Portals
Multi Award winning Mainstream Dyslexia Specialist School for years 3 to 11

Science

Key Stage 3

Science at Moon Hall is exciting and engaging. We aim for all pupils to have access to as many practicals as possible to let them see for themselves science in action! When entering the science lessons we have high expectations of all of our pupils, however as a department we ensure that their individual needs are met with specifically tailored resources and teaching strategies.

Science incorporates so many important skills that cross many different subjects and we practice these regularly through our resources and our teaching. All pupils who study science will have access to well-trained staff who themselves have a passion for their subject. Science follows the National Curriculum in Key Stage 3.

We want pupils studying science to have the “awe and wonder” of the world and how it works.

Asking questions and inspiring further independent research is what we wish to instill in our pupils.

The school prides itself in supporting dyslexic pupils across the curriculum with the science department recognising that our pupils have clear strengths in the subject as well as areas where they will require further support. All resources are adapted to suit each individual in order to ensure they can access the curriculum fully and achieve grades that are truly reflective of their ability.


To promote learning:

  • We use detailed and differentiated schemes of work
  • We provide keyword lists that help understanding of those tricky science words
  • We provide a variety of teaching resources to promote engagement and motivation in the lessons

To check pupils’ understanding of the topic regular assessment is important.  We, therefore, test all pupils from Year 7 to 11 at the end of every half term to ensure we are reflecting on our own lessons as well as being able to quickly identify those pupils who may need further support.


Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 all pupils follow AQA GCSE Biology. This is a 7 term course. As we are offering a single Science it is hoped that all pupils will achieve a very sound GCSE grade at the end of their studies.

The Biology syllabus is exciting and engaging and offers pupils the opportunity to delve further into topics that are already of interest to them. We have several required practicals that pupils must  incomplete order to be entered for their GCSE exam.

These areas will be examined by 2 papers each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes.  In order to help support our senior pupils, we offer additional lunchtime and after-school support sessions along with detailed revision packs to help guide and best prepare them.

In addition to Biology, we also offer the option of AQA GCSE Physics. The topics examined range from the very small to the very large and all things “Physics” in between. For example, they study Particles, Atomic Structure, Forces, Energy, Electricity, Magnetism, Waves and Space.

The Physics course is also examined through 2 papers each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.

Independent Learning Activities

Science - Year 7

Science - Year 8

Science - Year 9

Biology - Year 10

Physics - Year 10

Biology - Year 11

Physics - Year 11


Careers, Options & Pathways resources