KS5 Subject: Science

What topics will you study in KS5 Science?

Topics covered in Year 7 & 8 are revisited throughout our year KS4 curriculum.

Biology: Over the two years students study a variety of topics which are examined at the end of the course:

Year 1:

• Biological molecules
• Cells
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 2:

• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression

Chemistry: Over the two years students study a variety of topics which are examined at the end of the course. Students also have to complete three examinations of short and long questions along with twelve practical tasks.

3.1 Physical Chemistry

• 3.1.1 Atomic structure
• 3.1.2 Amount of substance
• 3.1.3 Bonding
• 3.1.4 Energetics
• 3.1.5 Kinetics
• 3.1.6 Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
• 3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
• 3.1.8 Thermodynamics (A-level only)
• 3.1.9 Rate equations (A-level only)
• 3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems (A-level only)
• 3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A-level only)
• 3.1.12 Acids and bases (A-level only)

3.2 Inorganic Chemistry

• 3.2.1 Periodicity
• 3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
• 3.2.3 Group 7(17), the halogens
• 3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)
• 3.2.5 Transition metals (A-level only)
• 3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only)

3.3 Organic Chemistry

• 3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry
• 3.3.2 Alkanes
• 3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes
• 3.3.4 Alkenes
• 3.3.5 Alcohols
• 3.3.6 Organic analysis
• 3.3.7 Optical isomerism (A-level only)
• 3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
• 3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-level only)
• 3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry (A-level only)
• 3.3.11 Amines (A-level only)
• 3.3.12 Polymers (A-level only)
• 3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
• 3.3.14 Organic synthesis (A-level only)
• 3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (A-level only)
• 3.3.16 Chromatography (A-level only)

Physics:

• 3.1 Measurements and their errors
• 3.2 Particles and radiation
• 3.3 Waves
• 3.4 Mechanics and materials
• 3.5 Electricity
• 3.6 Further mechanics and thermal physics (A-level only)
• 3.7 Fields and their consequences (A-level only)
• 3.8 Nuclear physics (A-level only) 
• 3.9 Astrophysics (A-level only)
• 3.10 Medical physics (A-level only)
• 3.11 Engineering physics (A-level only)
• 3.12 Turning points (A-level only)
• 3.13 Electronics (A-level only)

Do you have a reading list for this subject?

How will you be assessed during the course?

How can you help your child excel in this subject?

In addition to discussing learning with your child, checking the DPR and monitoring their homework, encourage your child to watch science programmes, documentaries and keep abreast of the latest scientific discoveries.

Taking your child to interesting places, such as; the natural history museum or the science museum will provide them with the broader knowledge they need to excel in the curriculum.