English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Describe the structure of diamond, silicon dioxide and graphite
Explain the properties of graphite in terms of its structure
Explain the properties of diamond in terms of its structure
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Words and meanings to learn
carbon
a non-metal element found in group 4 of the periodic table
diamond
an allotrope of carbon where each carbon atom forms four strong covalent bonds in a giant covalent lattice
graphite
another allotrope of carbon where each carbon atom forms three covalent bonds, creating layers of hexagons
covalent bond
a type of chemical bond formed when two non-metal atoms share a pair of electrons
intermolecular forces
weak forces of attraction between molecules
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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