Year 7

Science is a core National Curriculum subject and the Science Department aims to provide pupils of all abilities with a broad, balanced and relevant experience of the subject. They will develop an understanding of key concepts from all three Sciences and an appreciation of the role of Science in their lives. Through theoretical and practical work, in laboratories, they will acquire skills and abilities relevant to both Science and everyday life, in areas such as experimental design, good laboratory practice, safety, organisation and communication.

Topics Studied

Being a Scientist

This starter module allows pupils to learn about some of the important thinking and practical skills covered by Attainment Target 1. Activities include planning, observing, predicting, fair testing and further developing graph skills, in the context of practical investigations. At the end of the module pupils take part in a ?Being a Scientist? day. Pupils use both a class exercise book and a Science Investigation exercise book for recording work.

Core Science Module

This is an introductory teaching module with the aim of helping pupils make the transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3. This bridging module introduces pupils to the 3 Sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At the end of the module all pupils look at the role of ideas and evidence in developing a scientific theory.

Life Processes

This module introduces pupils to cells and to some of the characteristics of living things.

The Living World

This module teaches pupils to classify living things and to appreciate their interactions within an ecosystem.

Particle Solutions

This module looks at how Scientists create theories based on evidence from experiments. It also looks at applications of the particle model of matter and Solutions.

Forces

This module introduces pupils to the concept of force and its measurement. Pupils study gravity, buoyancy, friction and magnetic forces. They will study how forces affect motion.

Energy

This module encourages pupils to consider a variety of energy resources. It also allows time to look at specific types of energy such as light, sound, heat and electricity. Pupils will learn about electric current in circuits.

Teaching Group Organisation

In term One all pupils are taught in mixed ability classes. In Terms Two and Three pupils are placed in sets matched to their ability. There are three tiers of ability: Credit, Merit and Special.

Credits will be taught typically at level 3 ? 4, Merits at level 4 ? 5 and Specials at level 5 ? 6.

Assessment

Pupil's work, both in class and homework, may be graded (1- 5) or assessed at a National Curriculum Level. They also prepare for, and sit, regular end of module tests. At the end of Term One all pupils sit an end of module exam which contributes to the setting of pupils for Terms Two and Three.

Homework

All pupils are expected to complete their own learning tasks, which is meaningfully related to classwork and includes: planning and writing up experiments, reading and note taking, answering questions to reinforce understanding and revision for end of module tests.

In Term Two all pupils will be issued with a Key Stage 3 Revision guide to support their homework.

Year 8

Pupils in Year 8 study the following nine modules, made up of three modules each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Topics Studied

Microbes and Disease

Pupils learn about the different types of microbe found in nature and how microbes can be helpful or harmful. Pupils will also consider the use of drug treatment for various disease states.

Food and Digestion

Pupils learn about food groups and the chemical test for them. They will consider the importance of a balanced diet and the effects of a poor diet and alcohol on the body.

Energy and Exercise

Pupils learn about how the body works including the body?s structure and the role of fitness in maintaining a healthy body. Pupils also consider the effects of drugs on the body.

Atoms and Elements

Pupils build on Year 7 work and study the nature of elements. Pupils look at patterns in the Periodic Table with different families of elements.

Compounds and Mixtures

Pupils look at the differences between Compounds and Mixtures in the context of various types of Chemical Reactions and how elements can join together in new ways to make new compounds.

Geological Science

Pupils look at the work of Geologists and study the formation of Sedimentary, Igneous, Metamorphic Rocks, the role of Weathering and the Rock Cycle.

Light and Sound

Pupils learn about the Properties of Light including reflection, refraction and dispersion. Pupils also study about the properties of Sound.

Heat and Magnetism

Pupils look at the distinction between Temperature and Heat as well as the various types of Heat transfer. Pupils also study the properties of Magnetic materials and Electromagnets.

Astronomy

This topic looks at the planets, the Solar System and the Universe. Pupils will consider the different historical models of the Solar System and will undertake a project to broaden their knowledge of Astronomy.

Teaching Group Organisation

Pupils are placed into sets matched to one of three tiers: Credit, Merit and Special. There are eleven Science groups in Year 8 and a pupil's group is decided using Test and Coursework information from Year 7. During Year 8 a pupil's performance in tests, and other work, is monitored. They may move between groups if it is thought appropriate. This occurs in the Spring Term and at the end of the year. Credit sets will be taught level 3, 4, and 5 work; Merit sets level 4, 5, 6, and Special sets level 5, 6, 7 work.

Assessment

Pupil's work, both in class and homework, may be graded (1-5) or assessed at a National Curriculum Level. They also prepare for, and sit, regular end of module tests. In addition they sit a Science examination in February during the Year 8 Examination week.

Homework

All pupils are expected to complete their own learning tasks, which is meaningfully related to classwork and includes: planning and writing up experiments, reading and note taking, answering questions to reinforce understanding and revision for end of unit tests. Pupils will also use their Key Skills Revision guides to support own learning and revision for tests and exams.

Year 9

Pupils in Year 9 will study nine modules of Science. Pupils will study 3 Biology modules, 3 Chemistry modules and 3 Physics modules.

Biology

Survival

Pupils study the classification of plants and animals. Pupils consider what adaptations plants and animals need in order to survive. They learn about the flow of energy in food chains and how populations of organisms are affected by the limitations of resources and competition. Pupils look at the issues surrounding the use of Pesticides and Herbicides.

DNA

Pupils learn about the structure of DNA and its discovery. They look at the impact of genetics and the environment on the variation of living things. Pupils also consider many of the issues surrounding the Cloning Debate, Natural Selection and Evolution.

