INTRODUCTION
In Key Stage 3 Science each pupil is taught three lessons a week as a combined science course. The course includes lists of key words, revision guides and tests to support learning. Pupils are also encouraged to monitor their progress using self-assessment sheets.
The department is very keen for pupils to understand how to progress and National Curriculum levels are used extensively to inform pupils of what is required to improve performance. |
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COURSE DETAILS
The course comprises the following units:
Year 7
- What is Science?
- Cells
- Reproduction
- Environment and feeding relationships
- Variation and Classification
- Acids and Alkalis
- Simple Chemical reactions
- Partical theory
- Solutions
- Energy resources
- Electrical circuits
- Forces
- Solar system and beyond
Year 8
- Food and difestion
- Respiration
- Microbes and disease
- Ecological relationships
- Atoms and elements
- Compounds and mixtures
- Rocks and weathering
- Rock cycle
- Heating and cooling
- Magnets and electromagnets
- Light
- Sound and hearing
Year 9
- Energy and Electricity
- Gravity and Space
- Speed
- Pressure
- Environmental Chemistry
- Using Chemistry
- Inheritance and Selection
- Plants and Photosynthesis
- Plants for Food
- Reactions of metals and
metal compounds
- Patterns of Reactivity
The development of practical skills and ability to investigate is fundamental in science. Consequently the pupils in each year will be challenged to complete several investigations.
Assessment
We recognise that children are motivated by feelings of success. Therefore, we see assessment as a tool for identifying achievement and enabling the pupil and teacher to target areas for improvement.
Currently there are four main forms of assessment:
- Formal end of unit tests, supported by revision sheets
- Teacher assessment of attainment based on a range of activities, enabling students to demonstrate their understanding in different ways
- Annual examinations including the national assessment tests in the summer term of Year 9
- Self-assessment within each unit
Home Learning
We believe if home learning is to be effective it has to be purposeful and become an established routine in our pupils’ lives. Science home learning is set twice per week; learning is often incorporated along with opportunities to test understanding through questions or to develop skills such as the ability to research effectively.
Beyond The Classroom
The department is always keen to further enhance the curriculum by offering additional activities. In recent years there have been:
- Salters chemistry investigation at Norwich University
- Buggy and aeroplane building competitions
- Pupils achieving the BAYS bronze and silver awards
- A Science poetry competition
- A class investigation competition
- A trip to the European Space Agency Expo in Holland
- A trip in National Science Week to the Science Museum and Imperial College to participate in a range of lectures and fun activities
- Visits to Hanningfield reservoir for ecology
- Visits to Tilbury power station and environmental centre
- Visits to Bradwell to study energy
- Various science competitions both National and in-house
- Visit to Colchester Zoo
- Visit to theSpace Museum in Leicester
Parents will be consulted if significant improvement is not demonstrated rapidly.
How Parents Can Help
We would encourage parents to:
- check science exercise books and planners regularly
- ensure correct equipment is brought (preferably including a calculator)
- promote a positive, healthy attitude towards learning in Science
- help with revision and learning key words
- purchase the revision book, available from the department
Staff
We are a progressive and enthusiastic team, committed to ensuring the highest standards for our pupils. Should you require any further information about Science, please contact Mrs A Keogh, Head of Science
