Science Years 7 to 9
Science at Key Stage 3
The Church Stretton Science department aims to help our students become scientifically literate, which means that they can describe, define, investigate and ultimately try to understand the world in which they live and how it works. We believe that this will help them to become inquisitive, decision-making problem solvers who understand their place in the wider world and how they can contribute to a better future.
In Years 7 and 8, pupils follow the Activate course which sets science theory in real life contexts. We are firm believers that providing all students with three specialist teachers, with the very best subject knowledge, helps to extend students understanding and prevents the formation of common misconceptions that can arise from non-specialist teaching. The same structure continues into Year 9, when pupils complete the final Activate topics and then start the Edexcel Science (9-1) course in the Spring term.
Assessment
Students will complete an end of topic test for each of the topics they study, roughly one per subject discipline per term, which are completed within the classroom. In addition to these regular ongoing assessments students will also complete a combined sciences test as part of their Examinations week in the school hall under formal Examination conditions.
The following topics are taught in each year and allow students to develop a robust knowledge base ready for their GCSE course. The ordering of topics allows students to continually build on prior knowledge, develop transferrable skills and understand how topics relate to one another.
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Biology |
Chemistry |
Physics |
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Year 7 |
Working Scientifically, Cells, Body Systems and levels of Organisation, |
Particles, Elements, mixtures and Compounds, Reactions |
Forces, Sound, Light, |
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Year 8 |
Reproduction, Health and Lifestyle, Ecosystems, |
Acids and Alkalis, The Periodic Table, Separation Techniques, |
Space, Electricity and Magnetism, Energy, |
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Year 9 |
Adaptations, GCSE Introduction SB1, |
Metals and Acids, The Earth, GCSE introduction SC1, |
Motion and Pressure, GCSE introduction SP1, |
How to support your child
- Encourage them to read regularly, try some of the suggested books from our recommendations
- Help them to practise the spelling and use of scientific vocabulary
- Help and encourage them to practise their mathematical skills
- Help them to structure their revision for end of topic tests
- Encourage them to make use of the suggested websites
- Discuss what they are doing in science lessons and help develop their enthusiasm for the subjects
- Use knowledge organisers to challenge students on the correct definitions for key terminology.
- Encourage students to keep on top of their revision to reduce their workload in Year 11 and explore different revision techniques to find the one that suits their learning style.
Web Links
- Combined Science GCSE Bitesize Edexcel / Biology / Physics / Chemistry – Easy-to-understand homework and revision materials for your GCSE Combined Science Edexcel ‘9-1’ studies and exams.
- Physics and Maths Tutor – Revise GCSE! Past papers, exam questions by topic, revision notes, worksheets and solution banks.
- Save My Exams – A stress-free path to helping students study effectively and get higher grades than they ever thought possible.
- Edexcel Science Specification – Here you’ll find everything you need to prepare for GCSE (9-1) science. Materials include Edexcel specification and sample assessment materials.
Reading List
Reading around a subject allows students to consolidate the concept they study and help them develop their scientific terminology, whilst improving their ability to ‘write like a scientist’. We have compiled a list of suitable books which will capture students’ inquisitive minds and help them to explore the world of Science.
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Additional support |
General |
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Key Stage 3 |
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Key Stage 4 |
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Extracurricular Activities
Science is all around us, no matter where you are and is not confined to the classroom and as such students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of Science focussed trips which vary from year to year. Trips to date have included visits to; Chester zoo, Think Tank, Safari Park, the big bang show, to name a few. Or why not join our budding scientists in our STEM Club, where students will have the opportunity to explore the scientific world beyond the classroom.