Science
Introduction
Science helps us understand the world around us - from the smallest particles and organisms to the vastness of space. It is a subject rooted in curiosity, discovery and evidence, encouraging pupils to ask questions, think critically and explore how things work.
Lower School
The Key Stage 3 Science course is taught as a single subject over two years in the First and Second Form.
In the First Form, the emphasis is on engaging activities and practical work, establishing a firm foundation of skills and knowledge for the years ahead. Science is taught for four periods per week (just over three hours) in well-equipped, dedicated laboratories.
In the Second Form, pupils build on this foundation, deepening their understanding of key concepts and exploring the links between the different sciences. By the end of the Second Form, pupils will have covered the full KS3 curriculum.
Third Form
Pupils begin their IGCSE studies in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects in the Third Form. At the end of the year, they choose to either continue with Triple Science (leading to three IGCSEs) or move to Double Award Science (leading to two GCSEs covering all three sciences). Practical work is central to the course. Pupils spend a significant proportion of their time carrying out experiments, making measurements, and developing observational skills alongside theoretical study and problem-solving.
IGCSE (Middle School)
The IGCSE course continues in the Middle School, with three periods per week per science for Triple Science and two periods per science for Double Award.
The course provides an appropriate level of challenge and stimulation, preparing many pupils for further study in the Sixth Form. It is a linear course, with all examinations taken at the end of the Fifth Form and no coursework component.
Transferable skills are emphasised throughout, including problem-solving, data analysis, critical evaluation of methods, and the use of ICT and automation. Pupils gain valuable insight into real-world scientific practices.
A Level (Sixth Form)
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology are all popular A Level choices. In recent years, the sciences have consistently accounted for around a quarter of all A Level subjects taken.
We support a smooth transition from GCSE to A Level for both existing pupils and those joining the School in the Sixth Form. Many pupils go on to study science-related disciplines at university.
The recent introduction of A Level Psychology (2025–26) has been a particularly popular addition to the Science Faculty.
Co-Curricular
There are numerous opportunities for pupils to engage with science beyond the classroom. The Stephen Hawking Society, led by A Level students, plays a central role in organising events and activities. Clubs for Lower School and Third Form pupils encourage hands-on investigation and independent enquiry, often leading to CREST Awards. Additional clubs, including Dissection Club, Young Medics and Astro Club, allow pupils to explore specialist interests in greater depth.
The Society also hosts visiting speakers from academia, industry and the media, broadening pupils’ perspectives on science-related careers.
Trips, Competitions and Societies
The Science Faculty organises a wide range of trips, including visits to New Scientist Live, CERN and the GCSE Science Live event. These complement subject-specific trips run by individual departments. Pupils are encouraged to participate in both internal and national competitions, including the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Challenges at IGCSE level and Olympiads in the Sixth Form. In addition to the Stephen Hawking Society, pupils can participate in a thriving student-led Psychology Society.
University & Careers
Studying science opens a wide range of university courses and career pathways for our pupils, many of whom go on to study science-related subjects such as medicine, engineering, environmental science, natural sciences, physics, chemistry, psychology and biology. The analytical, practical and problem-solving skills developed through science are highly valued in many fields, including finance, law, technology and business. Career opportunities include healthcare, research and development, data science, sustainability and education, offering pupils flexibility to pursue both scientific and non-scientific futures.
A Level Biology
The A Level Biology course builds on knowledge gained at GCSE and aims to develop both understanding and enthusiasm for the subject. It is designed to:
Inspire a lasting interest in Biology, making it an enjoyable and rewarding subject to study
Prepare pupils for further study at university and for careers requiring a strong background in Biology
Foster curiosity about living organisms and encourage respect for the natural world
Develop practical, analytical and problem-solving skills through safe and effective laboratory work
Provide a strong foundation in experimental and investigative science
Encourage scientific thinking, including accuracy, objectivity, initiative and integrity
Promote awareness of local and global environmental issues
Offer a valuable educational experience, regardless of whether pupils continue with science beyond A Level
By the end of the course, pupils will understand how Biology connects to wider global challenges and will be able to link key concepts to form a coherent understanding of the subject.
