English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Describe the theory of evolution by natural selection, developed by Charles Darwin
Explain why Darwin’s theory was not accepted at first, including lack of evidence and challenges to existing beliefs
Compare Darwin’s ideas with other theories, such as Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, and explain why they are not supported by modern science
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Words and meanings to learn
acquired characteristic
a characteristic that develops during an organism’s lifetime as a result of environment or behaviour and cannot be inherited
mechanism
the biological process by which a theory or process operates
natural selection
the process by which individuals with characteristics better suited to their environment survive, reproduce, and pass those characteristics on to their offspring
variation
differences in the characteristics of individuals within a population, caused by inherited differences in their genes
inherited characteristic
a characteristic determined by genes passed from parent to offspring through gametes, present from birth and forming the basis of natural selection
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.
Handouts
Expert film
Mission assignment film
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