KEY STAGE 3—SCIENCE

It is our collective aim to make Great Barr

Academy the ‘destination school’ for Science

within the area. Through an innovative

approach to teaching and learning that

engages and excites students to develop a

passion for the subject. To foster an

awareness of the impact of Science on

everyday life. Offering extension and

enrichment activities to raise the profile of

Science within Great Barr Academy but also

the local community therefore attracting

Key Stage 2 students to choose us.

Ultimately, we want to encourage our

students to be inquisitive, creative and

ambitious.

DEPARTMENT ETHOS

SCIENCE

All the home learning set is based on students developing the KEY SKILLS of Liter-

acy, Numeracy, Team Work, Problem Solving, Communication and Positivity

which you will focus on in ALL subjects.

There are three types of home learning task.

Research Task – This means you will need to prepare for the learning that will

take place in your next lesson. You might be asked to create a presentation or

make notes on something that you are given to read. This will help to improve

your literacy skills and give you an opportunity to read a wide range of different

texts.

Respond Task – You will be expected to respond to questions about the work you

have completed in lessons or the preparation you completed before the lesson. It

might be an online quiz or create revision materials which will help support your

learning.

Review Task – These tasks will test your skills to evaluate. You may be asked to

analyse your work or the work of others and discuss how to create better work next

time.

The class teacher will set the task and give a deadline which must be recorded in

the knowledge organiser. Please ensure that all home learning set is completed by

the deadline.

Students who achieve a good or outstanding for the effort they put in to their home

learning will receive rewards points.

Completion is essential for you to be included on any rewards or

enrichment trips this year.

Home Learning

Home learning is an integral part of the success of a student. It is proven that

students who complete quality home learning are able to make significantly more

progress than students who complete no home learning. One of the key skills that

is developed through the home learning set within our curriculum is the ability to

work independently. This will enable all students to achieve greater success in

their final examinations. Students can be supported with their home learning in

school by attending clubs and support sessions.

Science is taught as a discreet subject and students have 3 lessons a week.

Introductory lessons explore the science laboratory and the equipment found within it. Learners will

find out about key safety rules that must be adhered to as well as showing how they can use a Bunsen

burner safely and measuring equipment accurately.

Biology—

Cell Biologist– Introduction to the microscope and how it has informed our understanding of cells

and tissues.

Biochemist – Looking at two crucial reactions that allow life to be supported, Photosynthesis and

Respiration

Genetic Engineer—Introduction to contemporary biology as a foundation to a much more detailed

understanding at Key Stage 4.

Ecologist—the ever increasing concern about the environment and its impact on life can be explored

here.

Chemistry—

Molecular Chemist — Introduction to particle behaviour in different states of matter and atomic

structure.

Acid Scientist— improving knowledge of reactions and how to observe them.

Physics—

Force scientist—getting to grips with action and reaction

Sound and light engineer— how does light and sound travel?

What we expect students to know and have explored by the end of Year 7

Our Year 7 students will have had a range of experiences of Science in primary school. We spend a short period at the start of

Year 7 on our bespoke introduction unit which provides our learners with a basic knowledge of laboratory equipment and how

Science works. We aim to build on any prior knowledge by using our cutting edge diagnostic lessons, which are truly personal-

ised to our groups of learners. Indeed, we are delivering a brand new approach to Key Stage 3, which endeavours to instil

knowledge and an invaluable skill set that will make our learners successful at Key Stage 4 and beyond!

They will understand key subject specific terminology and be able to apply that to their work. Across all three disciplines they

will be able to give constructive feedback to their peers and be self reflective of their own work.

Curriculum Intent

Key Stage 3 Science

Introduction to Science—A three week module

that teaches students the skills they need to

achieve their best in Science.

Year 7 Pioneering-

Cell Biologist— Using microscopy to understand the structure and

function of cells and from this further understand how the human body

works.

Molecular Chemist—Understanding the particle arrangement in states of

matter as well as developing a greater understanding of atomic structure

and chemical formulae.

Biochemist—Explaining and applying knowledge of the processes of

photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Mystery-

Force scientist—Using forces to explain motion and change of shape of

objects.