Course Content
The course is structured into six key modules:
Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Biology
Module 2: Foundations in Biology
Module 3: Exchange and Transport
Module 4: Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease
Module 5: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
Module 6: Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems
Assessment Overview
Assessment is through three written examinations and a practical endorsement:
Paper 1: Biological Processes
Covers Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, short and extended responses (100 marks)
Paper 2: Biological Diversity
Covers Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, short and extended responses (100 marks)
Paper 3: Unified Biology
Synoptic paper covering all modules
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Format: Short and extended responses (70 marks)
Practical Endorsement
Pupils complete a minimum of 12 required practical activities, assessed internally. This element develops essential laboratory and investigative skills.
Progression Opportunities (Higher Education & Careers)
A Level Biology provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of university courses and careers. It is essential for degrees in Biological Sciences and is typically required for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. Biology-related degrees open doors to careers in areas such as healthcare, research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science and education. The biotechnology sector, in particular, is rapidly expanding, driven by developments in healthcare, artificial intelligence and sustainable agriculture.
Additional Opportunities
Trips and Enrichment
A Level Biology pupils benefit from a variety of enriching educational visits, including:
Fieldwork studies day
Biology in Action lecture days
The Hunterian Museum of Anatomy and Physiology
The Royal College of Surgeons
Optional stretch and challenge trips may include visits to Rothamsted Research, the Cambridge Botanic Garden and Museum of Zoology, and the Natural History Museum.
Co-curricular Activities
The Science Faculty offers a wide range of activities beyond the classroom. The Stephen Hawking Society hosts lectures from leading scientists and researchers. Within the Biology department, pupils can take part Young Medics club and enter national competitions such as the Cambridge Biology Challenge and Biology Olympiad. In addition, there are mentoring opportunities, supporting younger pupils in their learning.
A Level Chemistry
Dive into the fascinating world of atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions with our comprehensive A Level Chemistry curriculum. This course is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of both the theoretical concepts and practical applications of Chemistry. Our curriculum covers all key areas of physical, inorganic and organic Chemistry. In addition to theory, the curriculum includes practical laboratory work to enhance your experimental skills and scientific reasoning. You’ll get hands-on experience in conducting experiments, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions. From the fundamental laws of thermodynamics to the complex mechanisms of organic reactions, you will study the most important foundations which will set you in good stead for future study or a career in the sciences.
Course aims
To develop greater knowledge and depth of understanding of Chemistry.
To build upon the concepts of How Science Works that were introduced at GCSE to become critical analysts.
To enhance practical skills by carrying out a range of inorganic, physical and organic practicals.
To develop mathematical and problem-solving skills through a variety of chemical calculations, graphs and equations.
To gain confidence in scientific communication through explanation, questioning and presentation of theoretical concepts and experimental data and conclusions.
Course Content
The course is structured into three key areas.
Physical Chemistry: Atomic structure and bonding, energetics, kinetics and equilibria, rates of reaction, redox, electrochemical cells and acids and bases.
Inorganic Chemistry: Periodicity, groups 2 and 7, period 3 and transition metals and ions.
Organic Chemistry: Organic molecules, reactions and mechanisms, polymers, organic synthesis, analytical techniques, proteins and DNA.
Assessment Overview
Assessment is through three written examinations and a practical endorsement.
Paper 1: Topics covering Physical and Inorganic Chemistry as well as any relevant practical skills
Duration: 2 hrs
Format: 105 (marks from short and long answer questions)
Paper 2: Topics covering Physical and Inorganic Chemistry as well as any relevant practical skills
Duration: 2 hrs
Format: 105 (marks from short and long answer questions)
Paper 3: Synoptic paper covering all aspects of the course
Duration 2 hrs
Format: 90 (40 marks on practical techniques and data analysis, 20 marks testing understanding across the specification, 30 marks from multiple choice questions)
Practical endorsement in Chemistry: Students will also need to complete a minimum of 12 required practicals which will be assessed and the results submitted to the examining board. These provide the practical component of their examinations, sitting alongside a final grade.
