Science
Key Stage 3 (Year 7, 8 and 9)
Key Stage 3 Science is all about trying out new things and thinking “outside the box”!
In Year 7 the average student is expected to obtain a 5+ in Year 11
In Year 8 the average student is expected to obtain a 5= in Year 11
Year 7 topics:
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Winter term 1 |
Cells |
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Forces |
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Particles |
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Winter term 2 |
Elements |
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Reproduction |
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Asking Scientific questions |
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Spring term 1 |
Reproduction continued |
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Sound |
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Planning investigations |
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Spring term 2 |
Acids and alkalis |
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Light |
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Summer term 1 |
Body systems |
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Reactions |
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Space |
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Summer term 2 |
Ecological relationships |
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Ecology Data Project |
Year 8 Topics
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Winter term 1 |
The Earth |
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Adaptation and inheritance |
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Winter term 2 |
Separation Techniques |
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Motion and pressure |
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Analysing data |
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Spring term 1 |
Metals and acids |
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Periodic table |
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Evaluating data |
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Spring term 2 |
Health and lifestyle |
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Energy |
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Summer term 1 |
Electricity and Magnetism |
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Summer term 2 |
Science research projects |
Year 9 Topics: Beginning the Key Stage 4 Course
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Winter term 1 |
B1.1 Cell Structure |
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B1.2 What happens in cells? |
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C1.1 Particle Model |
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Winter term 2 |
C1.2 Atomic Structure |
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P2.1 Motion |
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B1.3 Respiration |
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C2.2 Bonding |
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Spring term 1 |
P1.1 Matter |
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P3.1 Static and Charge |
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P3.2 Simple Circuits |
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B1.4 Photosynthesis |
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C2.3 Properties of Materials |
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Spring term 2 |
P5.1 Wave Behaviour |
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B2.1 Supplying the cell |
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C4.1 Predicting Chemical Reactions |
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Summer term 1 |
P5.2 Electromagnetic Spectrum |
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B2.2 The Challenges of size |
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C4.2 Identifying products |
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Summer term 2 |
C4.2 Identifying products |
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P8.1 Physics on the move |
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Please remember that all pupils have access to ‘FROG’, and ‘Kerboodle’ which parents should encourage them to utilise:
Access FROG via the VLE link on the Cardinal Wiseman school homepage
The Science department KS3 folder on FROG has boardworks presentations and test-style revision questions with answers for each topic. To access it click on FROG drive link at top of screen; click documents; click Frog resources U: enter login details then find Science folder and KS3. You will also find checklists for each topic.
This website includes online copies of the KS3 AND KS4 Science textbooks used by pupils at Cardinal Wiseman. Teachers may also set revision quizzes and tasks on this website.
username : (Example) jbloggs (initial then last name; lowercase; no hyphens)
password : same as username when logged on for first time, then change password
institution : hgu0
Tests each half term will be an important indication to the Science Department of progress and need to be attempted with maximum effort. They will also inform set changes for January and the start of next year
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)
Exam Board Details
- OCR Gateway Combined Science A (9-1)
- OCR Gateway Science – Biology/Chemistry/Physics A (9-1)
Content Description
The new GCSE Science courses develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils will study between 6 and 8 topics in each Science. Students also study practical skills during the course which they are then tested on in examination papers, there is no coursework. There are two courses which pupils are selected for:
Separate Science GCSE – also known as “Triple Science.” Our most able pupils are selected to follow these courses at the end of Year 9. The selection is based on performance in internal assessments, but then monitored through Year 10 and 11 due to the high academic demand of the courses. At the end of Year 11 pupils complete two 1hour 45 minute exams for each Science (6 in total). Separate Science pupils are awarded three separate GCSE qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the end of Year 11.
Combined Science GCSE – the majority of students will take Combined Science GCSE. All students study all three Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At the end of Year 11 pupils complete two 1hour 10 minute exams for each Science (6 in total). Combined Science pupils are awarded two GCSE qualifications in Combined Science from an average of their performance in the six pupils.
Students will be selected to study either the Foundation or Higher tier with the grades available at each tier as follows: Higher 9-3 Foundation 5-1
Assessment
All exams taken at the end of Year 11
Future Career Paths
72% of all businesses in Britain actually rely on people with STEM skills. Popular choices include: Architecture, Engineering, Medical Careers, Pharmacology, Accountancy, Finance, Law, Veterinary Science, Research Scientist, Forensic Science, Pilot, Meteorology.
Independent learning requirements
Pupils complete one homework task each week. In addition it is crucial to complete active reading, proactively reviewing work and ensuring targets or areas of weakness are addressed.
Success and Achievements:
Double Award 2016-2017 (Legacy course), A* - C=85% (National Average = 66%), A* - A =24% (National Average = 13%).
Separate Science 2016-2017 (Legacy courses),
- Biology A* - C = 100% (National Average = 93%) / A* - A =83% (National Average = 6%),
- Chemistry A* - C = 100% (National Average = 93%) /A* - A = 79% (National Average = 48%)
- Physics A* - C = 100% (National Average = 93%) / A* - A = 84% (National Average = 46%)
