THE HAYESFIELD CURRICULUM
Science Faculty
At Hayesfield, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of science in all our students and equip them with the knowledge they will need to navigate an ever more scientific world. We believe that all students should have the scientific literacy to be able to evaluate critical evidence – this way, they can explain the world around them and make healthy choices whilst becoming responsible citizens.
Faculty Subjects
Key Stage 3
Our experienced Science team carefully sequences learning across the 5-year journey, starting in Year 7 with foundational skills and cellular knowledge. Topics are revisited and built upon to ensure deep, logical knowledge acquisition. We use hands-on practical work to engage curiosity and a variety of assessments to check progress and provide targeted feedback. We exceed the National Curriculum with IGNITE days and our annual Science Fair, offering students a taste of real scientific research and linking science to key skills. Year 9 bridges the transition to GCSE.
Revision and Support
How to support your daughter with her learning:
- Provide a quiet space they can work in
- Encourage her to read the daily newspapers to keep up with new scientific discoveries
- Discuss science with her
- Visit the Herschel Museum in Bath, and the Natural History and Science Museums in London
- Join the BRSLI (Bath Royal Scientific and Literacy Institute) and attend the workshops they offer
Useful resources:
- BBC Bitesize: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p
- Seneca Learning: https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/
- CGP KS3 revision books or knowledge retrievers www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/ks3/science
- Oak Academy: https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/key-stage-3/subjects/science
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 (KS4), students follow one of two pathways, determined by KS3 attainment: the most able take AQA Separate Sciences (three GCSEs), while others study AQA Combined Science (Trilogy). All topics are taught as distinct Biology, Chemistry, and Physics units, often by subject specialists, with knowledge carefully sequenced for long-term retention. A mixture of quizzes and summative assessments ensures students can reflect, close knowledge gaps, and become self-aware, literate scientists ready for examinations and future academic or vocational courses.
Revision and Support
How to support your daughter with her learning:
- Provide a quiet space for her to study in
- Encourage her to revisit her prior learning and make revision notes as she studies each topic
- Discuss science with her- what she is studying at School
- Visit the Herschel Museum in Bath, and the Natural History and Science Museums in London
- Join the BRSLI (Bath Royal Scientific and Literacy Institute) and attend the workshops they offer
Useful resources:
- BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrkw2hv
- CGP revision guides which can be bought via parentpay
- Seneca Learning: https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/
- GCSE Pod: www.GCSEPod.com
- Oak Academy: https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/key-stage-4
Biology
- Cell structure
- Transport in cells
- Principal of organisation
- Animals, tissues, organs, systems
- Plant tissues and organ systems
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Communicable disease
- Homeostasis
- Nervous system
- Hormones in humans
- Reproduction
- Variation and evolution
- Genetics and evolution
- Classification
- Adaptations
- Organisation of ecosystems
- Biodiversity
- Monoclonal Antibodies
- Plant Diseases
- Plant Hormones
- Trophic Levels
- Food Production
Chemistry
- Earth and atmosphere
- Acids
- Redox and metal extraction
- Amount of substance
- Energetics and rates of reaction
- Equilibria
- Chemical analysis
- Organic chemistry
- Water
- Life cycle analyses
- Electrolysis
- Transition Elements
- Solutions, Gases, Percentage Yield, Atom Economy
- Identification
- Further Organic
- Using Materials
Physics
- Energy Transfers
- Waves Properties and The EM Spectrum
- Electrical Circuits
- Forces
- Energy equations
- Mains electricity
- Particle model
- Electromagnetism
- Atomic structure and radioactivity
- Newton’s Laws and car safety
- Moments, Levers, Gears and Pressure in Momentum
- Using Waves
- Mains Electricity Safety
- Static and Electric Fields
- Uses of Magnetism and Electromagnetism
- Gas Pressure
- Uses and Dangers of Radioactivity
- Fission and Fusion
- Space Physics
Science Faculty
| Head of Science | Mrs Emma Whatley (ELW) |
|---|---|
| Head of KS5 Applied Learning | Mr Martin Somerton (MDS) |
| Head of Biology | Mr Chris Fuller (CFU) |
| Head of Chemistry | Dr Mair Thomas (MTH) |
| Head of Physics | Mr Kris Attwood (KA) |
| Teacher of Science (Assistant Headteacher – Inclusion) | Mrs Sophie Charnaud (SCH) |
| Teacher of Science | Dr Elaine Avramenko (EAV) |
| Teacher of Science | Mr Mark Little (MLI) |
| Teacher of Science | Mr Richard Evans (REV) |
| Teacher of Science | Mrs Katie Pennicott (KPE) |
| Teacher of Science and Child Development | Ms Rebecca Harrill (RHA) |
|---|---|
| Teacher of Science | Ms Adele Potts (APO) |
| Head of Psychology and Teacher of Science | Mrs Molly Matthews (MMA) |
| Teacher of Science and Year 12 DoA | Dr Helen Sheppard (HSH) |
| Senior Science Technician | Miss Emma Dykes (EDY) |
| Part Time Science Technician | Mrs Alison Greenslade (AFG) |
| Part Time Science Technician | Miss Sadie Copperthwaite (SCO) |
| Part Time Science Technician | Ms Viorica Sebestynen (VSE) |
Enriching Learning
Science is about investigating how the natural world works. Our Science faculty try to actively engage students’ interests at every level by providing relevant and inspiring extracurricular activities. All staff are involved in the Extra Curricular LEAP programme which provides a very wide range of additional and fun activities to engender excitement in the subject.