English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Describe the structure of DNA, including nucleotides, and explain how the two strands are held together
Explain how DNA is used to make proteins and why protein shape is important for its function
Describe what mutations are and explain how they can affect proteins and organisms in different ways
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Words and meanings to learn
complementary base pairing
the specific pairing of bases in DNA where adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine
protein synthesis
the process by which the information in a gene is used to build a protein from amino acids at a ribosome
DNA
the chemical that carries genetic information in the nucleus of a cell
mutation
a change in the base sequence of DNA that may affect the structure and function of a protein
nucleotide
the basic building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a base
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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