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 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.
| YEAR | AUTUMN | SPRING | SUMMER |
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.