Sound and light engineer—to explore how light and sound travel in

depth

The world in which we live-

Acid scientist—performing chemical reactions to explain the properties

of acids and alkalis as well as neutralisation reactions.

Genetic Engineer—to explore how genetic information is passed to other

generations.

Ecologist—to construct food chains and webs as, well as evaluating the

human impact of habitats and the environment.

Year 8

Key stage 3 Science

Our aim at key stage 3 is to promote a love of

Science that will last a lifetime. Our curriculum is

based around the skills needed to be successful in

Science and also in STEM careers.

Pioneering-

Analytical Chemist—to look in depth at particle arrangement and the

formation of substances through chemical reactions.

Pharmacist—exploring the processes of solubility and evaporation from a

chemistry perspective.

Astronomer—to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of our

solar system and beyond

Mystery-

Heating engineer—explaining the processes of heat transfer in terms of

energy transfers

Health scientist—understand the spread and prevention of diseases and

illness through medicine as well as though lifestyle and diet changes.

Periodic table scientist—explaining properties of elements through their

atomic structure and location within the periodic table.

The world in which we live-

Electrician—Constructing circuits and using them to calculate and

explain resistance.

Evolution scientist—Exploring how we get differences within species as

well as developing skills at classification. Also developing a greater

understanding of evolution and how the theory was developed.

Cross Curricular Links

Examples in

Year 7

Biology:

ART— Drawing accurate diagrams of different types of cells.

PE—Respiration, the effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing rate.

EDGE—Overcoming adversity.

History—Development of theories over time, for example how before we

understood the composition of air, scientists proposed that plants live on

water alone.

Drama—The journey of a blood cell through the blood vessels, role play.

English/Literacy—The development of Scientific literacy is key to pro-

gression in Science, but students are always building on their reading skills

and understanding of command words in questions.

Geography—Our ecologist unit is a detailed study of living organisms in

their environment.

Chemistry:

HISTORY—The history of the atom and how ideas developed as technolo-

gy improved experimentation.

EDGE—Safety and well being surrounding inappropriate use of chemicals.

DRAMA— Role play as individual particles in solids, liquids and gases.

Physics:

DRAMA – building empathic intelligence by imagining how forces would

feel in different circumstances.

DRAMA— lighting and sound broadcasting

Cross Curricular Links

Examples in

Year 8

Biology:

PE—Lifestyle choices and their impact on the risk of getting diseases.

EDGE—Choosing an appropriate diet.

History—Studies of disease in years gone by have informed our under-

standing of diseases and how they can be spread.

Geography—Evolution as a theory was created by Charles Darwin during

his travels around the globe.

Studies of lifestyle in different parts of the world and their impact on risk

of disease.

Chemistry:

HISTORY—The history of the development of the periodic table and link-

ing chemical properties to the time that they were discovered

EDGE—Safety and well being surrounding inappropriate use of chemicals.

DRAMA— Role play as individual particles in types of reactions.

Physics:

MATHEMATICS-– spatial awareness and perspective when studying the

galaxy in which we live.

MATHEMATICS— calculations throughout the range of topics and

graphing

Career Links

The delivery of our

entire curriculum

continually elicits

links with careers

where possible.

Here are some

examples of Science

related careers.

• Acoustics Consultant Acoustician, acoustics engineer

• Agronomist

Crop scientist, agricultural consultant, agronomy manager

• Animal Technician

• Archaeologist

• Astronaut

• Audiologist

• Biochemist

• Biologist

• Biomedical Scientist

• Biotechnologist

• Botanist

• Cartographer

Cartographers collect information about the geography of an area to design and produce maps, charts and plans.

• Chemical Engineer

• Chemist

• Climate Scientist

• Clinical Psychologist

• Clinical Scientist

• Consumer Scientist

• Criminal Intelligence Analyst

• Data Analyst-Statistician

• Ecologist

• Electronics Engineer

Electronics engineers design and develop systems for industry, from mobile communications to manufacturing and aerospace.

• Energy Engineer

Renewable energy engineer Energy engineers research, design and build power generation plants, and work in the oil and gas industry.

