KS3 Science is studied in Years 7 and 8 at George Spencer Academy. Over these 2 years a variety of topics are covered including, forces, electricity, space, chemical reactions, acids and alkalis, particles, digestion, cell biology, life cycles, drugs and disease, variation and the environment.
There are numerous topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics studied throughout the course of the two years following the Activate scheme. Each topic is assessed formally with extended writing questions, written assessments and topic tests. These scores will help your child to ensure they are making progress in all three science subjects and will be used by staff to set students in Year 8.
There are many exciting opportunities in Science including a variety of experiments and activities, as well as STEM club, STEM leaders, a murder mystery day and a trip to Twycross Zoo.
Staff Contact: Miss K Hancock - email@example.com
Preparing your child for Year 7 science
As your child moves to secondary school, you can help them prepare and get the most from Year 7 science by encouraging an appreciation and enthusiasm for science. You can help your child to be curious about the world around them and continue to develop their interest in, and ideas about science, by asking questions, considering how to answer them using a scientific investigation method of applying their knowledge, drawing conclusions and making evaluations.
At primary school, your child will have been encouraged to work scientifically by focussing on four key scientific processes: investigating; experimenting; evaluating; and explaining.
• Use scientific ways of working to investigate questions and ideas.
• Identify the most appropriate approach to answer scientific questions, choosing the most appropriate equipment and evidence.
• Plan different types of scientific enquiry, make careful observations, take accurate measurements and check whether the results are consistent and reliable.
• Make changes to plans when necessary, and be able to justify the changes.
• Identify and manage hazards and risks and act responsibly when carrying out practical work.
• Be precise and make sure results are accurate and control variables.
• Keep appropriate records of findings using tables, graphs, diagrams and keys, where appropriate.
• Use data to identify patterns and make predictions.
• Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts to draw valid conclusions from data
• Justify predictions based on scientific concepts and decide how best to test them.
• Select appropriate equipment and methods so that others can repeat tests.
• Identify and/or use appropriate evidence to support their ideas
• Distinguish between fact and opinion, and recognise valid and reliable evidence.
• Describe, using examples, how ideas can change when new evidence is found
• Identify when to use models to explain things that are difficult or impossible to see
• Describe how science is used in the world and how it can lead to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The 2014 National Curriculum describes what children need to do to work scientifically, and the knowledge and concepts they need to learn across biology, chemistry and physics. For more information, go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239132/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Science.pdf (this letter can be found on the school website to access website links). At George Spencer we will be regularly assessing your child’s attainment in the areas mentioned overleaf, both through formal end of topic assessment and through written pieces of work, focusing on literacy and numeracy within Science. Below you will find some top tips for supporting your child this year in Science at George Spencer Academy.
If you have any questions about the course your child will be studying with us throughout this year, please do not hesitate to get in touch with either their classroom teacher(s) or Miss K. Hancock (KS3 and Transition Coordinator for Science)
The Language of Science
It is important that children become familiar with and use the correct terminology to talk about science and scientific approaches, for example;
Accurate Conclusion Compare Enquire
Evidence Variable Fair test Observe
Method Pattern Prediction Reliable
Results Supports Evidence
For more information on key scientific terms and their meanings see: www.gettingpractical.org.uk/documents/LoMsampleJan2010.pdf
For revision, pupils can find work they are studying on Bitesize for Key Stage 3: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zng4d2p
CGP produce thorough revision guides which can also help to support students through the next two years in Key Stage 3 Science. These can also be useful for supporting students in the run up to end of topic assessments. These books can be purchased on Amazon or in local book stores. There are also more revision guides from a variety of different suppliers. https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/Parent/books_ks3_science.book_SHS33