Batchwood School: Passion Belief Courage

Science

“Think like a proton and stay positive.”

Science: Intent, Implementation and Impact

 

Key Stage 3

Aim of the course

We offer a range of opportunities here at Batchwood at KS3 . Our aim is to equip students with the skills to apply their knowledge to situations and also prepare them for success at GCSE.

Course Description

Students will carry out various scientific practicals, as a result of which they will soon realise how much of a science-dependent society we live in.

KS3 Science is taught over 2 years. The study of science fires students’ curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find explanations. It engages learners at different levels, linking direct practical experience with scientific ideas. Experimentation and modeling are used to develop and evaluate explanations, encouraging critical and creative thought.

Curriculum information

Year 7

  • Structure and function of living organisms. Cells and their organisation
  • Experimental skills & investigations. Measurement
  • Forces
  • Reproduction
  • The Particulate nature of matter
  • Energy
  • Relationships in an ecosystem
  • Chemical reactions
  • Electricity
  • Inheritance
  • The environment, Earth and Universe

Year 8

  • Nutrition and digestion
  • Chemical reactions
  • Metals
  • Gravity and space
  • Atoms, elements & compounds
  • Materials
  • Light
  • Motion and forces
  • Waves
  • Variation
  • The skeletal and muscular systems
  • Microbes
  • Rocks

Assessment

Mini-assessments will be embedded into lessons throughout the academic year to monitor progress. In addition, students will regularly complete ‘Assessment for Learning’ tasks that will enable them to ascertain where they currently are and what they need to do to achieve at least the secure threshold.

Science Club

We also offer our ‘Science Club’ to KS3 students. This runs weekly and provides fun hands-on opportunities for students to get enthused and excited about Science.

Homework/Revision Club

The homework/revision club helps Key Stage 4 students to consolidate their learning and to prepare for exams.

Key Stage 4

Aims

This course encourages students to:

  • develop their interest and enthusiasm in Science
  • develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods
  • acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works
  • acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for progression for further learning

Most students in Year 9 and Year 10 are taught the new AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy. This qualification is similar to the current core and Additional Science GCSE’s and is equivalent to two GCSEs.

The Science department also offers vocational qualifications such as ASDAN

Year 11 is taught in two groups

Students follow the AQA Additional Science route after completing the GCSE Science A in year 10.

Qualifications available in Science

  • Additional Science
  • GCSE Science A
  • New GSCE Combined Science:Trilogy
  • ASDAN
  • ELC

Educational trips are organised throughout the year. Students are rewarded for good and consistent work. Educational Science activities/trips planned

  • Science Museum
  • A Forensic Day at Batchwood
  • Paradise Wildlife Park
  • National Space Centre