KJS Prospectus 2025-26

Science Science helps us to understand the world around us. From medicines to communication and transport, almost everything around us has been created using aspects of Science. King James’s Science Department aims to engage students with stretching and challenging lessons where the focus is on student learning and enjoyment, as well as academic progress. Through science education, students learn to recognise the power of rational explanation, logical thinking and problem solving. They develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. Exciting practical opportunities have been embedded throughout the science curriculum, and students are encouraged to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse data from experiments. We constantly adapt and improve our curriculum to include the latest scientific concepts and ideas, using topics in the news such as new electric vehicle design, space exploration, or disease prevention strategies to hook students’ attention. Key Stage 3 Science is delivered using resources adapted from the Exploring Science course. The course is designed to develop the strengths of the Key Stage 2 Science curriculum and ensure progression through to Key Stage 4. Our Key Stage 3 curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils: • Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of key topics within Biology, Chemistry and Physics, such as cells, atoms and compounds, and energy stores and transfers. • Develop scientific enquiry and practical skills, for example through use of microscopes, carrying out simple chemical reactions, and measuring forces, times and distances in various practical contexts. At Key Stage 4 the majority of our students complete a combined Science GCSE which covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All students are taught by well-qualified specialists in all three Science disciplines. There is an opportunity for students to opt to study the separate sciences in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which delve deeper into more fascinating subject content from each of the three sciences. These courses provide a broad knowledge of science for all, and a firm basis for those students who choose to study one or more of the separate sciences in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at A Level. Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education (PSHCEE) The Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education programme is delivered in timetabled sessions. It seeks to address topics and issues relevant to students’ moral and social development and to integrate cross-curricular themes such as health and environmental education. In lessons emphasis is placed upon discussion and group activities, however it is recognised that teacher-led lessons have a place in such a programme. Students are encouraged to develop their viewpoints and learn to share these in a constructive manner. The use of presentations by outside agencies for whole and part year groups is a valued part of the programme. Citizenship helps students become informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens who are aware of their duties and rights. It promotes spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, making them more self-confident and responsible both in and beyond the classroom. It encourages students to play a helpful part in the life of the school, the local community and the wider world. They also find out about career options, money matters, democratic institutions and values. The PSHCEE curriculum is designed for each age-group leading to a coherent coverage of important issues such as personal relationships, social responsibility, health, diversity and economic well-being. Controversial and sensitive subjects such as relationships and sex education are delivered with the assistance of approved published materials, selected and adapted by staff with requisite expertise.