Science
Head of Department: Alan Makeham
Welcome to the Science Department at Ivybridge Community College.
Statement of Intent
The science curriculum prioritises a secure understanding of scientific key knowledge.
We believe that engaging with the world in a scientific way will enable students to make informed decisions based on evidence.
Implementation
We offer a variety of student-centred courses:
- Years 9–11: Combined Science and Separate Sciences
- Years 12–13: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science
Topics are taught in a carefully structured order to support understanding, skill development, and progression to the next stage. Lessons are designed to be inspiring and engaging, incorporating evidence-based learning strategies such as interleaving, repetition, and self-testing, developed in collaboration with the Research Schools Network and Education Endowment Foundation.
The department has strong links with the Institute of Physics, Royal Institution, and Ogden Trust, enriching learning opportunities and careers awareness.
Enrichment Opportunities
Science students at Ivybridge benefit from a broad range of enrichment activities to foster a love of science, including:
- Science Enrichment Week with workshops and trips
- Talks from professionals in scientific careers
- Hands-on practical experiences relevant to real-world scientific work
Progression and Careers
We are proud to support students as they pursue higher education and careers in science. Recent Year 13 leavers have gone on to study:
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Forensic Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical Science
- Building Surveying
- Environmental Science
- Medicine
- Aerospace Systems Engineering
- Zoology
Our aim is to inspire and equip the next generation of scientists through high-quality teaching, practical experience, and a passion for scientific enquiry.
Key Stages 3 and 4
At Ivybridge Community College, our Science curriculum builds a strong foundation in key concepts and practical skills from Year 7 through to Year 11.
- Years 7–8: Students have seven hours of Science per fortnight, working in fully equipped laboratories and using the computer suite to support learning. Lessons focus on the most fundamental and up-to-date scientific concepts.
- Year 9: This is a foundation GCSE year, with eight hours per fortnight. Students explore a broad range of topics and begin to decide whether to follow GCSE Combined Science or GCSE Separate Sciences (AQA) in Years 10 and 11.
Both pathways are designed to prepare students thoroughly for A-Level Science.
Curriculum Approach
Every module builds on essential concepts and skills, ensuring students understand not only what they are learning but also why. Particular emphasis is placed on the planning, implementation, and analysis of experiments, giving students a solid foundation in scientific thinking and practical investigation.
Exam Board: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5, Ivybridge Community College offers a range of A-Level and Level 3 courses designed to prepare students for higher education and scientific careers:
- OCR A-Level Biology
- Salters (OCR) A-Level Chemistry
- OCR A-Level Physics
- AQA Level 3 Environmental Science
Enrichment Opportunities
Students benefit from fieldwork, university trips, and real-world applications of science, helping them explore careers in the field. Recent Year 13 leavers have gone on to study:
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Forensic Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical Science
- Building Surveying
- Environmental Science
- Medicine
- Aerospace Systems Engineering
- Zoology
A-Level Course Content
Biology A (OCR A)
- Cell structure, Biological molecules, Nucleotides and nucleic acids, Enzymes, Biological membranes
- Exchange surfaces, Cell division, diversity and organisation
- Communicable diseases, Transport in animals and plants
- Biodiversity, Classification and evolution
- Communication, Excretion, Nerves and Hormones
- Plant and Animal responses, Photosynthesis, Respiration
- Cellular control, Patterns of inheritance, Manipulating genomes
- Cloning, Biotechnology, Ecology
Chemistry A (OCR A)
- Atoms, Compounds, Molecules and Equations
- Acid–base and Redox Reactions
- Electrons, Bonding and Structure
- Amount of Substance, Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis
- Periodic Table, Chromatography, Spectroscopy (NMR)
- Group 2, Halogens, Polymers, Carbonyl Compounds, Nitrogen Compounds
- Reaction Rates, Equilibrium, Analytical Techniques (IR, MS)
- Enthalpy, Entropy, Free Energy, Redox and Electrode Potentials
- Transition Elements, Aromatic Compounds, Carboxylic Acids and Esters
- pH and Buffers
Physics (OCR A - H556)
- Module 1: Practical Skills in Physics
- Module 2: Foundations in Physics
- Module 3: Forces and Motion
- Module 4: Electrons, Waves, and Photons
- Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics
- Module 6: Particles and Medical Physics
Environmental Science (AQA Level 3)
- Physical Environment
- Energy Resources
- Pollution
- Living Environment
- Biological Resources
- Sustainability
This curriculum provides rigorous academic challenge while linking theory to practical and career-focused experiences, preparing students for university and beyond.
Exam Board:
Biology - https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/biology-a-h020-h420-from-2015/
Chemistry - https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/chemistry-a-h032-h432-from-2015/
Physics - https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/physics-a-h156-h556-from-2015/
Environmental Science - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/environmental-science/a-level/environmental-science-7447/specification/specification-at-a-glance
For more information, please contact the College here: