). 

• Dual coding: visuals such as diagrams and models are used to reinforce understanding alongside text. 

• Misconception mapping: We explicitly identify and address common misconceptions (e.g., “plants get food from the soil”, “mass changes during chemical reactions”). These are built into our planning and assessment. 

 

Students study the GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry as separate GCSE subjects which provide an opportunity for further developing understanding of scientific explanations, understanding of how science works, and the study of elements of applied science with relevance to professional scientists.  There are 8 required practicals per subject which are essential for students’ understanding of scientific theory. 

Method of Assessment 

For each of the three subjects the format is the same. 

Two papers: each paper will assess knowledge and understanding from different topics. The questions will use clearer and simpler language, to assess students only on their scientific ability.  

Duration: both papers are 1 hour 45 minutes.  

Tier: Foundation and Higher.  

Weighting: the papers are equally weighted. Each is worth 50% of the grade and has 100 marks available.  

Question types: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response. 

External examination 100% 

 

Teaching Strategies

Science opens doors to a wide range of careers. Post-GCSE and post-A-level options include: 

Post-GCSE Pathways: 

• A-Level Sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Physics) 

• BTEC Applied Science 

• T-Levels in Science or Healthcare Science 

• Apprenticeships in: 

• Lab Technician 

• Chemical Process Operations 

• Science Manufacturing Technician 

Post-A-Level Pathways: 

• University Degrees: 

• Chemistry 

• Medicine / Dentistry / Veterinary Science 

• Biochemistry / Pharmacology 

• Forensic Science / Environmental Science 

• Chemical Engineering / Materials Science 

• Higher/Degree Apprenticeships in: 

• Analytical Chemistry 

• Formulation Science 

• Pharmaceutical R&D 

 

Local Apprenticeships and Industry Links (Wirral and Northwest) 

Local Employers & Opportunities: 

• Unilever (Port Sunlight): R&D, formulation chemistry, consumer product science 

• Eli Lilly (Speke): Pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control 

• TriRx Pharmaceuticals (Speke): Biotech apprenticeships and lab tech roles 

• Wirral Met College: Science-based apprenticeships and T-levels 

• University of Liverpool / LJMU / Chester: Offer summer schools and outreach for aspiring scientists 

A level Biology  

At our school, biology opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers and further education pathways. Whether students are fascinated by human health, environmental conservation, biotechnology, or genetics, studying biology provides a strong foundation for fields such as medicine, research, environmental science, and pharmaceutical development. We offer tailored support and guidance to help students explore university courses, apprenticeships, and vocational training in biological sciences. The course will help nurture a passion for biology and lay the foundations for further study and careers in Biological Sciences, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Physiotherapy, Botany, Environmental science, Zoology, Geology, Oceanology, Pharmaceuticals, teaching, science writing, genetics and research. Whilst a key course for those considering careers in the biological field, Biology is excellent preparation for non-scientific careers, thanks to the skills it provides. Our curriculum encourages critical thinking, hands-on experiments, and real-world applications, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue rewarding careers that contribute to advancing science and improving lives. 

A level Chemistry 

Chemistry is essential for studying Medicine, Veterinary Science, Clinical Sciences, Biochemistry and Geology. Chemistry is the ‘Central Science’, it connects all other sciences to each other. A-level extends the ideas introduced at GCSE to give a greater insight into how and why compounds are formed, why reactions occur or don’t and why we exist. You will gain a wider understanding and application of Chemistry and develop personal skills highly sought after by many professions.  

The course introduces the fundamental ideas of chemistry to enable specialisms in Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry or Inorganic Chemistry at degree level. It develops essential skills prized by employers including; problem solving, written and oral communication, monitoring/recording of data, analysis and time management. 

Chemistry is more than just a subject—it's a toolkit for changing the world. From tackling climate change and developing new medicines to creating sustainable materials and safeguarding health, chemists are at the forefront of innovation. 

"Chemistry is challenging and rewarding. It trains your brain to think like a scientist – but it also opens doors across medicine, industry, and innovation." 

A level Physics 

Physics at Neston is an exciting course with an excellent record of achievement. You will develop your scientific enquiry skills, knowledge and understanding across the wide scope of Physics, from fundamental particles to Cosmology, from quarks to quasars.    

Physicists try to understand how the universe works and this syllabus provides an opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of both classical and modern Physics. Students develop transferable skills which can open up many career pathways. In particular, Physics provides a firm grounding for engineering, high level environmental work, electronics, many aspects of IT, other sciences, architecture, medicine and veterinary science. Confidence using algebra and trigonometry is essential due to the high mathematical demand of the course.  

You will already be familiar with many of the topics that you will study, including forces, waves, radioactivity, electricity and magnetism. At A-level, you’ll look at these areas in more detail and find out how they are interconnected. You will also learn how to apply maths to real-world problems and explore new areas such as particle physics, cosmology and medical physics. Perhaps more importantly, you will develop skills that can be transferred to just about any other area of work, from setting up a business to saving the planet.  

BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science  

Studying BTEC Applied Science AAQ allows students to develop the ability to practically apply scientific concepts, which is beneficial to the analytical approach of related degrees. Critical thinking and independent learning help students to be better prepared for the self-directed learning approach used in higher education and become more open-minded to learning. Research and extended writing skills with the other skills, creates a good foundation for academic success. Studying BTEC Applied Science provides students with the required knowledge and skills to gain a place at university. There is also a great opportunity to gain employment or Apprenticeships in the Chemical or Science industry with this qualification.  

 

Subject Lead Contact

Head of Science – Mrs S. Westoby  westobys@nestonhigh.com 

Second in Science- Mrs E Griffiths griffithse@nestonhigh.com 

Head of Biology- Mrs A Mckenzie mckenziea@nestonhigh.com 

Head of Chemistry- Mr C Scutter scutterc@nestonhigh.com 

Head of Physics- Mr R Orme ormer@nestonhigh.com