Plant Power

Pupils consider what the process of Photosynthesis is and look at the adaptations of plants. They investigate how light levels affect plants and learn about the function of plant roots and what essential nutrients are needed by plants for healthy growth. Pupils will also look at various issues concerning forest conservation and how food is produced by hydroponics.

Chemistry

Patterns of Reactivity

Pupils investigate the reaction of different metals with Oxygen, Water and Acids. Pupils learn about the Reactivity Series of metals and relate the extraction of metals to their position in the Series. Pupils also consider the uses of different metals in our everyday lives.

Using Chemistry

Pupils learn about the properties of Metals and Non-metals. They investigate the reactions of Metal Carbonates and the formation of Metal Salts from Neutralisation reactions. Pupils also consider the formation of Metal Oxides and look at the Conservation of Mass during reactions.

Environmental Chemistry

Pupils consider some of the Global Impacts of Chemistry due to Human activity. Pupils consider the role of Chemistry within many environmental problems we see around us. Pupils undertake two small research projects to consider the impact of Acid Rain and Global Warming on the world around them. This topic overlaps with Citizenship and looks at Social Responsibility.

Physics

Energy

Pupils study Energy transfers and look at different forms of Energy. They investigate the transfer of Energy in electrical circuits and look at Potential Difference in circuits. Pupils look at the variety of different methods for Electricity generation and the suitability of alternative technologies like Solar Cells.

Forces

Pupils investigate the effects of Gravity and Air Resistance on falling objects and consider their Acceleration due to Gravity and Terminal Velocity. They also learn about Turning Forces, the Law of Moments and the role of pivots in machines. Pupils learn about Pressure and the applications of Hydraulics.

Speeding Up

Pupils learn about using Speed Calculations and plotting and interpreting Distance -Time graphs accurately. They investigate both balanced and unbalanced forces and consider the relationships between speed and friction. Pupils consider the safety aspects of car design and look at the factors affecting car-stopping distances.

Teaching Group Organisation

There are twelve groups in the year and pupil are set appropriately by using test, coursework and progression information from Year 8. During the course of the year, a pupil?s performance in end of topic tests and investigative work is closely monitored. Pupils are placed into either a Special set (taught up to level7), a Merit Plus set (taught up to level 7), a Merit set (taught up to levels 6-7), and a Credit set (taught up to level 5-6).

Assessment

Pupil's work, both in class and own learning tasks, may be graded (1-5) or assessed at a National Curriculum Level. They also prepare for, and sit, regular end of module tests. In addition they sit the end of Key Stage Three National Tests in Science.

Homework

All pupils are expected to complete their Own Learning tasks, which are meaningfully related to classwork and include: planning and the writing up of experiments, reading and note taking, answering questions to reinforce understanding and revision for end of unit tests. Pupils will also use their Key Stage 3 Revision Guides to support own learning and revision for tests and examinations.

Key Stage 3 SATS Entry

KS3 SATS examinations are sat in the summer term of Year 9. Pupils in Special sets and Merit Plus will usually sit the level 5 ? 7 tier paper and pupils in either Merit or Credit classes will usually sit the level 3 ? 6 tier paper. These entries are provisional and are reviewed by the class teacher and the KS3 course manager in Year 9 as appropriate.

GCSE (Double Award)

The Science Curriculum aims to:

(A) provide through study of practical Science a worthwhile educational experience for all pupils so that they may either...

• be suitably prepared to embark upon certain Science-dependant vocational ourses and studies up to and including "A" Level in any of the Pure and Applied Sciences
• enter the world of work at the end of Year 11 with an appreciation of science in everyday life;

(B) develop abilities and skills in scientific enquiry, safe practice and experimentation, organisation and communication;

(C) foster an interest in Science and develop an understanding of the role of Science in society by the use of scientific and technological knowledge and ideas to provide explanations and to make informed judgements in everyday life.

Year 10

Biology

• BD1 Supplying the cell
• BD2 Control in animals and plants
• BD3 Ecology

Chemistry

• CD1 Equations and rates of reaction
• CD2 Energy in chemistry
• CD3 Rocks and metals

Physics

• PD1 Waves in action
• PD2 Energy in the home
• PD3 Forces and Motion

Year 11

Biology

• BD4 Variation inheritance and evolution
• BD5 The working plant
• BD6 Health in the balance

Chemistry

• CD4 Carbon chemistry
• CD5 Chemical economics
• CD6 The Periodic Table

Physics

• PD4 Using electricity
• PD5 Applications of Physics
• PD6 Earth, space and nuclear radiation

Teaching Group Organisation

In Science, the pupils are placed into groups which have the majority of their work centered on one of three tiers, Credit, Merit or Special. They are entered for different papers, and can achieve the following grades:

Special: D - A*

Credit or Merit: G - C

The groups are reviewed during Year 10 and at the start of Year 11.

Assessment

Examination Board: OCR Specification Science (Double Award B): 1977

There is an examination taken at the end of Year 10, which contributes 25% towards the final result. At the end of Year 11, a Terminal Examination accounts for another 55% of the overall grade. The remaining 20% is based on teacher assessed coursework, practical investigations; which test pupils' skills in predicting and planning, performing experiments, interpreting and evaluating and communicating.

Homework

Follow-up work is meaningfully related to classwork and includes: planning and writing-up experiments, reading, note-taking and answering text book and worksheet questions to aid understanding, and revision for the end of unit tests and end of year examinations. This is supported by the text book that we issue to all pupils.