KS3 Science
In KS3 Science pupils will cover general science which includes elements from Biology, Chemistry and Physics in roughly equal measure. Study will entail both practical science in a laboratory as well as classroom based learning. Pupils will cover all the knowledge content required by the KS3 National Curriculum for Science. Learning will incorporate developing the literacy and numeracy skills required to access the content. Additionally pupils will develop safe practice in the use of a variety of laboratory tools and apparatus.
Science is delivered through a bespoke curriculum which uses the Longman Exploring Science resource to support the content of the topics delivered. Content is taught on a topic basis and the topics are spread across the three areas of science. The order of topics is carefully planned to gradually build learning on central scientific themes through the key stage. Innovative teaching and frequent use of practical science are used to maximise pupil engagement and progress.
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | |
| Term 1 | Laboratory skills and safety. Hazard symbols. Acids and alkalis. | Laboratory skills and safety recap. Hazard symbols refresh. Energy transfers. | Comparing science fiction with science fact. Cells recap. Genetics and selective breeding. |
| Term 2 | Cells (including tissues, organs etc). Skeleton. Reproduction. | Cells recap and further detail. Healthy lifestyle and the effects of drugs. | Microbes (including a recap of cells) Natural defences and antibiotic resistance. Further healthy lifestyle and drugs study. |
| Term 3 | Chemical reactions. Combustion including chemical word equations. | Metals and acids. Word and chemical equations. Periodic table introduction. | Life cycles of plants and insects. Forensics. Innate and learned behaviours (Pavlov). |
| Term 4 | Environment and habitats. Food chains. Adaptation introduction. | Distribution (including a recap of habitats). Adaptation in more depth. Daily/seasonal changes and moon phases. | Mass/weight and gravity. Solar system. Electromagnetic spectrum. |
| Term 5 | Forces. | Sound and light (inc work on waves). | Speed/velocity including motion graphs. |
| Term 6 | Rock cycle. Fossils. | Electricity including models and evaluation. | Evolution (recap adaptation). Food webs. |
Assessment is carried out continuously through interactions between pupils and the teacher. In addition there are summative tests set at the end of each topic. This information allows progress to be monitored through the Progress Tracker tool used across the whole school.