Science (GCSE Core Subject - Combined Science)

Belong 

The Science curriculum at Edgar Wood Academy nurtures curiosity, problem-solving, and a lifelong passion for discovery. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to investigate, analyse data, and make informed, evidence-based decisions. In line with Altus Education Partnership’s vision, Science at Edgar Wood contributes to an inclusive, cohesive education system that enriches lives and empowers young people to lead fulfilling lives and make positive differences to their community.  

The curriculum is coherently sequenced, enabling students to build their scientific knowledge and understanding of the big ideas in science. It provides equitable access for all learners - including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds - through high quality first adaptive teaching and inclusive design. 

Resilience is developed through challenging concepts, experiments and problem-solving. Responsibility is nurtured through teamwork and safety. Empathy grows through studying global scientific issues such as sustainability and climate change, while Respect defines classroom culture and collaboration. 

Thrive 

The Science curriculum is coherently planned to build knowledge and skills through enquiry, experimentation, and analysis. Lessons build on prior learning and promote retention through regular retrieval of core knowledge. 

Crucially, our Science curriculum is informed by the Science of Learning. Drawing on cognitive research, teachers use retrieval practice to link new and prior learning; spaced repetition to reinforce key concepts such as the particle model, cell structure, and energy transfer; and cognitive load theory to introduce new material in manageable chunks.  

Implementation of the Science curriculum is achieved through adaptive teaching, formative assessment, and professional collaboration. Teachers refine delivery through continuous reflection and CPD, ensuring consistent high-quality practice. 

Resilience is strengthened through practical enquiry, Responsibilitythrough accurate data and safe working, Empathy through ethical discussion, and Respect through teamwork and peer support. 

The impact of the Science curriculum is seen in students’ curiosity, analytical ability, and confidence in applying scientific principles. They develop independence and scientific literacy. 

Achieve 

The impact of the Science curriculum is evaluated through assessment, work scrutiny, and student voice to ensure students know more, remember more, and can do more. Leadership reviews inform continuous improvement. 

Through Science, students show Resilience in overcoming challenges, Responsibilityin ethical decision-making, Empathy for global issues, and Respect for the role of science in improving lives. This embodies Altus Education Partnership’s mission of empowering young people to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society. 

GCSE Combined Science 

Combined Science at Edgar Wood Academy embodies Albert Einstein’s quotation ‘The important thing is to never stop questioning.’ You will use knowledge from the three key disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) to help answer global, regional, historical, and personal questions.

GCSE Combined Science involves problem-solving, reasoning and application of fundamental scientific concepts to everyday life. We ensure you will have the skills needed to understand the scientific world around you, including how to understand energy use in the home, wiring a plug, eating and living a healthy life as well as climate change.

For more information on what will be studied and how it will be assessed in Combined Science in year 10 and 11, please refer to our Year 9 GCSE Options Booklet.

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