Details of KS3 Science

National Curriculum Science Key Stage 3 follows our in-house schemes. This is taught by a single teacher per class throughout when timetabling allows. Since September 2003 the Year 7 have followed a two year KS3 course, incorporating the Science Strategy. 15% of the timetable is given to KS3 Science.

Pupils build on their scientific knowledge and understanding and make connections between different areas of science. They use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events, and to understand a range of familiar applications of science. They think about the positive and negative effects of scientific and technological developments on the environment and in other contexts. They take account of others' views and understand why opinions may differ.

They do more quantitative work, carrying out investigations on their own and with others. They evaluate their work, in particular the strength of the evidence they and others have collected. They select and use a wide range of reference sources. They communicate clearly what they did and its significance. They learn how scientists work together on present-day scientific developments and about the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas.

Key stage 3 science includes the study of:

• ideas and evidence in science
• investigative skills
• cells and cell functions
• humans as organisms
• green plants as organisms
• variation, classification and inheritance
• classifying materials
• changing materials
• patterns of behaviour
• electricity and magnetism
• forces and motion
• light and sound
• the Earth and beyond.