KS3 Science
Course Introduction
Science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Through building up a body of key foundation knowledge and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Course Content
Year 7
Biology
Cells
Animal reproduction
Muscles and skeletons
Ecosystems
Chemistry
States of matter and mixtures
Acids and alkalis
The particle model
Atoms, elements and compounds.
Physics
Energy
Sound
Current electricity
Forces
Year 8
Biology
Food and digestion
Breathing and respiration
Plant reproduction
Unicellular organisms
Chemistry
Combustion and oxidation
The periodic table
Metals and their uses
Rocks
Physics
Energy transfer
Fluids
Light
Earth and space
Year 9
Biology
Genetics and evolution
Plant growth
Chemistry
Making materials
Reactivity
Physics
Forces and motion
Force fields and electromagnets
Assessment
Teacher assessment will take place during all lessons and will take a variety of forms enabling teachers to check student understanding and practical skills. Students will be given the opportunity in each unit of work to complete an extended piece of writing that will allow teachers to further assess understanding. An independently completed application assessment will take place after each unit which will allow students the opportunity to practice recalling key information and applying it to familiar and unfamiliar situations. This will be used to assess the extent to which students have mastered the unit. Feedback will be given in line with the feedback policy enabling students to improve understanding before moving on.
Students will also complete an end of year assessment at the end of years 7 and 8 and will complete a GCSE transition test at the end of KS3. This will be used to determine if students are ready to move to GCSE or if they need to start the Entry Level Certificate first.
What it Leads to in KS4
KS3 science leads onto GCSE Edexcel Combined Science. This results in students attaining two GCSE qualifications. The qualification is assessed terminally in Year 11 through 6 written examinations, two biology, two physics and two chemistry. They are all 1 hour and 10 minutes in length.
Students who are not yet ready to move to GCSE will first complete the Entry Level Certificate as a bridge to GCSE.
