Key Stage 3 - Science
Aims
The Key Stage 3 curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
The principal focus of science teaching in Key Stage 3 is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Pupils are taught to see the connections between these subject areas and become aware of some of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding.
They are encouraged to relate scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them and start to use modelling and abstract ideas to develop and evaluate explanations.
In Year 7 students study:
Chemistry: Particle nature of matter; Atoms, elements and compounds; The Periodic table
Physics: Forces, Electricity and Magnetism, Space
Biology: Cells, Nutrition and Digestions, Gas exchange
In Year 8 students study:
Chemistry: Materials; Chemical Reactions; Pure and impure substances
Physics: Force and motion’ energy’; Waves
Biology: Reproduction; Respiration; The Skeletal and Muscular System
In Year 9 students study:
Chemistry: Chemical Reactions; Earth and Atmosphere; Energetics
Physics: Force 2; Waves 2; Electrical Power
Biology: Photosynthesis; Ecology; Genetics
Students receive workbooks for all topics which contain lesson notes, homework, extensive practice and revision material. Students can complete the questions in these books after the topic has finished in order to prepare for examinations. We supply answers and digital copies via MS Teams.
