Accessibility Tools
Science is important because it allows us to understand how the world around us works, and how we can make it a better place to meet the needs of society. It is the marrying of multiple disciplines into a simple investigative method. Science has allowed us to feed growing populations, power whole continents and save lives. By using it, we can make informed decisions about the future of our planet and how best to manage our limited resources for the benefit of everyone.
Programme of study
The Science programme of study is based on the UK National Curriculum. Students are helped to develop the ‘big ideas’ of science to enable them to understand the science in the world around them and to make informed decisions about the applications of science.
Student’s learning is arranged around 5 big ideas: Physical world, Biological world, Chemical world, Macro and Micro World and the Scientific Process – Planning, obtaining results, evaluating and analysing data. Each Big Idea is taught in smaller parts so that concepts can build one another as they progress through Key Stage 3. Students learn to understand that that three science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are linked and equally important.
YEAR | AUTUMN | SPRING | SUMMER |
Year 5 Science (2h) | Lab Safety Keeping Healthy | Earth and Space Light | Materials Life cycles |
Year 6 Science (2h) | Adaptation and Evolution | Forces Changes of State | Electricity Classification |
Year 7 Science (3h) | Introduction to Key Stage 3 Cells Particles Energy | Acids and Alkali Light Variation | Earth’s Resources Earth’s Structure Evolution Ecosystems |
Year 8 Science (3h) | Atoms and Elements Forces Life Support | Compounds and Mixtures Electricity | Climate Microbes Movement Reproduction Sound |
In the Lab
In science students work both as part of a team and independently, to complete many practical and written tasks. Students are guided to be able to voice their own opinions and observations, as well as listen (and refer to) to the opinions and observations of others. Students develop their ability to apply scientific method to their work so that they can predict, test, record, conclude and evaluate their scientific investigations.
Assessment
Students are assessed in a variety of ways – their books and written work, orally by question and answer sessions in lessons, through quick quizzes and tests at the end of every unit so their understanding of key concepts can be monitored.
Homework
Homework may comprise written tasks, research work, projects or other tasks depending on the topic. All children within West Moors Middle School will have access to Tassomai, which enables children to complete short quizzes on the topics they cover in each Key Stage.
Useful Link
Tassomai – https://www.tassomai.com/
Key Stage 2 BBC Bitesize – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z2pfb9q
Key Stage 3 BBC Bitesize – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p
