"The whole child is our whole point."
Weald of Kent Grammar School
Science
The science curriculum intent at Weald of Kent Grammar School is to deliver a high-quality science education that provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Developments in science have helped shape our world and continuing scientific developments are vital to the world’s future prosperity, so all students need to be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science to enable them to understand the plethora of science developments beyond the curriculum. Students are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Practical work is a core component of the curriculum for biology, chemistry and physics, allowing students to link their theoretical knowledge with their observations, and strengthen their understanding. Literacy is regularly challenged with the use of scientific vocabulary and students are taught how to write scientific reports and research scientific concepts, cumulating in investigative report writing with referencing at Key Stage Five, preparing students for both future careers and further study at university.
Biology
The biology curriculum is built around the core concepts of Cells; Structure and Function of Body Systems; Inheritance; Health and Disease; and Ecosystems. The foundations of these topics are developed at Key Stage Three from what they have studied at primary school and are then revisited, building on these concepts with more complex knowledge as students move into Key Stage Four and Five. Students build their mathematical knowledge from being able to draw graphs to being able to calculate rate of reaction from the gradient of a line and then using more complex statistical tests at Key Stage five.
Course Content
Years 7-9
- Cells
- Skeletal and Muscular Organisation
- Nutrition and Digestion
- Gas Exchange
- Reproduction
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Ecosystems
- Inheritance
Years 10 and 11
- Cell Biology
- Organisation
- Infection and Response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and Response
- Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
- Ecology
Years 12 and 13
- Practical Skills in Biology
- Foundations in Biology
- Exchange and Transport
- Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease
- Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
- Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems
Testimonials
"Biology at Weald allows me to understand the vast expanse of biological applications in the world as the learning in the classroom is often consolidated by the numerous practicals we do for A level Biology. Questions beyond our specification are frequently raised in class discussion making the subject fascinating and relatable, whilst further enhancing my learning. My biology teachers are all passionate to share their depth of knowledge with students and are quick to help close any gaps whilst learning difficult topics."
“I love learning about how my body works and doing practical work like dissecting the heart.”
Co-Curricular
- STEM Club
- Science Live! Symposium
- Biology Week
- Science Week
- Biology Olympiad
- A Level Biology Residential
- Science Snippets Competition
Chemistry
The chemistry curriculum is built around the core concepts of Particles; The Periodic Table and Bonding; Chemical Reactions; the Earth; and Organic molecules and reactions. The foundations of these topics are developed at Key Stage Three from their studies in primary school and then revisited, building on these concepts with more complex knowledge as students move into Key Stage Four and Five. Students build their mathematical knowledge from basic equations to more complex quantitative chemical analysis.
Course Content
Years 7-9
- Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Chemical Changes (Reactivity and Acid-Base Reactions)
- Chemical Bonding
Years 10 and 11
- Rates and Energy
- Organic Chemistry
- Earth and Resources
- Amount
- Electrolysis
- Equilibria
- Analysis
Years 12 and 13
- Atomic Structure, Bonding, IMFs and Molecular Shapes
- Amount
- Acids, Bases and Buffers
- Periodic Table, Periodicity and the Transition Elements
- Energetics
- Kinetics
- Equilibria
- Redox and Electrochemistry
- Organic Chemistry, Synthesis and Spectroscopy
Testimonials
“I really enjoy Chemistry because I get to learn about the elements and compounds that make up the world around me. I love doing experiments and seeing the reactions happen right in front of me.”
“A level Chemistry at Weald challenges me to think logically and analytically. It has really deepened my understanding of how the world works at a molecular level, and I enjoy how theory and practicals come together - from organic synthesis to titrations. Lessons are always engaging and thought-provoking, often going beyond the specification to explore the real-world applications of what we study. Our teachers are very supportive so I feel I can always tackle even the more complex topics.”
Co-Curricular
- STEM Club
- RSC Top of the Bench
- RSC Chemistry Olympiad
- Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (C3L6)
- RSC Schools’ Analyst Competition
Physics
The physics curriculum is built around the core concepts of Forces; Energy; Space; Electricity and Magnetism. The foundations of these topics are developed at Key Stage Three from what they have studied at primary school and then revisited, building on these concepts with more complex knowledge as students move into Key Stage Four and Five. Students build their mathematical skills from basic equations such as calculating speed to then being able to rearrange formulae and then solving more complex equations and mathematical concepts at Key Stage 5.
Course Content
Years 7-9
- Energy and heat transfers
- Motion and forces
- Wave properties and effects
- Current, voltage and resistance
- Magnetism and electromagnets
- Particle model and matter
- Gravity and the universe
Years 10 and 11
- Energy
- Forces
- Forces and Motion
- Wave motion
- Electricity
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- The structure of matter
- Atomic structure
- Space physics
Years 12 and 13
- Foundations of physics
- Vector and scalars
- Mechanics- kinematics and dynamics
- Mechanical properties of matter
- Electric circuits
- Waves
- Thermal Physics
- Quantum and Nuclear physics
- Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields
- Astrophysics
- Medical Physics
Testimonials –
"I was a bit nervous about GCSE Physics at first because I thought it would all just be equations. The topics are broken down very clearly, like Forces and Energy, which has helped me get a proper understanding bit by bit. I really liked the Required Practicals too because they helped me actually see what we were learning in action.
A-level Physics has honestly been one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of sixth form. The course is tough, but the way it’s structured really helped me build up my understanding from the basics in Year 12, like Forces and Motion, all the way to more complex topics in Year 13 like Nuclear and Particle Physics, and Electromagnetism. The Practical Endorsement gave me loads of hands-on experience, which I know will help with university. I have improved my problem-solving, maths skills, and logical thinking. It’s been hard work, but honestly worth it and it has made me even more excited to study physics at university!"
Co-Curricular
- Faraday challenge
- STEM club
- BAE systems Road Show
- British Olympiad
- ITER/CERN trip
- Science Live Educational visit
- WokBots- Lego League