The Joseph Rowntree School

KS3 - Science

Curriculum Knowledge

 

Year 7: Starts with practical science skills. There is a rotation of 3 blocks covering the following topics

Block 1: Cells, Particles, atoms elements and compounds, Forces.  Block 2: Diet, Bubbles, Bangs and Burning, Light.  Block 3: Human anatomy and photosynthesis, Acids and alkalis, Sound and hearing. Year 7 focuses on developing a basic understanding of the key principles underlying future science learning.

 

Year 8: There is a rotation of 3 blocks covering the following topics

Block 1: Reproduction, Fundamental chemistry, Forces and heat transfers.  Block 2: Respiration and breathing,. Chemical reactions, Sustainable living and the solar system.  Block 3: Genetics, The Earth, Waves, Magnetism and Space.  Year 8 develops pupils' scientific foundation, providing them with a knowledge and skills base that will enable them to access the KS4 learning.

 

Skill Development

 

Subject Specific Skills:

  • Identifying and drawing equipment.
  • Making predictions and identifying variables.
  • Making and explaining simple observations.
  • Drawing tables and recording results.
  • Drawing and labelling simple bar and line graphs using a suitable scale.
  • making conclusions and evaluating.
  • Simple number calculations and formula manipulations.
  • Using a variety of sources to find information.

 

Wider Academic Skills / Attributes:

  • Develop skills in analysis, evaluation, planning and critical thought.
  • Support mathematical competency through the embedded use of applied skills such as percentage calculations, graph drawing and interpretation and other mathematical operations. 
  • Promote literacy by enabling pupils to construct an argument and support it with evidence. 
  • Opportunities for discussion and debate 
  • Develop independence

 

Personal Development - SMSC & Cultural Capital (Opportunities / Experiences)

 

  • Support the development of student’s self-awareness, risk assessment and safe working practices through practical planning, implementation and evaluation.
  • Through exposure to controversial scientific ideas, theories and research, help students to make ethical judgements and consider ethical arguments in relation to current and past scientific fields such as vaccination, evolution, flat Earth, genetics and stem cell technology. 
  • Fostering an awareness of diversity and employment opportunities within the scientific community. Not all scientists wear lab coats!
  • Widening pupils’ understanding of the contribution of science to their everyday lives from the phone in their pocket to the shampoo they use to wash their hair.
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