Key Staff
Head of Department: Ms J Galvin
Course Information
The study of science stimulates an interest and sense of wonder in the world, as well as helping students to understand the world around them. At Cambourne we aim for science to be highly engaging, and for students to become capable and confident scientists. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, aligned with the National Curriculum. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced, so that students can make excellent progress in their understanding of science and the scientific method.
KS4 Separate Sciences – What will I learn?
Biology is the natural science that studies life and living organisms. Starting with the microscopic, you will learn about cells and how they are organised to create complex structures and systems. You will gain a deeper understanding of how living organisms protect themselves from damage and disease, how internal systems are monitored and controlled and how communication occurs within the body. You will investigate DNA and genetics and how energy is harnessed and used for life. On a larger scale you will examine how life on Earth has evolved and how living organisms are interconnected. You will explore how living organisms are vital for maintaining ecosystem and threats that they are facing.
Chemistry is the study of matter, what it consists of, what its properties are, and how it changes. During the course you will study atoms and the periodic table and how ideas about these have developed with new scientific discoveries. You will explore how atoms bond together to form simple and complex structures and how the properties of substances are dependent on their structure. You will complete lots of practical work to support your understanding of chemical reactions, the factors which affect them and changes that occur. You will look at how chemists identify different chemical substances and how materials are produced on an industrial scale. You will also examine how the chemistry of the planet’s atmosphere has changed and how humans are now impacting it, and the potential solutions that chemistry brings.
Physics is the study of the how the universe behaves. It is key in understanding the world around us, and is the most fundamental of the sciences. During the course you will explore topics such as radioactivity, forces, electricity, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism. If you take separate science, you will also study space. Over the two years you will undertake lots of practical work, which will help you understand the nature of things around you. You will also develop your mathematical skills so that you can deepen this understanding.
Course Guides