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Devonport High School for Girls

Name of Head of Department

Mr C Moore, BSc (Hons), MSc, PGCE

Statement of Intent 

The science curriculum at DHSG is designed to support our learners in their development to become scientifically literate citizens of the 21st century. We aim to engage their curiosity; to help them learn how to ask the right questions about the world around them and the society we live in. We will support them in developing the skills and knowledge required to investigate their questions and then to interpret and critically evaluated the answers they find. We achieve this through the study of the three traditional scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, all of which are underpinned by practical principles and investigation and will include learning about how scientists work. 

We ensure that students have a firm scientific knowledge and skill base to progress with confidence through the Key Stages and finally progress into the wider world with the scientific tools required to pursue their individually chosen further study and future career pathways. We will teach our students how to use mathematics in science and not assume the transference of maths skills whilst ensuring our curriculum is assessable to all. 

Physics is the study of the universe and all things in it from the unimaginably small to the unfathomably large to further our knowledge and understanding and develop the ability to solve complex problems using logic and reasoning. We aim to inspire students with the wonder of Physics through the teaching of five key areas, Waves, Energy, Electricity, Matter and Force, all of which are revisited throughout key stages 3 to 5.

Practical Science: 

We have designed our practical science curriculum with eight fundamental principles on mind: 

  • to develop scientific enquiry;
  • to develop knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts; 
  • to develop practical competencies; 
  • to prepare students to answer examination questions related to practical work with confidence;
  • to develop teamwork and collaborative skills; 
  • to excite, inspire and develop student curiosity and ideas, so that they will rationalise and question further the world in which they live; 
  • to prepare students for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world; 
  • to raise awareness of STEM careers, provide visible role models and engage with external agencies where possible to create/be involved in STEM enrichment activities, e.g. links with Plymouth University etc. 

Curriculum Programmes of Study 

Year

Cycle Content

Year 7

Cycle 1

Forces - Introduction
Waves - Sound  

Cycle 2

Waves - Sound  
Space – The Solar System and Beyond  

Cycle 3

Space – The Solar System and Beyond
Energy – Energy for Life 

Year 8 

 

Cycle 1

Electromagnetism – Electricity and Magnetism
Energy – Energy Transfers  

Cycle 2

Energy – Energy Transfers
Forces – Forces and Motion

Cycle 3

Forces – Forces and Motion
Waves - Light

Year 9

Cycle 1

The Particle Model of Matte
Waves 

Cycle 2

Waves
Forces and interactions

Cycle 3

Forces and interactions
Electric circuits

Year 10 

Cycle 1

Energy systems and stores
Energy transfer and resources
Atomic structure

Cycle 2

Atomic structure
Electricity in the home

Cycle 3

Electricity in the home
The electromagnetic spectrum and light

Year 11

Cycle 1

Forces and motion
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Space physics

Cycle 2

Space physics
Forces and pressure

Cycle 3

Examination preparation

Lower Years Assessment Framework
 

To view the Lower Years Assessment Framework for Science, please click here

Middle Years Exam and Specification Information
 

Middle years Triple Science Options: AQA GCSE Physics is delivered.

GCSE Physics students follow all the units 4.1 – 4.9 found on the GCSE Physics Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Physics specification

Middle years Double Science option: AQA Combined Science: Trilogy is delivered

Combined science students follow selected elements of units 6.1 – 6.8 found on the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Combined  Science: Trilogy Specification

Extra-curricular activities 

The Physics department works closely with various other schools across Torbay and the South Hams and regularly holds collaborative events for students to participate in. The nature of the events varies each year and has included: an evening exploring Astronomy and Light; the Physics of fire; Medical Mavericks; GCSE Physics Escape Rooms. All the schools are keen to continue this work which enriches the Physics curriculum and aims to improve uptake at A-Level. Students have also taken part in the Go4Set project and travelled to Birmingham to exhibit further projects at the Big Bang Science fair.