Biology is the study of living organisms and life processes. It explores how living things function, grow, evolve, and interact with one another and their environment. From the smallest cells to complex ecosystems, biology helps us understand the natural world and the science behind health, disease, and biodiversity.  

At Knutsford Academy we aim to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong interest in the living world. We work to ensure that every student builds a strong foundation of biological knowledge while developing the practical and analytical skills they need to succeed.  

Course Summary

We study the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy and GCSE Biology specification.  

Students learn the following topics: 

  1. Cell biology 

  1. Organisation 

  1. Infection and Response 

  1. Bioenergetics (photosynthesis and respiration) 

  1. Homeostasis and Response 

  1. Inheritance, Variation and Evolution 

  1. Ecology

Assessment

This qualification is assessed via external exams at the end of Year 11. 

  • Paper 1 – Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics 

  • Paper 2 – Homeostasis and Response, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution, and Ecology.  

Questions in the written exams will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out the required practical activities. These questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification.  

Enrichment

  • Revision Sessions
  • GCSE Science Live

Careers

  • Marine Biologist  

  • Microbiologist 

  • Biomedical Scientist 

  • Geneticist 

  • Ecologist 

  • Pharmacologist 

  • Biotechnologist 

  • Zoologist 

  • Forensic Scientist 

  • Environmental Scientist 

  • Conservation Officer 

  • Wildlife Biologist 

  • Sustainability Officer 

  • Doctor 

  • Dentist 

  • Nurse 

  • Veterinary Surgeon 

  • Physiotherapist 

  • Paramedic 

  • Radiographer 

  • Pharmacist 

  • Midwife 

  • Occupational Therapist 

Useful Links

Contact

Mrs E Riley: ery@knutsfordacademy.org.uk 

Head of Biology

 

Chemistry examines the interactions between substances and their surroundings. We study chemistry to learn about the structure of materials and how they will behave in various contexts.  Think of chemistry as the secret code that explains why your cake rises, your phone battery charges, or your shampoo lathers. It’s often called the “central science” because it connects physics and biology in fascinating ways. Chemistry trains you to think critically, solve problems logically, and handle complex information—skills valued in every career. 

At Knutsford Academy we aim to provide students with opportunities to investigate, observe, experiment and think about chemical concepts. We work to ensure that all learners are equipped with the skills and understanding of chemistry to make them scientifically literate and able to pursue the study of chemical sciences at higher levels should they wish.  

We study the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy and GCSE Chemistry specification.  

Students learn the following topics: 

  1. Atomic Structure and The Periodic Table 

  1. Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter 

  1. Quantitative Chemistry 

  1. Chemical Changes 

  1. Energy Changes 

  1. The Rate and Extent of Chemical Change 

  1. Organic Chemistry 

  1. Chemical Analysis 

  2. Chemistry of the Atmosphere 

  3. Using Resources 

Assessment

This qualification is assessed via external exams at the end of Year 11. 

  • Paper 1 – Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes; and Energy changes. 

  • Paper 2 – The rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere; and Using resources. 

Questions in the written exams will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out the required practical activities. These questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification.  

Enrichment

  • Revision Sessions
  • GCSE Science Live
  • Chemistry Society

Careers

  • Research Chemist 

  • Chemical Engineer 

  • Doctor 

  • Dentist 

  • Pharmacist 

  • Veterinary Surgeon 

  • Pharmacologist 

  • Biomedical Scientist 

  • Nanotechnologist 

  • Cosmetic Chemist 

  • Product Developer 

  • Data Analyst 

  • Forensic Scientist 

  • Banking/Finance 

Useful Links

Contact

Mr B Albery: bay@knutsfordacademy.org.uk

Head of Chemistry

 

Physics is the study of how stuff works.  It explores the use of models, the concept of cause and effect, the phenomena of “action at a distance”, and the use of differences as the drivers of change.  From quarks in nucleons of atoms all the way to the universe itself, physics helps us make sense of everything around us, on every scale.  

At Knutsford Academy we aim to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong interest in understanding the 'hows and whys' of how stuff works. We work to ensure that every student builds a strong foundation of physics knowledge while developing the practical and analytical skills they need to succeed.  

We study the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy and GCSE Physics specification.  

Students learn the following topics: 

  1. Energy 

  1. Electricity 

  1. Particle model of matter 

  1. Atomic structure 

  1. Forces 

  1. Waves 

  1. Magnetism and electromagnetism 

  1. Space physics (GCSE Physics only) 

Assessment

This qualification is assessed via external exams at the end of Year 11. 

  • Paper 1 – Energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure 

  • Paper 2 – Forces, waves, magnetism &electromagnetism, and space physics (GCSE Physics only)  

Questions in the written exams will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out the required practical activities. These questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification.

Enrichment

  • Revision workshops
  • GCSE Science Live
  • BPhO Junior Physics Challenge 

Careers

  • Physicist 

  • Astrophysicist 

  • Engineer 

  • Sound engineer 

  • Radiographer 

  • Optician 

  • Energy resource scientist 

  • Radiation protection advisor 

  • Nuclear physicist 

  • Material scientist 

  • Geologist 

  • Data analyst 

  • Banker 

Useful Links

Contact

 

 

KS4 Curriculum Maps for Science

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