Science at Larches
Rationale:
Science is integral in our society; for many students, this can be difficult to see but we aim to equip them with the skills and knowledge to question the world around them. Our planet faces significant challenges, not least the impact of climate change, food production, disease and a devastating reduction in biodiversity. We hope that the students at Larches will become well-informed members of society and be able to think critically for themselves.
Our aims:
At Larches High School in Science, we will enable pupils to:
- Develop their scientific knowledge and skills of scientific enquiry to help better understand and answer the big scientific questions about the world around them.
- Confidently solve problems while making informed judgements, in preparation for a happy and successful life in a society influenced by rapid scientific and technological change.
- Gain an understanding of how scientific ideas have developed, changed historically and how science will lead the way in the future.
- Use scientific vocabulary effectively, including the use of scientific nomenclature and units and mathematical representations. To allow students to fully understand the complexities of a problem or explain their findings.
Curriculum overview
Key Stage 3
Students in KS3 will follow the National Curriculum for Science over a three year period. See below for the breakdown of topics covered. They will have 4 x 45 minute lessons per week.
Key stage 4
Students in KS4 follow the AQA Trilogy GCSE scheme of work, leading to the equivalent of two GCSE grades at the end of Year 11. Details of the topic areas covered are in the table below. There are six examination papers in total, two each for Biology, Chemistry and Physics related units. Required practical tasks are completed over the two year course and these may be tested during the exams. Students have a total of 5 x 45 minute lessons per week.
Curriculum overview
| Key Stage 3 | Key Stage 3 | Key Stage 4 | Key Stage 4 | |
| Year 7 | Year 8 and Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | |
| Term 1 | Intro to investigation – scientific thinking, asking scientific questions
Cells – microscopy, plant and animal cells, specialised cells
Waves – light waves, sound waves, properties of waves, wave effects, uses of waves |
Investigative skills, how to plan and carry out an investigation
Atoms – comparing elements and compounds. Introduction to the periodic table
Space – gravity, mass, weight, the universe, days, night, years, seasons
Matter – particle model, SLG, separating
Organisms – breathing and digestion, heathy eating, understanding breathing, gas exchange and smoking
The periodic table, trends in metals, non metals and groups. Chemical symbols of common elements |
B1-Cell biology, Cell division, Transport in cells
C1-Atomic structure and the periodic table
P-Energy |
B5-Homeostasis and the human nervous system
Hormonal coordination in humans
C6-The rate and extent of chemical change
P5-Forces Observing and recording motion
B6-The development of understanding of genetics/evolution Reproduction and variation Classification of living organisms |
| First term vocabulary linked to science from tier 2 words in whole school literacy plan | Dependent
Independent Control Variable Describe Explain Magnify Evaluate Compare Conclusion |
Compare
Industrial Evaluate Identify Argument Variation Mixture Element Compound Characteristic |
Evaluation
Magnification Describe Variables Observation Transfer Configure Element Compound Arrange |
Evaluation
Coordination Evolve Variation Describe Measure Observation Record Analyse Compare |
| First term vocabulary linked to science from tier 3 words in whole school literacy plan | Microscope
Xylem Phlegm Unicellular Multicellular Organism Oscillate Vibration Prokaryotic Eukaryotic |
Galaxy
Eclipse Anomalous Alkali metal Displacement Reactive Planet Atomic Subatomic Protons |
Osmosis
Permeable Membrane Asexual Gravitation Kinetic Distillation Potential Mechanical Electrostatic |
Acceleration
Velocity Gradient Catalyst Nervous Synapse Pituitary gland Electrical Hormone Neurones |
| Term 2 | Electricity – basics in electrical circuits, charge, current
Earth structure and cycles
Movement – skeleton, muscles, gas exchange
Renewable/non renewable energy |
Energy – stores and systems, using formula, changes in energy power, energy transfers, work done, heating, cooling
Earth resources – natural and synthetic cycles, extracting metals, recycling
Digestion, enzymes
Energy and electromagnets – electrical circuits, current, charge, potential difference, resistance, electrostatic
Reactions – conservation of mass, endothermic and exothermic |
B2-Animal tissues, organs and organ systems
Plant tissues, organs and organ systems
P2-Electricity
B3-Infection and response
C3-Chemical quantities and calculations |
C7-Hydrocarbons
C8-Chemical analysis
P6-Waves and light
B7-Adaptations, interdependence and competition
Organisation of an ecosystem
Biodiversity and the effect of human interactions on ecosystems |
| Second term vocabulary linked to science from tier 2 words in whole school literacy plan. | Movement
Exchange Muscle Function Conduct Cycles Antigonistic Hinge Structure Charge |
Recycle
Renewable Energy System Cooling Heating Capacity Pollution Planet Global Formula |
Cross section
Absorption Estimate Property Structure Bond Calculation Infection Response Deduce Quantity |
Analysis
Development Perpendicular Parallel Classification Formulation Formula Evolution Observation Reflection Disperse |
| Second term vocabulary linked to science from tier 3 words in whole school literacy plan. | Resistor
Resistance Ammeter Voltmeter Amperes Rheostat Potential difference Igneous Metamorphic Sedimentary |
Electromagnet
Magnetism Demagnetise Electrostatic Capillary Diaphragm Alveolus Mucus Synthetic Organism |
Vectors
Pathogen Endothermic Exothermic Covalent Ionic Metallic Alloy Chromatography Microbes |
Transverse
Longitudinal Spectrum Divergent Convergence Hydrocarbon Seismic Fossil Hypothesis Difraction |
| Term 3 | Ecosystems – plant and human reproduction
Reactions – intro to chemical reactions, metals and reactions in oxygen and water. Acids and alkalis
Intro to forces, what are they, how do things work/move
Ecosystems – food chains/webs, ecological balance |
Ecosystems – respiration, photosynthesis
Forces – drag, speed, distance and velocity time graphs, balanced and unbalanced
Reactions – energy diagrams, catalysts, exploring combustion, word equations, chemical and physical changes
Genetics – variation, evolution and inheritance
Forces in action – levers and pivots, moments and balance, work done, simple machines
Latter half of summer term: Start GCSE Trilogy Science course (Cell biology) |
P3-Particle model of matter
B4-Bioenergetics – photosynthesis and respiration
C4-Chemical changes
C5-Energy changes
P4-Atomic structure and radioactivity |
C9-The atmosphere
C10-Sustainable development
P7-Electromagnetism |
Key – Red – Biology, Green – Chemistry, Blue – Physics, Grey – Investigative skills
Staff
Mr Kenley Imo – KS3/4 Science teacher
Useful links
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8r997h (GCSE Bitesize)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p (KS3 Bitesize)
https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/ (online learning/revision)
UA Media