Science
We are all passionate scientists who believe that understanding scientific thinking is fundamental to making decisions in society that could affect ourselves and others and it enables us to broaden our mind to make informed decisions about all aspects of our lives.
We are passionate about the subject as a way of understanding the universe and the excitement and enjoyment it can bring to how we view the world around us. We encourage the study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics equally and separately but recognise the common skills required by all three.
We believe the study of Science give students the skills they need that are useful to them for later learning and decision making whatever subjects they study in the future. The study of Science also paves the way to a vast array of careers and job opportunities whether they require pure scientific knowledge or an application of the skills and understanding gained through the study of the subjects.
Fundamental skills essential for Science include analysis of data, communication of ideas through speech and writing, application of knowledge to explain natural phenomena and make predictions, use of evidence to come to conclusions and the use of practical skills to carry out experiments.
We love our subjects and our aim is to spread this enthusiasm to ensure the next generation of scientists are as prepared as they possibly can be for the world that awaits them.
KS3 SCIENCE
Science is taught through six periods per fortnight in Year 7 and six periods per fortnight in Years 8 and 9.
Year groups are taught in mixed ability groups.
Course Description
There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of science and how science works.
Scientific thinking
Using scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and developing them creatively to generate and test theories.
Critically analysing and evaluating evidence from observations and experiments.
Applications and implications of science
Exploring how the creative application of scientific ideas can bring about technological developments and consequent changes in the way people think and behave.
Examining the ethical and moral implications of using and applying science.
Cultural understanding
Recognising that modern science has its roots in many different societies and cultures, and draws on a variety of valid approaches to scientific practice.
Collaboration
Sharing developments and common understanding across disciplines and boundaries
Key Processes
These are the essential skills and processes in science that students need to learn to make progress.
Practical and Enquiry skills
Students should be able to:
- use a range of scientific methods and techniques to develop and test ideas and explanations
- assess risk and work safely in the laboratory, field and workplace
- plan and carry out practical and investigative activities, both individually and in small groups
Critical Understanding of evidence
Students should be able to:
- obtain, record and analyse data from a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including ICT sources, and use their findings to provide evidence for scientific explanations
- evaluate scientific evidence and working methods
Communication
Students should be able to use appropriate methods, including ICT, to communicate scientific information and contribute to presentations and discussions about scientific issues
What will you learn about?
- Energy, electricity and forces
- Chemical and material behaviour
- Organisms, behaviour and health
- The environment, earth and universe
Assessment
Key Stage 3 students will be assessed using formative and summative in-class assessments on a three weekly basis.
Homework/Extended Learning
Students are set one piece of extended learning per week on which they should spend approximately 30-45 minutes. Extended learning tasks are available on Google Classroom. These may be tasks set to consolidate learning completed in lessons or wider reading and research tasks in order to develop student engagement and begin to link ideas and develop a greater understanding of Scientific ideas and developments.
