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West Moors Middle School

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Science

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 14 Big Ideas: Matter, Electromagnets, Forces, Energy, Earth, Solar System, Organisms, Ecosystems, Genes, Evolution, Natural world, Theories and Models, Products and Applications. Each Big Idea is taught in smaller parts so that concepts can build upon one another as they progress through Key Stage 3. Students learn to understand that the three science disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are linked and equally important.

YEARAUTUMNSPRINGSUMMER

Year 5

Science (2h)

Being a scientist

Properties of Materials

Forces

Earth and Space

Animals and Humans

Life Cycles

Year 6

Science (2h)

Animals and humans

Evolution and inheritance

Electricity and electric circuits

Light

Classification

Human reproduction

Year 7

Science (3h)

Cells and Organisation

Mixtures and separation

Breathing and Respiration

Breathing and Respiration (continued)

Energy

Particle Model and Periodic table

Current and electricity

Forces

Ecosystems and compounds

Reproduction

Sound

Year 8

Science (3h)

Energy, heating and cooling

Acid and Alkali

Periodic Table

Waves and Light

Breathing and Respiration

Energy transfer

Unicellular organisms

Food and Nutrition

Combustion

Electromagnets

Materials

Forces

Plant growth

Plants and reproduction

Reactivity

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.