English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Describe how fossils form and the different ways organisms can be preserved
Explain why the fossil record is incomplete and why scientists are not certain how life began
Explain what fossils show about how organisms have changed over time and how this supports evolution
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Words and meanings to learn
fossil record
the total collection of fossils discovered worldwide, which provides evidence for how life on Earth has changed over billions of years
transitional form
a fossil showing features intermediate between two different groups of organisms, providing evidence of evolutionary change
fossilisation
the process by which the remains or traces of an organism are preserved in rock, either through mineral replacement or by preventing decay
fossil
the remains or traces of organisms from millions of years ago, preserved in rock
sedimentary rock
rock formed in layers from deposited sediment over time, in which most fossils are found. Deeper layers are generally older than shallower layers
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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Mission assignment film
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