Science
Contact Details
Name |
Position |
|
| Chetna Patel | Head of Key Stage 3 | PatelC@hendonschool.co.uk |
"I believe there are no questions that science can't answer" - Stephen Hawking
Key Stage 3 content
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Key stage 3 science is a bridge between key stage 2 and 4. It covers a range of subjects including Biology, Chemistry and Physics with a real focus on developing deeper understanding of scientific ideas and processes. The key stage 3 curriculum ensures that all students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success at key stage 4 and beyond.
The key stage 3 curriculum taught to Years 7,8 and 9 students over three lessons weekly includes to topics listed below. The curriculum also emphasizes practical and theoretical leaning preparing students for higher education and real-world applications of scientific knowledge
Aims
The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. Scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding
Students should understand that science is about working objectively, modifying explanations to take account of new evidence and ideas and subjecting results to peer review. Pupils should decide on the appropriate type of scientific enquiry to undertake to answer their own questions and develop a deeper understanding of factors to be taken into account when collecting, recording and processing data. They should evaluate their results and identify further questions arising from them. ‘Working scientifically’ is described separately at the beginning of the programme of study, but must always be taught through and clearly related to substantive science content in the programme of study. Teachers at Hendon school choose examples that serve a variety of purposes, from showing how scientific ideas have developed historically to reflecting modern developments in science. Students should develop their use of scientific vocabulary, including the use of scientific nomenclature and units and mathematical representations.
Science lessons are usually planned around a practical task, and the faculty has excellent new laboratories and equipment to help facilitate the students’ learning. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, such as, Science Club and there are a number of events during the year to support the budding young scientists.
Assessment
In Years 7 and 8, students are formally assessed once a half term. Assessments are either practical based assignments or formal End of Topic Tests. In Year 7, students are taught Science in mixed ability classes. Towards the end of Year 7 the students are assessed and then assigned their Year 8 and 9 classes based on ability. Students begin their GCSE course in the summer term of Year 9.
Students who achieve 6 grades in Double or Triple Science GCSE's, can choose to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics A-levels.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Year 7 | Introduction to Science Particles Model Mixtures and Compounds Cells and Organ Systems Forces Human Reproduction |
Electromagnets and circuits Variation Acid and Alkali More about elements |
Waves and Light Ecosystem and feeding relationships Reactons of metals and non-metals Practical Skills and summer assessments |
| Year 8 | Photosynthesis Elements in the periodic table Matter Respiration Types of Reaction |
Nutrient and the Digestive system Chemical Energy Magnetism and Electromagnets Energy, Conduction, Radiation and Convection Reactivity Series Extraction of Metals |
Respiration Healthy Body and Lifestyle Genetics, Natural Selection and Evolution Fuels and the Atmosphere Practical Skills and summer assessments |
| Year 9 | GCSE preparation modules What is the body made of? Atoms, Elements and Compounds Energy and Energy transfers How the Body Works Mixtures and Compounds Forces and Work done |
GCSE preparation modules How the Body Fights Disease Metals and Alloys Speed, Velocity and Acceleration Energy Photosynetis and Feeding Relationships |
GCSE preparation modules Homeostatis and the Nervous system Structure and Bonding Nucellar Radiation, Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation Electricity and circuits Practical Skills and summer assessments |
Outside the classroom
Science week coincides with National Science and Engineering week. The event involves all students and staff in the school. Everyday there is a daily quiz and Science humour. There are a variety of activities; Outside STEM speakers, visits outside school, experiments, internet chats with Scientists. These take place in science lessons and at lunchtime.
Science leaders
Students from year 8 to 13 help the science department especially with the weekly Science club, Science week and school events such as prospective parents' evenings.
Educational trips
Trips could include - Visit the London wetlands; Imperial College; Middlesex University; Kings College; Science Museum; Natural History Museum and London Zoo.
Progression pathways and careers
Science can open up a range of career opportunities
Careers linked to Biology
- Careers: Healthcare (nurses, doctors, physiologists), conservationists.
- Applications: Genetic research, environmental management
Careers linked to Chemistry
- Careers: Pharmacists, chemical engineers, forensic scientists.
- Applications: Drug development, material creation
Careers linked to Physics
- Careers: Engineers, astrophysicists, renewable energy specialists.
- Applications: Designing bridges, space exploration, sustainable energy.
Real life applications
- Healthcare: Vaccines, imaging technologies, and new treatments.
- Engineering: Building safe infrastructure and innovative technologies.
- Environment: Using renewable energy and combating climate change
Useful links
http://www.kerboodle.com/users/login - students will need a log in for this
https://www.youtube.com/user/myGCSEscience
