Aims of the course

Ever wondered:

• What is genetic engineering?
• What causes global warming?
• How things burn?
• What is a virus?

Why? What? How? - These are the questions Scientists ask.

Summary overview of the programme
The Key Stage 3 programme is delivered in a spiral fashion with key ideas revisited each year. ‘Science Works‘ is used in class. Students will also receive a number of printed worksheets to support their learning– these are often issued as a booklet at the start of each topic. Students are advised to obtain their own copy of the most up to date CGP revision guide for KS3 Science. In this year the students are prepared for their Science SAT tests which have taken place during May in previous years. SAT examination provision is currently under review and parents and students will be advised in due course of new arrangements.

Term 1

• Topic 1 : Investigating science
• Topic 2: Making and using materials
• Topic 3: Energy
• Topic 4: The variety of life

Term 2

• Topic 5: Forces
• Topic 6: Acids and alkalis
• Topic 7 Growing up
• Topic 8: Magnetism and electricity

Term 3

• Topic 9: Matter
• Topic 10: Environment
• Topic 11: Rocks
• Topic 12: Sight and sound

Assessment
Students will be monitored throughout each topic and will have the opportunity to carry out assessments on each other and on themselves. A formal test will be given approximately every two months and will use past national curriculum test questions. An exam will be given near the end of the school year which will cover all the work done throughout. The students’ performance in these tests will form the basis for banding them according to ability in Year 8.