KJS Prospectus 2026-27

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 Activate 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) Our PSHCEE programme is delivered through timetabled lessons, tutor time activities, whole-year assemblies, and dedicated drop-down days and events. It addresses topics that are central to students’ personal, social and moral development and integrates wider themes such as health, citizenship, environmental awareness and economic wellbeing. We place strong emphasis on discussion and group work, supported by teacher-led input where appropriate. Students are encouraged to explore and share their views in a constructive way, while contributions from external speakers and agencies further enrich their learning. A key element of our PSHCEE provision is the Jigsaw curriculum, an expert-led and research-based programme that follows a spiral structure, enabling students to build on prior learning each year. The content is carefully designed to be age- appropriate, ensuring students engage with material that is both accessible and challenging for their stage of development. The programme covers six interconnected themes: “Being Me in My World”; “Celebrating Difference”; “Dreams and Goals”; “Healthy Me”; “Relationships”; and “Changing Me”. This ensures that even sensitive topics such as relationships and sex education are well-resourced and research-informed, allowing staff to deliver them with confidence and clarity. Our curriculum promotes informed, thoughtful and responsible citizenship, helping students to understand their rights and responsibilities, build self-confidence, and play a positive role in school, the local community and beyond. Alongside this, students are introduced to important life skills, including financial awareness, decision-making and democratic values.