Welcome to the Science Department

CURRICULUM

KS3
Aims and purposes of science

At key stage 3 science offers opportunities for pupils to:

build on their scientific knowledge and understanding from key stage 2 and make connections between different areas of science;
use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events;
understand a range of familiar applications of science;
think about the advantages and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments for the environment and in other contexts, considering the reasons for different opinions;
carry out investigations of different types, on their own and in groups, making use of reference sources and evaluating their work;
communicate what they did and its significance;
learn how scientists work and the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas.

Content of science at key stage 3

In the programme of study for science, the content is set out in a sequence of statements covering:

scientific enquiry (Sc1);
life processes and living things (Sc2);
materials and their properties (Sc3);
physical processes (Sc4).

The programme of study ends with a section indicating the breadth of study expected

YEAR 7	YEAR 8	YEAR 9
Unit 7A. Cells	Unit 8A. Food and digestion	Unit 9A. Inheritance and selection
Unit 7B. Reproduction	Unit 8B. Respiration	Unit 9B. Fit and healthy
Unit 7C. Environment and feeding relationships	Unit 8C. Microbes and disease	Unit 9C. Plants and photosynthesis
Unit 7D. Variation and classification	Unit 8D. Ecological relationships	Unit 9D. Plants for food
Unit 7E. Acids and alkalis	Unit 8E. Atoms and elements	Unit 9E. Reactions of metals and metal compounds
Unit 7F. Simple chemical reactions	Unit 8F. Compounds and mixtures	Unit 9F. Patterns of reactivity
Unit 7G. Particle model of solids, liquids and gases	Unit 8G. Rocks and weathering	Unit 9G. Environmental chemistry
Unit 7H. Solutions	Unit 8H. The rock cycle	Unit 9H. Using chemistry
Unit 7I. Energy resources	Unit 8I. Heating and cooling	Unit 9I. Energy and electricity
Unit 7J. Electrical circuits	Unit 8J. Magnets and electromagnets	Unit 9J. Gravity and space
Unit 7K. Forces and their effects	Unit 8K. Light	Unit 9K. Speeding up
Unit 7L. The solar system and beyond	Unit 8L. Sound and hearing	Unit 9L. Pressure and moments

KS4 SCIENCE
COURSEWORK OUTLINE AND ASSESSMENT

GCSE SCIENCE – A* - G

This course is made up of 6 multiple choice tests and a Practical Test assessed by the teacher. All pupils will be given the opportunity to work towards achieving a grade in GCSE Science.

Modular Test – 60%

Practical Assessment - 40%

Pupils can progress to do AS level Science at College.

GCSE ADDITIONAL SCIENCE - A* - G

This is independent from the GCSE Science so a separate grade is awarded to pupils who successfully complete this course. It consists of external assessment made up of multiple choice tests, a written exam paper and three internal assessments based on scientific enquiry and practical work.

External Assessment - 60%

Internal Assessment - 40%

Gifted and Talented pupils along with conscientious pupils will also be given the opportunity to achieve a qualification in GCSE Biology (A* - G)

Pupils can progress to do A level Science at College.

BTEC FIRST SCIENCE (2 Grades A*-C)

Suitable for pupils who want to follow a vocational approach towards science, the BTEC First is a 100% Portfolio Based course. The emphasis is on how science works and helps to develop the pupils’ practical and organisational skills. All the units are internally assessed and externally moderated.The course provides the perfect opportunity for people who want to pursue a hands-on career in science.

Pupils can progress to do BTEC Advanced at College.