Mr C Moore, BSc (Hons), MSc, PGCE
The DHSG science curriculum aims to provide an exceptional scientific education for students, through a wealth of inspiring opportunities within a nurturing environment, leading to outstanding achievements and facilitating further study and potential careers within the subject.
Our aim is to develop students’ curiosity, wonder and understanding of the world around them and equipping them with the analytical skills needed to contribute to a global society.
High-quality teaching of an ambitious, sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum promotes student understanding and addresses misconceptions. Theoretical work is supported by purposeful practical work that enhances understanding and develops critical thinking.
Physics is the study of the universe and all things in it from the unimaginably small to the unfathomably large to further our knowledge and understanding and develop the ability to solve complex problems using logic and reasoning. We aim to inspire students with the wonder of Physics through the teaching of five key areas, Waves, Energy, Electricity, Matter and Force, all of which are revisited throughout key stages 3 to 5.
We have designed our practical science curriculum with eight fundamental principles on mind:
Year |
Cycle | Content |
---|---|---|
Year 7 |
Cycle 1 |
Forces - Introduction |
Cycle 2 |
Waves - Sound |
|
Cycle 3 |
Space – The Solar System and Beyond |
|
Year 8 |
Cycle 1 |
Electromagnetism – Electricity and Magnetism |
Cycle 2 |
Energy – Energy Transfers |
|
Cycle 3 |
Forces – Forces and Motion |
|
Year 9 |
Cycle 1 |
The Particle Model of Matte |
Cycle 2 |
Waves |
|
Cycle 3 |
Forces and interactions |
|
Year 10 |
Cycle 1 |
Energy systems and stores |
Cycle 2 |
Atomic structure |
|
Cycle 3 |
Electricity in the home |
|
Year 11 |
Cycle 1 |
Forces and motion |
Cycle 2 |
Space physics |
|
Cycle 3 |
Examination preparation |
To view the Lower Years Assessment Framework for Science, please click here
Middle years Triple Science Options: AQA GCSE Physics is delivered.
GCSE Physics students follow all the units 4.1 – 4.9 found on the GCSE Physics Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Physics specification
Middle years Double Science option: AQA Combined Science: Trilogy is delivered
Combined science students follow selected elements of units 6.1 – 6.8 found on the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification
The Physics department works closely with various other schools across Torbay and the South Hams and regularly holds collaborative events for students to participate in. The nature of the events varies each year and has included: an evening exploring Astronomy and Light; the Physics of fire; Medical Mavericks; GCSE Physics Escape Rooms. All the schools are keen to continue this work which enriches the Physics curriculum and aims to improve uptake at A-Level. Students have also taken part in the Go4Set project and travelled to Birmingham to exhibit further projects at the Big Bang Science fair.