Key Stage 3 Science

Year 7

The Year 7 science curriculum is based on the four cross curricular themes of ‘Identity & Cultural Diversity’, ‘Global Dimensions & Sustainable Development’, ‘Healthy Lifestyles’ and ‘Community Participation’. The topics covered within in each theme are derived from the Science National Curriculum Programme of Study.

The Year 7 course involves a variety of activities including experimental work and the use of ICT and opportunities for the development of the pupils’ communication and thinking skills. Formative assessment is by the evaluation of level assessed work during themes. Summative assessment is in the form of end of topic tests at the end of each theme and an End of Year 7 exam.

Year 8

Year 8 pupils study seven themes derived from the National Curriculum programme of study for science; Alien, Electromancer, Forensics, A & E, Pyrotechnics, Cook & Studio Magic.

The Year 8 course involves a variety of activities including experimental work & the use of ICT, opportunities for the development of communication and thinking skills are well developed. Formative assessment is by the evaluation of level assessed work during themes. Summative assessment is by the evaluation of performance assessment tasks at the end of themes and in the form of a Year 8 exam.

Year 9

Year 9 students follow a course called ‘Segue’ which is a flexible, four-unit course, designed to provide a smooth transition from KS3 to KS4. The four units studied are; Hollywood – creating movie plots and stunts to learn about speed, pressure, the changing atmosphere & plate tectonics; Reconstructors – investigating mysterious disasters to learn about metals, acids, limestone & plastics; Metahuman – working in the context of science publishing to learn about genes, the nervous system, hormones & variation; Rich – developing projects for the developing world to learn about classification, adaptation, fuels & power generation Its innovative context-based style aims to inspire the scientists of tomorrow.

It’s the ideal Year 9 programme to: extend students’ ‘How Science Works’ skills, ready for their GCSE Science course; systematically introduce concepts from the new GCSE specifications; provide plenty of evidence for assessing pupil’s progress and maximising skills development and understanding science concepts.