Science is about investigating how the natural world works. Our Science schemes of learning for Lower School aim to engage students at every level by providing relevant and inspiring academic content and practical opportunities to plunge into scientific enquiry and explore the scientific process.
Course Content: Year 7 and 8 Curriculum Overview
Science is taught over six lessons a fortnight which embed the three disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics- each of which is given equal weighting.
Students study a range of different topics every term in the different disciplines, as listed below:
Year 7 | Year 8 |
---|---|
Acid and Alkali Atoms, elements and Compounds Body Systems Particles Reactions Reproduction Electrical Circuits Energy Forces and Motion | Adaptation and Inheritance Atomic Structure Ecosystems Health and Lifestyle Metals and Acids The Periodic Table Separating Substances Magnetism Maths Skills for Science Waves |
Science Personal Learning Checklists (PLCs)
Year 7
Acid and Alkali [PDF]
Atoms, elements and Compounds [PDF]
Body Systems [PDF]
Particles [PDF]
Reactions [PDF]
Reproduction [PDF]
Electrical Circuits [PDF]
Energy [PDF]
Forces and Motion [PDF]
WAI [PDF]
Year 8
Adaptation and Inheritance [PDF]
Atomic Structure [PDF]
Ecosystems [PDF]
Health and Lifestyle [PDF]
Metals and Acids [PDF]
The Periodic Table [PDF]
Separating Substances [PDF]
Magnetism [PDF]
Maths Skills for Science [PDF]
Waves [PDF]
Assessment in Lower School Science
Assessment in Science takes place termly and is based on the topics taught that term. Literacy assessments sit alongside these assessments to support students’ extended writing development. Students self-assess against personal targets after each activity and plot their progress in their Flightpath Progress tracking sheet.
Students are actively encouraged to conduct self and peer-assessments regularly in addition to staff comments within Science lessons.
Grades available are:
Flightpath | Assessment Grade | Aiming for final GCSE Grade |
---|---|---|
Mastering | Mastering + Mastering Mastering - | 9 8 7 |
Rising | Rising + Rising Rising - | 6 5 4 |
Emerging | Emerging + Emerging Emerging - | 3 2 1 |
Marking of Students’ Work and Feedback
Students’ work is marked by the teacher every 6 lessons in line with the school marking policy. Teachers will specifically indicate which work will be marked so they can always present their best work. Students are encouraged to self and peer-assess their work through the use of our Green and Purple pens. Books will be marked for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Marking grids will be used to feedback to students.
Setting in Lower School Science
Students are set in Year 7 using data from KS2 performance in Maths and English. Set changes will take place, based solely on performance in assessments, at the end of year.
Homework
Science homework is set on a weekly basis and students should spend approximately one hour on each homework. Students will record homework in their planners and teachers will share via SIMS Learning Gateway the details of what has been set and when it is due to be handed in.
The nature of homework set will vary depending on the topic but will often involve key tasks such as:
- Literacy tasks
- Flipped learning (independent research for a forthcoming lesson)
- Revision for tests using PLCs (Personal Learning Checklists) as guidance
Supporting your Daughter in Lower School Science
There are a number of ways you can support your daughter in Science:
- Read the daily newspapers to keep up with new scientific discoveries
- Discuss science with her
- Visit the Herschel Museum in Bath, and the Natural History and Science Museums in London
- Join the BRSLI (Bath Royal Scientific and Literacy Institute) and attend the workshops they offer
Revision and Support Materials
- Revision materials
- Links to BBC bitesize
- Link to SAM learning
- Link to GCSE Pod