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Red Kite Learning Trust
Temple Learning Academy - Science -  2023

Learning at TLA

Science Curriculum

Our Subject Vision

The science curriculum aims to ignite a curiosity and passion for science amongst learners, encouraging students to ask questions and become inquisitive and critical thinkers. In turn, students will build a broad and deep understanding of the fundamental Scientific concepts, along with their applications to a rapidly changing environment. In turn allowing our pupils to make informed lifestyle choices and environmentally conscious decisions in the future. Our students progress into society as scientifically literate critical thinkers, confident in their ability to question and make connections with their surroundings. 


Which qualifications do we offer at KS4?

Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (9-1)

Edexcel GCSE Biology (9-1)

Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (9-1)

Edexcel GCSE Physics (9-1)


Where could this subject ultimately take you?

The Science curriculum at TLA helps to develop students’ ambition and resilience, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM and ventures that they might not have previously considered. Our science curriculum fuels ambitious aspirations for our learners in Scientific-related careers. Further education, employment, apprenticeships, volunteer work and community outreach programmes are just some of the avenues that students will be able to access after studying science at TLA.


Temple Learning Academy - Science -  2023


What enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities do we offer in science?

STEM Club – This is student led and allows students the opportunity to continue to nurture their interest in science. Students develop collaborative skills, share ideas, data, and results, and work together to formulate hypotheses and carry out experiments.


What will students study in science?

Key Stage 3

Year 7

In year 7 students are introduced to fundamental concepts of science such as cells, particles, forces and chemical reactions. They will develop the core skills needed to use scientific equipment confidently and safely within a dedicated laboratory learning environment, having the opportunity to further enthuse their curiosity and passion for the subject with practical investigations.

In Year 7 students will cover the following topics:

  • Cells & Organ Systems
  • Reproduction
  • Ecology & Photosynthesis
  • Particles and Chemical Changes
  • Acids & Alkalis
  • Forces
  • Speed
  • Energy

Year 8

Throughout Year 8 students will continue to build upon the knowledge that they developed in Year 7 (and at KS2), making connections to the world around them and deepening their understanding. Students will start to explore more conceptual aspects of science as well as identify how concepts learnt in other subjects (such as Mathematics and Geography) can be used within their science studies, along with developing their proficiency in scientific literacy and research.

In Year 8 students will cover the following topics:

  • Breathing & Gas Exchange
  • Adaptations
  • Rates of reaction
  • Atmosphere, pollution and the rock cycle
  • Electricity
  • Waves
  • Light & Sound

Year 9

In Year 9 science students will further develop their independence in both practical and theory work, using more technical and complex equipment, and acquiring the know how needed to become accomplished scientists. Students will begin to explore more complex levels of Mathematics in science and further expand their scientific vocabulary. Upon completing Year 9 students will be fully prepared and equipped with the knowledge and know how needed to success at GCSE.

In Year 9 students will cover the following topics:

  • Molecular Chemistry
  • Applications of Collision Theory
  • Newtonian Mechanics
  • Fluids
  • Electromagnetic waves
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Transporting Substances

Key Stage 4

Year 10

The Year 10 Combined Science scheme of learning builds upon the topics covered at KS3, preparing students for the Year 11 GCSE exams, along with related post-16 courses and careers. Students are supported with more challenging content, developing their confidence in applying their expanding scientific vocabulary to exam-style questions and exploring the mathematical equations that underpin many of the key concepts. Students carry our Core Practical investigations, aiming to develop a deeper understanding of how to carry out a scientific investigation and use technical equipment with precision and accuracy.

In Year 10 students will cover the following topics:

  • Biology: [CB1] Key Concepts in Biology, [CB2] Growth and the Nervous System, [CB3] Genetics & Inheritance, [CB4] Evolution, [CB5] Health & Disease
  • Physics: [CP1] Speed & Acceleration, [CP2] Motion & Forces, [CP3] Energy Transfer, [CP4] Waves, [CP5] Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Chemistry: [CC1/2] States of Matter & Mixtures, [CC3] Atomic Structure, [CC4] The Periodic Table, [CC5-7] Bonding, [CC8] Acids & Bases

Year 11

In Year 11 students hone their confidence in the use of scientific vocabulary and equations. Students apply their scientific knowledge gained throughout their time at TLA to a more complex scenarios, along with developing an understanding of the role and impact of science in their everyday lives.

In Year 11 students will cover the following topics:

  • Biology: [CB7] Hormones, [CB8] Respiration, Exercise & Circulation, [CB9] Ecology
  • Physics: [CP6] Radiation, [CP7/8] Power, [CP9] Electronics, [CP10/11] Magnets & Electromagnetic Induction, [CP12/13] Energy in Particles
  • Chemistry: [CC9] Quantitative Calculations, [CC10/11] Electrolysis & Metal Extraction, [CC13/14/15] Reaction Energetics. [CC16/17] Earth, Atmosphere & Fuels

Temple Learning Academy is part of Red Kite Learning Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 7523507, registered office address: Red Kite Office, Pannal Ash Road, Harrogate, HG2 9PH

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