SCIENCE

Science Curriculum Overview

Based on the National Curriculum, Iqra Academy’s Science curriculum offers students a journey into the natural world, answering questions they have likely pondered since childhood. Through the study of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, students gain a broad understanding of science—covering topics from the structure of cells to the forces that shape our environment. Through scientific inquiry, hands-on investigations, and critical thinking, students learn not only what we know but also how we have come to know it.

Science at Iqra Academy is presented as a method of inquiry rather than a set of facts, encouraging curiosity and a readiness for discovery. By integrating concepts across disciplines, our curriculum aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles, fostering students’ motivation for future learning.

Key Stage 3 (KS3)

Intent:
The KS3 Science curriculum at Iqra Academy is designed to ignite curiosity and establish a strong foundation in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Through practical applications and real-life examples, students discover the relevance of science in various fields, such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, and technology. This challenging course provides a solid foundation for GCSE science courses by introducing students to a wide variety of concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics. Our approach builds confidence in scientific skills, enabling students to make informed choices about real-world issues and nurturing a lasting interest in science.

By the end of KS3, students will:

Recognize the impact of science on society, understanding its applications in healthcare, energy, and conservation.
Gain confidence in scientific practices, enabling critical thinking and evidence-based conclusions.
Develop a robust scientific vocabulary, alongside mathematical and practical skills, to support further study.

Implementation:

The KS3 program follows a spiral curriculum model where each year builds on previous learning while introducing new concepts. Students rotate through topics in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, gaining balanced exposure to each field. Lessons incorporate hands-on investigations, real-life applications, and problem-solving tasks to enhance understanding and engagement.

Years 7 and 8: Students explore fundamental scientific principles across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, focusing on lab skills, safety, and the scientific method. This foundation exceeds national standards, encouraging curiosity and depth of understanding.
Year 9. At the end of Year 9, students have the option to choose their pathways for Years 10 and 11, selecting between the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy or the AQA Triple Science courses, which leads to three separate GCSE qualifications in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This provides a solid transition to Key Stage 4 by introducing foundational GCSE concepts that support future progression.

Content, Assessment, and Support for KS3:

KS3 often represents students’ first structured exposure to science. In Year 7, foundational topics such as cells (Biology), forces (Physics), and particle theory (Chemistry) are introduced alongside essential lab skills and scientific methods. Years 7 and 8 expand upon these fundamentals, with regular assessments to track progress through practical investigations, quizzes, and year-end exams. In Year 9, students delve deeper, applying scientific knowledge to more complex questions, like cellular adaptation and energy transfer processes.

To further enhance their learning experience, KS3 students have access to extracurricular activities, which encourage exploration beyond the classroom. Regular assessments provide a detailed record of each student’s progress and identify areas for targeted support.

Key Stage 4 (KS4)

Intent:

In KS4, students build on their KS3 foundation by choosing between AQA Combined Science: Trilogy or AQA Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). Our goal is to expand scientific understanding while cultivating practical and analytical skills necessary for A-Level sciences and varied career paths. Students are encouraged to think critically and apply scientific knowledge to both familiar and new situations.

By the end of KS4, students will

Apply scientific knowledge across a variety of contexts, fostering adaptability and critical thinking.
Demonstrate proficiency in scientific methodology, from designing investigations to analyzing data.
Develop confidence in using mathematical skills within scientific contexts

Implementation:
The KS4 curriculum is structured to deepen scientific knowledge through AQA specifications for both Combined and Triple Science. Lessons incorporate essential practicals, modeling, and problem-solving exercises to strengthen understanding and application.

Combined Science: Trilogy Pathway: Beginning in Year 9, most students progress through the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy pathway, leading to a double award GCSE qualification. This pathway emphasizes core principles and practical skills, suitable for those wanting a broad foundation in science.

Triple Science Pathway: For students with a strong aptitude for science, the Triple Science pathway offers an in-depth study, resulting in three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This pathway supports those aiming to pursue A-Level sciences, providing comprehensive coverage of advanced concepts.

In both pathways, students revisit and expand upon key themes each year, ensuring a structured progression of content.

Content, Assessment, and Support for KS4 Pathways:

Students in KS4 select from the following pathways, each leading to specific qualifications:

Triple Science Pathway: Awarding three distinct GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, this pathway covers content in greater depth, ideal preparation for A-Level studies.
Combined Science: Trilogy Pathway (Higher Level): Covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, this pathway awards two GCSE grades and provides a strong foundation in essential scientific concepts, suitable for further study.
Combined Science: Trilogy Pathway (Foundation Level): This option covers the fundamentals of each science, also awarding two GCSE grades, giving a practical understanding of science applicable to a range of fields.

Assessment and Support for KS4:
Throughout KS4, students are regularly assessed via practical investigations, end-of-topic tests, and GCSE-style mock exams to ensure steady progress and provide insight into each student’s development. Final GCSE grades for all pathways are based exclusively on exam performance at the end of the course. To support exam readiness, KS4 students have access to targeted revision sessions and one-on-one guidance, ensuring they are fully prepared for both assessments and future studies.

By offering a blend of practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and structured assessment, our Science curriculum at Iqra Academy encourages students to think critically, approach problems methodically, and maintain a curiosity for the scientific world. Through this approach, we aim to inspire students to engage with science well beyond the classroom.

Impact:

The impact of our Science curriculum at Iqra Academy is evident through strong student outcomes, high levels of engagement, and excellent preparation for future academic pathways.
Over the past two years, more than 80% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE Combined Science. Notably, 73% attained a grade 5 or higher, with over 30% achieving the top grades of 7–9.

These results reflect both the accessibility and challenge of our curriculum.
Students develop strong scientific literacy and practical competence, enabling them to think critically, analyse data effectively, and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts.

Our inclusive and aspirational curriculum equips learners with the skills and confidence required for A-Level study, STEM careers, and informed citizenship.