Science at KS3

We follow the National Curriculum in all year groups. Students are taught an equal amount of Biology, Chemistry and Physics-based topics on rotation throughout the year, with several topics forming a module. The modules cover increasingly challenging concepts as the year progresses. All students are given a revision guide in Year 7 which will accompany the entire Key stage 3 Science course.

In Year 7, students are taught several topics before being formally assessed in a test, although teacher-led assessments are taking place throughout the module. Fundamental concepts studied in Year 7 include cells, energy & forces, acids & alkalis and space.

During Year 8, students are taught topics on rotation, with a formal assessment at the end of every three topics (one module). Key ideas taught during Year 8 include how the human body works, elements, mixtures & compounds and electricity & magnetism. As part of our human body topic, we also teach a series of lessons which meets our obligation to deliver sex and relationships education at Key Stage 3.

The modules studied during Year 9 build upon those learnt in Year 7 and Year 8, and include ecology, chemical reactions, kinetic theory of particles and energy changes. At the end of the year, we spend time focussing on the key ideas needed at GCSE, to provide our students with a smooth transition to Key Stage 4.

Exam Information

Assessment takes place both during and at the end of a module, and could take the form of progress checks or tests. All of these activities will be assessed against students’ flightpaths, with students being able to further address their areas of weakness by carrying out tasks appropriate to the areas on which they need to improve.