• Environmental Consultant

Eco Consultant Environmental consultants advise on sustainability, including waste management, recycling, flood risk and the effects of climate change.

Career Links

The delivery of our

entire curriculum

continually elicits

links with careers

where possible.

Here are some

examples of Science

related careers.

• Fingerprint Officer

• Food Scientist

• Forensic Scientist

• Garment Technologist

Clothing Technician, Textiles Technician

• Geneticist

Geneticists study genes to work out how cells and organisms behave.

• Geoscientist

• Geospatial Technician

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician Geospatial technicians collect data to create maps, update satellite navigation systems and plan construction projects.

• Healthcare Science Assistant

Assistant technical officer Healthcare science assistants support healthcare professionals.

• Hydrologist

Water engineer, flood engineer, hydrology engineer Hydrologists study the impact of rainfall, rivers and waterways on the environment. They also look at sustainable ways to use water.

• Laboratory Technician

Lab Technician Laboratory technicians support scientists and help carry out tests, research and investigations.

• Marine Engineer

Marine engineers design, build, test and repair boats, ships, underwater craft, offshore platforms and drilling equipment.

• Market Research Data Analyst

Data analyst, research analyst, market intelligence analyst, statistician, data insight professional Market research data analysts study statistics and information collected through surveys.

• Materials Engineer

Materials Scientist Materials engineers research the behaviour of materials used in industry to make them stronger, lighter and more hard-wearing.

• Materials Technician

Materials technicians test the behaviour of materials under different conditions to help develop new products and improve exist-ing ones.

• Medical Physicist

Medical physicists are specialists in healthcare science, also known as clinical science.

Career Links

The delivery of our

entire curriculum

continually elicits

links with careers

where possible.

Here are some

examples of Science

related careers.

• Meteorologist

Weather forecaster, weather scientist Meteorologists collect and study data from the atmosphere and oceans to make weather forecasts and carry out research.

• Microbiologist

Microbiologists study micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae.

• Nanotechnologist

Nanotechnologists design and build devices and materials on a tiny scale.

• Nuclear Engineer

• Oceanographer

• Palaeontologist

Palaeontologists study the fossils of plants and animals.

• Pathologist

Pathologists are doctors who diagnose disease by examining cells and tissue samples, and sometimes through performing autop-sies.

• Pharmacologist

• Physicist

• Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat patients with mental health problems.

• Psychologist

Psychologists study people's behaviour, motivations, thoughts and feelings, to help them overcome or control their problems.

• Research Scientist

• Robotics Engineer

Automation engineer Robotics engineers design and build machines to do automated jobs in industries like manufacturing, aerospace and medicine.

• Scenes of Crime Officer

SOCO Scenes of crime officers (SOCOs) find, record and recover evidence from crime scenes.

• Seismologist

Geophysicist Seismologists study shock waves created by earthquakes and volcanic activity. They also work in oil, gas and minerals exploration.

• Sport and Exercise Psychologist

Sport and exercise psychologists study the mental and emotional effects of taking part in sport.

Career Links

The delivery of our

entire curriculum

continually elicits

links with careers

where possible.

Here are some

examples of Science

related careers.

• Sports Scientist

Sports and exercise scientist Sports scientists use knowledge of how the body works to help people improve their health or sporting ability.

• Technical Brewer

Technical brewers are in charge of the whole process of beer production and packaging.

• Textile Dyeing Technician

Dyer, colour technologist Textile dyeing technicians create dyes to colour fibres and fabrics.

• Vet

Veterinary surgeon, veterinarian Vets diagnose and treat sick or injured animals.

• Zoologist

Zoologists study animals and their behaviour

Useful Websites to

support

independent study

• GCSEpod

• Seneca Learning

• Freesciencelessons (YouTube)

• Kerboodle

• Snap Revise

Various resources from s-cool.co.uk

Interactive notes and more from BBC Bitesize

Notes from passmyexams.co.uk

Various resources from revisionscience.com

Revision notes from thestudentroom.co.uk

Quizzes from lovebiology.co.uk

Revision quizzes (AQA 9-1 GCSE) by Flamy