Throughout the year, pupils will be attending separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics lesson learning a variety of scientific. These will include fundamental scientific topicssuch as ‘Cells’, ‘Forces’ and ‘Chemical Reactions’. During the summer term, students will also learn about the science behind gardening during hands-on lessons delivered in the Southmoor garden. In writing, pupils will be given opportunities to develop their understanding of new key words and apply their knowledge to answering extended writing style exam questions. The science curriculum is designed to encourage inquiring young minds and aims to harness and develop the sense of wonder present in so many year 7 students. With a focus on the new GCSE specification students will be given the opportunity to begin looking at GCSE content in particular the core practical’s which are an essential component of GCSE..
Topics Covered
Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3
- Practical skills
- Cells
- Particles and their behaviour
- Elements, atoms and compounds.
- Chemical Equations
- Using microscopes
- Forces
- Higher level physics calculations
- Structure and function of body systems
- Chemical Reactions
- Light and Sound
- New GCSE content introduced.
- Space
- Acids and alkalis
- Reproduction
- New GCSE content introduced.
Assessment/Exams Information
December / March / June
Exam – 50 minutes / Exam – 50 minutes / Exam – 50 minutes
Pupils are also given tests after each topic along with practical skill assessment during lessons.
Cross curricular
Literacy
- Definitions
- Evaluations and conclusions of investigations
- Spelling of keywords (all students will receive a spelling booklet of keywords)
- PEN for literacy errors
- Definitions
- Evaluations and conclusions of investigations
- Spelling of keywords
- Definitions
- Evaluations and conclusions of investigations
Numeracy
- Energy calculations
- Graph skills
- Simple equations
- Calculating percentages
- Rearranging equations
- Mean calculations
- Volumes and measurements
- Temperatures
- Units
PSHCE
- Reproduction – hormones and puberty
- Introduction to genetics
- Opinions
- Health and disease
- Team work
Homework
Each week pupils are given a homework task that mirrors the content currently being covered in lessons.
Additional research homework may also be set.
Additional Support:
KS3 Science revision guides are available to purchase
BBC Bitesize – KS3
Extra-curricular/Enrichment:
Science Club – Thursday lunchtimes B3