SCIENCE Key Stage 3

Informed by research, the six pillars are embedded throughout all areas of the Science curriculum, to empower students’ learning and deliver a personalised learning experience. These pillars are:

  • Coherence
  • High Expectations
  • Metacognitive learning
  • Learner identity
  • Responsive teaching and learning
  • Awe and wonder

Our course is up-to-date, relevant and informed by research. Supporting both the separate sciences and combined sciences routes, print and digital resources are used that have been informed by the latest research and evidence. Our KS3 Science Syllabus organises the big ideas and topics of the programme of study into clear objectives. It outlines what students need to know, what they must be able to apply and how to extend that knowledge where appropriate. It also covers all of the working scientifically objectives with teaching ideas.

We teach KS3 over two years (Year 7 and Year 8) and this syllabus gives the direction and framework that helps make the most of KS3 and prepare students for the step up to KS4 and GCSE.

AIMS

  • To provide a worthwhile educational experience for all pupils at all levels.
  • To stimulate curiosity, interest, and enjoyment of Science and to equip all students for further studies requiring a scientific background.
  • Develop safe experimental and investigative abilities.
  • Encourage effective communication and social skills in working with others.
  • To acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge, including the uses and limitations of investigative work.
  • Develop an understanding of technological, economic, environmental, social, and ethical applications/implications of chemical processes as well prepared citizens in a scientific and technological world.

SCIENCE Key Stage 4

From Year 9 GCSE work from the 9-1 AQA GCSE (2016) specification is taught in separate subject areas for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The pupils can opt to study Triple Science (see the separate subject pages), or Combined Science. Those who opt to study Triple have to be deemed able based on their performance in Years 7 and 8.

AIMS

  • To provide an appreciation and understanding of the nature and importance of the theories and principles in Science.
  • Develop a scientific approach to the solving of problems within the context of planning and conducting investigations.
  • To develop the skills necessary to work safely with apparatus and materials in experiments.
  • To encourage an understanding of technological applications of Science and its importance as a subject of social, economic and industrial relevance.
  • To provide a scientific training, either as an end in itself, or as a foundation for more advanced study.

Facilities and Resources

Textbooks

YEAR BOOK AUTHOR PUBLISHER
7      Science Key Stage 3 AQA Smart Activate student book 1 (on-line Kerboodle access) Chandler-Grevatt, Hulme, Locke and Reynolds Oxford University Press
8       Science Key Stage 3 AQA Smart Activate student book 1 and book 2 (online Kerboodle access) Chandler-Grevatt,Hulme, Locke and Reynolds Oxford University Press
9/10/11   Science AQA GCSE Biology Smart Activate (online Kerboodle access)

 

AQA GCSE Chemistry Smart Activate (online Kerboodle access)

 

AQA GCSE Physics Smart Activate (online Kerboodle access)

 

 Fullick, Ryan and Chandler-Grevatt,

 

Ryan and Chandler-Grevatt,

 

Breithaupt, Jones Ryan and Chandler-Grevatt,

 Oxford University Press
A level Chemistry AQA Chemistry A-Level Year 1 and AS paperback copies issued and  online Kerboodle access

AQA Chemistry, A-Level paperback copies issued and  online Kerboodle access

Calculations for A level (optional)

Chemical data book

AQA Revision and Study Guides are available to order at cost price

  

Lister & Renshaw

 

 

  

Oxford University Press

 
A level Biology AQA A Level Biology Year 1 and AS Student Book

AQA A Level Biology Year 2 and A-Level Student Book

 Jones, Higginbottom, Bailey  

Harpercollins
A level Physics Students have access to the textbook online via Kerboodle.

Hard copies will be available in teaching laboratories (P4 – Year 1, P3 – Year 1 & 2)

AQA Revision and Study Guides are available to order at cost price

 Jim Breithaupt Oxford University Press

 

A selection of textbooks are also available for pupils and students in the school library and, upon request, from HOF/SL’s offices.

A selection of reference books are available for staff in the Faculty.

Online pupil support resources also include Learning by Questions for KS3 and KS4.

ROOMS

Biology – There are four teaching laboratories and two preparation areas. Each teacher has a laboratory to use as their base and this will be their main teaching room. The SL and technician have their own separate work room.

B1 – PJW

B2 – DJP

B3 – DME

B4 – OMW/EVR

Chemistry – C3 is a small laboratory and is used solely for Year 13 classes as it can accommodate up to 20 students following the installation of an additional bench in 2017.

Laboratories C1, C4 and C5 are larger and can be used with any year group. They are usually used as per:

C1 – KDC

C2 – Lecture Theatre (bookable) has a demonstration bench.

C3 – ZMS/KDC (Year 13)

C4 – ZMS/PJW

C5 – EVR

C6 – SEL (one Year 10 class). Sixth Form Study room used by students for Directed Learning sessions, lunchtime clinics and for after school revision.

A general ICT suite (IT 1), is also available (but this is a whole school resource and requires booking in advance). Key Stage 3 classes all have one period per cycle timetabled in IT1.

2 preparation rooms.

1 staff room, 1 HoF room. 1 flammable liquids store.

1 equipment storage area.

Physics – There are three laboratories, one preparation area and one equipment store room. Each teacher has their own teaching laboratory with P1 being used by both OMW and KDC. P2 will be used for some A-level practicals and for the robotics club. Staff may choose to use this as a work room rather than their laboratories.

P1 – OMW/KDC

P3 – PTH

P4 – JOI

The SL’s office is between P3 and P4.

All labs within the Science Faculty are well equipped with class sets of the basic, frequently used equipment.

TRIPS & VISITS

  • Salters Analytical Chemistry competition
  • Chemquiz Yr 8-10
  • GCSE Science in Action Conference
  • Stem challenge
  • Crest Awards
  • Hub School for the Ogden Trust Partnership provides 7 Blackburn with Darwen schools enrichment and Staff CPD.
  • Olympiads
  • Big Bang NEC
  • Physics Olympics
  • Jodrell Bank
  • Mobile Planetarium
  • BAE Systems STEM roadshow
  • WaterAid day (STEM)
  • Engineering Development Trust Bronze Industrial Cadets
  • Emergency First Aid
  • Medical Careers Events and Science & Technology Challenge Days from MCS Projects Ltd

EXTRA CURRICULAR

  • Year 11 Revision (Tuesdays 16:00-17:00, subjects on rotation)
  • KS3 Science support (Monday lunchtimes 13:20-13:40)
  • KS4 Science support (Tuesday lunchtimes 13:00-13:20)

For more information please contact:

Dr. ZM Saunders
Head of Science