Progression Opportunities (Higher Education & Careers)
Chemistry is an essential qualification for many careers such as Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Environmental Science or Veterinary Science. Chemistry A Level works very well alongside other Sciences and Mathematics. Whether you are an aspiring scientist or would just like to broaden your understanding of the world around you, Chemistry is an excellent choice.
Additional Opportunities
There are many opportunities to learn and develop beyond the A Level curriculum. There is a Lower Sixth Form stretch and challenge trip to Heidelberg, Germany and academic challenge seminars. We have several competitions pupils enter such as the Chemistry Olympiad, the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and the RSC Young Analysts practical competition. We appoint 6 Senior Chemistry Mentors each year who support younger pupils with their Chemistry through weekly clinics. They also run events like House Chemistry quizzes and the House titration. We also provide support through weekly study group and revision skills sessions, led by expert Chemistry teachers.
A Level Physics
Course Aims
A Level Physics is a fascinating subject where students really begin to discover how the world works. We travel from the atomic nucleus to distant galaxies in our exploration of the fundamental laws of nature. Physics drives technology advancements, impacting the economy, the environment and society in general.
Course Content
Lower Sixth Form – Modules of Study:
Measurements and errors, including limitations of physical measurement and estimation of physical quantities.
Particles and radiation, including constituents of the atom, particle interactions, collisions of electrons with atoms
Waves, including progressive waves, interference, diffraction
Mechanics and energy, including projectile motion, Newton’s laws of motion
Electricity, including current/voltage characteristics, circuits, electromotive force and internal resistance
Upper Sixth Form – Modules of Study:
Further mechanics and thermal physics, including periodic motion, thermal energy and the kinetic model.
Fields, including Newton’s law of gravitation, orbits of planets and satellites, magnetic flux density
Nuclear physics, including evidence for the nucleus, radioactive decay, nuclear instability
Turning points in physics, including discovery of the electron, Einstein’s theory of special relativity
Practical skills are an essential part of studying a Physics course at A level. The course builds on the development of the scientific skills learned at GCSE and there is a strong emphasis on experiments throughout.
Assessment Overview
The course is assessed over three written papers plus a practical endorsement component:
Paper 1: Assessing modules 1 to 5, and part of 6 (Periodic Motion). Duration: 2 hours, 85 Marks
Paper 2: Assessing modules 6 to 8. Duration: 2 hours, 85 Marks
Paper 3: Assessing Practical Skills, Data Analysis and Turning points in physics. Duration: 2 hours, 85 Marks
Practical endorsement: Students must also successfully complete 12 prescribed practical tasks (assessed internally).
Progression Opportunities (Higher Education & Careers)
Studying Physics develops strong numeracy, practical, and problem-solving skills. These skills, and the qualifications obtainable with a Physics A Level, are highly transportable, offering you the opportunity to work almost anywhere in the world, or in international research collaborations, as part of a global enterprise. As a result, physicists are very employable in almost any discipline, including Research Science, Engineering, Finance, Project Management, Journalism, Law, Medicine, Computer Science, Astronomy, and many other fields of endeavour.
Physicists are problem solvers. Their analytical skills make physicists versatile and adaptable, so they work in interesting places. You can find physicists in industrial labs, on college campuses, in the astronaut corps, and consulting on TV shows. In addition, many physics graduates work at newspapers and magazines, in government, and in environmental science and engineering — places where their ability to think analytically is a great asset.
The study of Physics thus not only broadens the mind but also opens the door to a world of opportunities, making it a very attractive A Level. Often over a third of Sixth Form students choose to study A Level Physics at St Albans School.
Additional Information (Trips, Practical Work, Coursework, Co-curricular, etc.)
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