Science

YEARS 7 & 8

At Kingswood pupils follow a course based on the AQA KS3 Syllabus that develops the 10 Big Ideas. The aim of this course is to allow the pupils to understand how they can apply their current knowledge to new or unfamiliar concepts. This spiral approach to the material allows these ideas to be revisited at a higher level each year so that learning is reviewed, consolidated and mastered throughout the course.

In Years 7 and 8, Science is taught in mixedability classes. Pupils are taught by the same teacher for each year of the course. Learning is regularly reviewed by quizzes, homework and practical tasks and there are assessments after each three topics as well as an end of year examination.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Pupils will cover the following topics that develop the Big Ideas throughout Years 7 and 8. The teaching is arranged to allow for an even spread of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics throughout each year.

YEAR 7 YEAR 8

Forces

Forces Contact forces

Electromagnets Energy

Electricity Energy transfer Magnetism Electromagnetism Work

Waves

Light

Matter Particle model Separating mixtures Elements Periodic table Reactions Acids and alkalis Metals Types of reaction

Earth Climate The Universe Organisms Cells Breathing Digestion Ecosystem Interdependence Plant reproduction Respiration

Genes Human reproduction Evolution

Pupils take part in cross-curricular projects and there are also opportunities to engage with science outside of the classroom, including a trip to Aerospace Bristol in Year 8. Students can choose to work towards a CREST Award by joining the weekly Science Club activity.

YEAR 9

Pupils in Year 9 start the Edexcel IGCSE course in Science. Pupils study the three separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and take the related papers for the IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. This course is timetabled for nine lessons a fortnight, three for each science subject, taught by a specialist teacher. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

By studying science, pupils will enquire, analyse, problem-solve, collaborate and communicate effectively. Science investigative skills are developed through plenty of practical work, where pupils will become familiar with a range of laboratory equipment and experimental skills and plan investigations for themselves. Pupils will also learn how to carry out effective research, how to interpret data and how to justify their ideas with scientific evidence. The skills acquired at Key Stage 3 will provide a secure foundation for the IGCSE Science course.