Science at Paulet

What do students learn in science in Key Stage 3?

Students will study biology, chemistry and physics topics throughout KS3. These topics provide students with both a wide variety of scientific knowledge and skills, important for not only their GCSE science but also their futures and an interest in the world around them. Topics cover fundamental principles from; plant and animal biology, through to particles, the Periodic Table, electricity and space.

In year 9 students study a term of each of the three disciplines (biology, chemistry and physics). This enables students to consolidate the knowledge they have gained in years 7 and 8, whilst gaining solid foundations in preparation for years 10 and 11.

How do students learn in KS3 science?

Hands on practical work is embedded throughout all topics, from using Bunsen burners, to creating an electromagnet, a fruity battery and a model gut. There are ample opportunities provided for students to get hands on during their time in science.

Students are provided with opportunities to discover new ideas for themselves, they are encouraged to widen their knowledge and deepen their understanding through questioning, discussions, individual and group tasks both as practical and non-practical lessons.

What topics are covered and when in each year group? What is the sequence of teaching?

How are students assessed in KS3 science?

Students are assessed regularly throughout lessons through verbal and written questioning. They are assessed on a topic basis with extended writing in their books and tests.  Performance in some homework tasks are also taken into account.

Homework

A variety of homework tasks are set in science, these range from projects spanning several weeks, such as designing a habitat for a pygmy hippopotamus, to online quizzes, revision exercises and exam questions.

Extra-curricular opportunities

Students can explore different aspects of science at science club.

Cultural capital

Science is essential in providing students with cultural capital at KS3.  Knowing about their impact on the planet and how their actions affect their bodies and long-term health are examples of how cultural capital is gained in science.

How are careers linked to in KS3?

Science plays an essential role in many different careers.  In science lessons we examine a number of different careers that link to the subjects we study.  Discussions around the kind of jobs that are involved to make things happen take place as well as qualifications that are needed to study these careers.  From helping people with fertility, problems to the safe transport of chemical a plethora of careers are incorporated into the KS3 science schemes of work.