Key Stage 3 Overview
The KS3 curriculum at Thomas Gainsborough School helps students develop their knowledge & understanding of the key topics in Science, both those already covered at KS2 and of new content. The curriculum also is designed to develop their knowledge and application of the scientific process and to develop their ability to link ideas across Science. Using the ‘Big ideas in Science’ teaching approach, the generalisations, principles and models which connect concepts are at the heart of our teaching. We believe this is how students learn how to see the world analytically, how to explain phenomena and develop the ability to make intelligent predictions of what may happen based on scientific knowledge and understanding – all skills they need for their next stage of scientific learning. While broadly taught in the three main areas of science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), the topics studied often have a deep cross-curricular link embedded within them.
Outline of Subject Content at KS3
Biology
7.1a The Living Body
7.2b Habitats & Organisation
7.3ci Skeletons & Muscles
8.1a How the Body Works
8.2b Evolution & Inheritance
9.1a Cells
9.2a Organ systems
9.3a Photosynthesis & Respiration
Chemistry
7.1b Elements, Compounds, Mixtures & Separating Techniques
7.3a Common Chemical Reactions
8.1b Physical & Chemical Change
8.3a Chemistry on Earth
8.3ci Earth & Rocks
9.1b Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table
9.2b Testing for Chemicals
9.2c Maths in Chemistry
9.3b Bonding in chemicals
Physics
7.2a Speed & Forces
7.3b Electricity
7.3cii Space
8.2a Energy
8.3b Magnetism & Waves
8.3cii Pressure
9.1c Energy & Energy Resources
9.2d Changes of State & Gas Pressure
9.3c Radioactivity
9.3d Electricity in the Home
Each unit taught at KS3 incorporates the learning of Golden Knowledge; the key facts from each topic. Students are helped to develop the recall of these facts through the setting of homework on an online platform called Carousel Learning.
Key Stage 4 Overview
Science is a set of ideas about the material world. TGS students develop a vast array of skills in science at GCSE level: whether it be investigating, observing, experimenting, testing out ideas or thinking about them. The way the set of ideas flow through the curriculum is designed to support students in building a deep understanding of science. Their learning involves talking, reading and writing about science plus the carrying out of practical activities that help develop or reinforce understanding. There is also a clear focus on representing science in its many forms both mathematically and visually through models.
GCSE Science classes at TGS are taught by highly skilled science teachers and students will experience all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) on a level beyond anything they have done in the previous key stages. Students follow either the Triple Science or Combined Science route through KS4 and as GCSE Science is a linear course, they sit all of the exams in the summer of year 11.
From September 2024 students can choose to study Triple Science as an option. students will need the recommendation of the science team based on strong performance in Year 9 and a desire to study additional science content.
Each unit taught at GCSE incorporates the learning of Golden Knowledge; the key facts from each topic. Students are helped to develop the recall of these facts through the setting of homework on an online platform called Carousel Learning.
Outline of Subject Content at GCSE
Biology
1. Cell biology
2. Organisation
3. Infection and response
4. Bioenergetics
5. Homeostasis and response
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution
7. Ecology
Chemistry
8. Atomic structure and the periodic table
9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter
10. Quantitative chemistry
11. Chemical changes
12. Energy changes
13. The rate and extent of chemical change
14. Organic chemistry
15. Chemical analysis
16. Chemistry of the atmosphere
17. Using resources
Physics
18. Energy
19. Electricity
20. Particle model of matter
21. Atomic structure
22. Forces
23. Waves
24. Magnetism and electromagnetism
25. Space (Triple Science only)
The Thomas Gainsborough School science department use an online package called Doddle for setting homework, tasks and makes an excellent revision tool; encompassing all Key Stage taught at TGS (KS3, KS4, KS5):
Doddle is designed to help students do more and stay motivated outside of the classroom. Their self-marking homework quizzes provide immediate results and feedback, letting students feel truly connected with what they’re doing. It’s adaptable to student needs: Doddle keeps them organised and encourages independent learning – and it works on whatever device they prefer to use.
Login to DODDLE:
If you have forgotten your password, please email your science teachers, who will be able to send you a new one.
Department Staff
| Miss A Alston (AAL) | Assistant Headteacher | Contact |
| Mr E Amoako (EAm) | Teacher of Science | Contact |
| Ms A Bevan-Smith (ABS) | Teacher of Science | Contact |
| Mr A Cameron (ACA) | Head of Chemistry | Contact |
| Mr M Chapman (MCH) | Teacher of Science | Contact |
| Mr D Chiang (DCH) | Assistant Headteacher | Contact |
| Mrs E Holmes (EHO) | Teacher of Science | Contact |
| Mrs S Luxon (SLU) | Head of Science | Contact |
| Mrs A Morris (AMO) | Technician | Contact |
| Miss S Peacock (SPE) | Teacher of Science | Contact |
| Miss K Ritchie (KRI) | Teacher of Science | Contact |
| Mrs S Samways (SSA) | Teacher of Science | Contact |
| Mr W Smith (WSM) | Teacher of Maths & Science | Contact |
| Mrs K Turner (KTU) | Technician | Contact |
| Mrs K Ward (KWA) | Teacher of Science | Contact |
