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Science

Head of Science - Ms Robyn Holt 

To encourage students’ curiosity by supporting and challenging them to become critical and scientifically literate citizens. 

By the end of KS3 - to prepare students to interpret and present data, draw and evaluate conclusions and accurately apply their scientific knowledge to solve problems in different contexts. 

By the end of KS4 - to equip students to apply their scientific knowledge to critically review data and problems in different and unseen contexts allowing them to gain rigorous qualifications. 
 

Years 7 and 8
Key Stage 3
Content

The national curriculum is followed at Key Stage 3 in Science.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/335174/SECONDARY_national_curriculum_-_Science_220714.pdf 

Purple Marking Tasks and Assessments 

Each term, students will complete a purple marking task and an end of topic assessment. Each purple marking task will cover knowledge and understanding, data analysis, planning and evaluation, and practical skills. 

Throughout the academic year pupils in year 7 and 8 will complete 1 formal assessment which will cover knowledge and understanding, data analysis, planning and evaluation, and practical skills from all their subject disciplines since the start of year 7. 

Homework 

Homework is set every week for pupils. This is set online using Seneca. 

How Parents and Carers Can Support 

  • See science everywhere. Parents can take opportunities to ask, "What would happen if …?" questions or present brainteasers to encourage children to be inquisitive and seek out answers. Children need to know that science is not just a subject, but it is a way of understanding the world around us. 
  • Lead family discussions on science-related topics. Dinnertime might be an ideal time for your family to have discussions about news stories that are science based, like space shuttle missions, severe weather conditions, or new medical breakthroughs. Over time, children will develop a better understanding of science and how it affects many parts of our lives. Films and TV shows with science-related storylines are also great topics for discussion. 
  • Do science together. Children learn better by investigating and experimenting. Simple investigations done together in the home can bolster what your child is learning in the classroom. Check with your child's teacher on what your child is currently learning in class and what activities you can explore at home. There are also many books on the market and numerous websites that present ideas for investigations. 
  • Obtain science resources. Follow up science discussions, home experiments, or classroom lessons with books, magazines, apps, online, and other resources. Science themes will be reinforced through further exploration, and over time your family will have plenty of resources on which to draw. 
  • Explore non-formal education sites. In an informal learning situation - the kind of learning that happens outside the traditional confines of the classroom, at science centres, museums, zoos, and aquariums—children are encouraged to experiment on their own and ask questions about what they are experiencing. 
  • Connect science with a family holiday. Family holidays are a great way to explore science. It could be a hiking trip where you explore nature or a discussion on tides during a beach holiday. 
  • Become active in your children's formal education by getting to know the teacher and the curriculum. Refer to the checklist previously listed to keep track of where your child is in the curriculum. 
  • Help pupils with their homework. Use this to research topics in more detail. 
  • Show excitement for science. 

Additional Support Available/Useful Links 

Reading List 

  • CGP KS3 Revision guide 

GCSE Science – Years 9, 10 and 11 

Exam Board and syllabus code 
All pupil's complete separate science 

  • AQA, Biology (8461) 

  • AQA, Chemistry (8462) 

  • AQA, Physics (8463) 

Content 

Over years 9, 10 and 11 pupils will be studying the topics set out.  

Assessment 

In order to achieve the award, pupils must complete all assessments at the end of the course. 

A range of question types will be used, including multiple-choice, short answer and those that require extended responses. Extended response questions will allow pupils to demonstrate their ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning which is coherent, relevant, substantiated and logically structured. Extended responses may be in written English, extended calculations, or a combination of both, as appropriate to the question. 

Pupils will sit 2 papers for each Biology, Chemistry and Physics which will be 1 hour 45 each and will achieve 3 GCSE’s, 1 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 

All pupils will be given the opportunity to do at least 10 required practical's for each Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). This practical work will then be assessed within the two written papers. 

Homework 

Homework is set every week for pupils. For those students in year 10, it will be set on Seneca. Students in year 11 will be given a homework booklet for the year with a bigger emphasis on exam questions. 

How Parents and Carers Can Support 

  • See science everywhere. Parents can take opportunities to ask "What would happen if …?" questions or present brainteasers to encourage children to be inquisitive and seek out answers. Children need to know that science is not just a subject, but it is a way of understanding the world around us.
  • Lead family discussions on science-related topics. Dinnertime might be an ideal time for your family to have discussions about news stories that are science based, like space shuttle missions, severe weather conditions, or new medical breakthroughs. Over time, children will develop a better understanding of science and how it affects many parts of our lives. Films and TV shows with science-related storylines are also great topics for discussion. 
  • Do science together. Children learn better by investigating and experimenting. Simple investigations done together in the home can bolster what your child is learning in the classroom. Check with your child's teacher on what your child is currently learning in class and what activities you can explore at home. There are also many books on the market and numerous websites that present ideas for investigations. 
  • Obtain science resources. Follow-up science discussions, home experiments, or classroom lessons with books, magazines, apps, online, and other resources. Science themes will be reinforced through further exploration, and over time your family will have plenty of resources on which to draw. 
  • Explore non-formal education sites. In an informal learning situation - the kind of learning that happens outside the traditional confines of the classroom, at science centres, museums, zoos, and aquariums—children are encouraged to experiment on their own and ask questions about what they are experiencing. 
  • Connect science with a family holiday. Family holidays are a great way to explore science. It could be a hiking trip where you explore nature or a discussion on tides during a beach holiday. Become active in your children's formal education by getting to know the teacher and the curriculum. Refer to the checklist previously listed to keep track of where your child is in the curriculum. 
  • Help pupils with their homework.  Use this to research topics in more detail. 
  • Show excitement for science. 

Additional Support Available/Useful Links 

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