KS3 Science

Curriculum Content

Key Stage 3 Science at Baysgarth follows the Hodder Science course which has been written to fit exactly to the format of the new Key Stage 3 scheme of work published by the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA).

Year 7

Life
Changes
Energy and Fuels
Reproduction
Solutions
Forces and Motion
Variation and classification
Acids, alkalis and salts
Electric circuits
Habitats, adaptation and chains
Chemical change
The Solar System

Year 8

Food and digestion
Building blocks
Energy transfer
Respiration
Reactions and mixtures
Magnetism
Micro organisms and disease
Weathering and erosion
Light
Ecological relationships
Driving the rock cycle
Sound and music

Year 9

Inheritance and selection
Reactions of metals and the reactivity series
Energy and electricity
Fit and healthy
Chemistry and the environment
Gravity and space
Plants, photosynthesis and food
Using chemistry
Speeding up
Forces in action

Resources

Science is taught by a team of specialist teachers in seven well-equipped laboratories. We have two trained technicians who assist the teaching staff in preparing and setting up equipment for experiments and other practical work. Class sets of textbooks are available as are numerous reference books, multimedia computers, the latest data logging equipment and an interactive whiteboard.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods are varied according to the topic being covered. A typical topic would contain a mix of whole class teaching, group practical work and individual study. Units of work are assessed frequently and homework forms an important part of the work. As part of the National Curriculum examination process pupils will be expected to produce several extended scientific investigations. We use a teaching method known as “Thinking Science” which helps pupils to achieve higher standards.

Skills and Knowledge

The aim of the course is to provide an opportunity for pupils to work at Levels 3-8 of the National Curriculum. Your child will learn to work scientifically, to acquire knowledge and understanding of scientific facts and to develop practical and investigative skills.

The practical work also provides opportunities for pupils to show that they are capable of co-operating with others on experiments and that they can work safely.

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