KS3 Science
Department: KS3 Science (Year 7 & Year 8)
Our Curriculum Aims:
- Developing scientific curiosity and highlighting the societal importance of science.
- Development of core scientific and analytical skills as well as scientific literacy.
- Ensuring a firm knowledge and skills base for the transition to Key Stage Four (GCSE).
The Department Subject Achievement Map identifies the skills and the nature of the knowledge needed to progress in the subject from year 7-8. The Subject Achievement is a document for staff and can be found in the O-365 folder Curriculum – Curriculum Subject Resources.
For each topic studied in Year 7-8, Topic Descriptor Sheets detail the knowledge and skills needed to progress in that particular topic. Topic Descriptor Sheets can be found in pupils’ books at the beginning of each new topic, and they are also available electronically on O-365 STU Science.
Key Stage Three Curriculum Overview
Year 7
Name of topic | Key Content of the Topic | Assessment points | |
---|---|---|---|
HT 1 |
Unit 1: |
|
End of Topic Test Y7 Science Exam |
HT 2 |
Unit 2: |
|
End of Topic Test Y7 Science Exam |
HT 3 |
Unit 3: |
|
End of Topic Test Y7 Science Exam |
HT 4 |
Unit 4: |
|
End of Topic Test Y7 Science Exam |
HT 5 |
Unit 5: |
|
End of Topic Test Y7 Science Exam |
HT 6 |
Unit 6: |
|
End of Topic Test Due to timing, this topic is not assessed as part of the Y7 Science Exam |
ALL |
CASE & associated investigations |
Throughout Year 7, your son will carry out multiple investigations to help him apply his scientific knowledge and gain confidence with interpreting and analysing data. These are important skills needed at GCSE. He may also receive lessons from the CASE (Cognitive Acceleration through Scientific Education) program. These lessons help him to develop logical thinking skills and learn key scientific terminology and techniques. |
Feedback in CASE lessons and following investigation tasks |
Each unit varies slightly in length depending on the content covered and skills being developed. Units are typically taught in the order shown above. However, there may be some variation if a class has more than one teacher. The Y7 Science Exam will take place in June 2022.
Year 8
Name of topic | Key Content of the Topic | Assessment points | |
---|---|---|---|
HT 1 |
B1: |
|
End of Topic Test Y8 Science Exam |
HT 1 |
C1: |
|
End of Topic Test Y8 Science Exam |
HT 1 |
P1: |
|
End of Topic Test Y8 Science Exam |
HT 3 |
B2: |
|
End of Topic Test Y8 Science Exam |
HT 3 |
C2: Minerals, Metals & Extraction |
|
End of Topic Test Y8 Science Exam |
HT 3 |
P2: Heat Transfer |
|
End of Topic Test Y8 Science Exam |
HT 5 |
B3: Food & Digestion |
|
End of Topic Test Y8 Science Exam |
HT 5 |
C3: Rates of Chemical reaction |
|
End of Topic Test Due to timing, this topic is not assessed as part of the Y8 Science Exam |
HT 5 |
P3: Light & Sound |
|
End of Topic Test Due to timing, this topic is not assessed as part of the Y8 Science Exam |
Each unit varies slightly in length depending on the content covered and skills being developed. Units are typically taught in the order shown above. However, there may be some variation if a class has more than one teacher. The Y8 Science Exam will take place in June 2022.
What can parents do to support their sons?
Look at your son’s Science exercise book(s) on a regular basis, talk to him about his work, confidence and progress in each topic. Encourage him to be pro-active and act on feedback from his teacher(s). The Topic Descriptor Sheets are useful quick-check guides to the teaching content being covered, and skills your son is developing.
- Encourage him to be organised with independent study tasks or revision for assessments, and please encourage him to take pride in his presentation. If he is asked to research a topic, then he must list the sources of information that he has used at the end of the piece of work.
- Take opportunities to relate what your son has learnt in his Science lessons to the world around him. For example, you could discuss topical aspects of Science which are in the news, watch relevant documentaries together and visit museums.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your son’s work or overall progress, please do not hesitate to contact his Science teacher(s) or Mrs Hill (Head of KS3 Science).
Recommended Revision Guide
The Collins KS3 Science All-in-One Revision and Practice book is available, through ParentPay. This book is highly recommended and excellent value for money. It is a revision guide with an excellent set of notes, and workbook with answers in the back. You could even take the answers out of the back and quiz your son! N.B. There is some content in this book that AGSB pupils do not cover at KS3, but your son can still broaden his knowledge by looking at those sections which will be covered at KS4.
Additional Support Available for KS3 Students
All pupils can access practice exam questions and additional revision materials are also available in topic folders on O-365 STU Science. They also have access to online textbooks via their Kerboodle log-in, these are recommended for consolidation and revision. In addition, there is a weekly “drop-in” session to support pupils on a one-to-one basis. Pupils can receive help with a current topic, on-going revision or help to catch-up following absence.
From Year 9 Onwards
Pupils are taught separate Science subjects; Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and also have the option to take Geology at GCSE. Please see these departments’ individual Curriculum Guides for further details.