English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Define what an ion is
Describe what an isotope is
Explain why the relative atomic mass of some elements is not a whole number
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Words and meanings to learn
isotope
atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
neutral
having no overall electrical charge
ion
an atom that has lost or gained one or more electrons, giving it a positive or negative charge
neutrons
subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom that have no electrical charge (they are neutral)
charge
a property of a particle that causes it to experience a force in an electric field
Samantha is an accomplished science educator whose current work centres on curriculum design and professional development, supporting teachers to deliver high-quality science education through evidence-informed approaches. She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and has worked as an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and what students need to succeed.
Samantha has written the complete KS4 Science curriculum, fully aligned with the AQA GCSE Science: Trilogy specification. Covering biology, chemistry and physics, the curriculum is carefully sequenced so that students build knowledge cumulatively and see clear connections between concepts across the three sciences. Drawing on her experience as an examiner and on research into effective teaching, she has designed it to embed retrieval practice, clear explanation, worked examples and the required practicals throughout, preparing students for the demands of the GCSE exams. Grounded in the realities of the classroom, the curriculum is rigorous for students and manageable for busy teachers.
In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket.
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