Science
Science helps us understand the world around us and plays an important role in the technology we use every day. At Cardinal Langley, all students study Biology, Chemistry and Physics up to the end of Key Stage 4 (following the National Curriculum and AQA GCSE specifications). Our science lessons focus on big questions and big ideas that encourage curiosity, problem-solving and independent thinking. Through a clear mastery approach, students build strong knowledge and skills that prepare them confidently for success at GCSE and beyond.
Working Scientifically is embedded throughout all Science units, allowing students to regularly practise key skills such as planning investigations, analysing results, and evaluating evidence. At the start of Year 9, these skills are revisited and developed further in a dedicated unit. This unit helps students strengthen their confidence with scientific methods and prepares them for the increased demands of GCSE Science courses by ensuring they understand how scientists think, work and communicate their ideas.
Exam Specification
Combined Science GCSE Specification
Biology GCSE Specification
Chemistry GCSE Specification
Physics GCSE Specification
Biology A Level Specification
Chemistry A Level Specification
Physics A Level Specification
Curriculum Pathways & Schemes of Work
KS3 Science Pathway
KS4 Combined Science Pathway
Key Stage 3
In Key Stage 3, students begin their science journey in form groups in Year 7, before moving into sets or mixed-ability groups in Years 8 and 9. Lessons are designed to be fun, practical and hands-on, encouraging students to explore the big questions that Science asks about the world around us. Students develop essential scientific skills by carrying out investigations and experiments, building confidence and curiosity. Through studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics, they gain a strong understanding of key scientific ideas and learn how to apply these principles to everyday life.
Key Stage 4
AQA GCSE Combined Science Double Award (2GCSE’s) is about how Science affects our lives and the decisions we take. Studying GCSE Combined Science will broaden the students understanding of the world around them and will give them the skills needed to approach most matters in a reasoned and analytical manner.
Separate exams in Biology, Chemistry & Physics are taken. All exams are terminal and are taken in the summer of year 11. Some classes are setted and some are mixed ability.
There will be an opportunity for some students to progress further and study the Sciences separately (3 GCSE’s). This will be a decision that is taken towards the end of year 9 through consultation with class teachers, students and parents. Decisions will be made based on the student’s achievement in Science. This will enable some students to gain a more detailed understanding of these subjects (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) which makes the step up to A-level easier.
Sixth Form
A-Level takes the scientific principles of Key Stage 4 and reveals the greater depth and detail of current scientific understanding. The pace and content of Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-Levels make them some of the most demanding and sought-after qualifications.
This course builds upon concepts and skills that will have been developed through GCSE. It presents Biology as exciting, relevant and challenging. It’s not just about the learning of factual content; it’s also looking at the way scientists work and the contributions of Biology to modern society. If you have enjoyed studying Biology at GCSE then you will really enjoy A level Biology. It gets down to the roots of how life functions: plants and animals.
Studying Biology at A level could lead on to a vast array of subjects at degree level. Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology are to name a few. Certain universities also offer Biology alongside non-science courses e.g. Biology & computer science.
This course builds upon concepts and skills that will have been developed through GCSE. It presents Chemistry as exciting, relevant and challenging. It’s not just about the learning of factual content, its also looking at the way scientists work and the contributions of Chemistry to modern society. It enhances a student’s enthusiasm for Chemistry.
Studying Chemistry at A level could lead on to a vast array of subjects at degree level. Chemistry with Law, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry with European Studies and Chemistry with Forensic Science are to name a few.
Studying Chemistry at A level can also open the doors to many different careers on the market today.
This course builds upon concepts and skills that will have been developed through GCSE. It presents Physics as exciting, relevant and challenging. It’s not just about the learning of factual content, it’s also looking at the way scientists work and the contributions of Physics to modern society. It enhances a student’s enthusiasm for Physics.
Studying Physics at A level could lead on to a vast array of subjects at degree level. Physics with Philosophy, Physics with Study in Europe, Physics with Business Management and Physics with Astrophysics are to name a few.
Studying physics at A level can also open the doors to many different careers on the market today, even non-science based ones!
Career Opportunities
The value and reputation of Science A-Levels make them a popular choice in Sixth Form. They are an essential requirement for many university courses including Medicine, Veterinary Science, Engineering, Sport Science and pure Sciences.