Science
You will find yourself doing lots of different things in Science lessons at Acton. Doing experiments, writing reports, solving problems and even inventing experiments of your own. You will work in small groups and be taught how to use equipment safely.
The Science scheme for key stage 3 is bended around the ‘spectrum' course. The aim of the course is to build on your key stage 2 work, develop scientific skills, gradually build up concepts and ideas and to teach you a body of essential scientific knowledge and practical skills. A lot of the work is done in small groups. Social skills, all forms of communication including use of IT are given high priority.
The topics are differentiated to cater for your individual needs. This means that you will be given work to suit your ability, whether you are a very fast worker or if you need to take more time.
As you finish each topic, you will be tested and practical skills are continuously assessed through out the year.
A variety of topics will be covered in year 7. These are designed to be enjoyable, related to science in everyday life and will be a foundation for science lessons in the future.
The topics are:
- Cells
- Reproduction
- Environment
- Variation
- Acids and alkalis
- Chemical reactions
- Solids, liquids and gases
- Solutions
- Energy
- Electricity
- Forces
- Solar system
The work continues in the same style in year 8.
The topics covered are:
- Food and Digestion
- Respiration
- Microbes
- Ecology
- Atoms and elements
- Compounds and mixtures
- Rocks
- Rock cycle
- Heating
- Magnets
- Light
- Sound
The work continues in the same style in Year 9. This year completes the Key Stage 3 programme, and prepares for the National Curriculum Tests (‘SATS'). It also provides a firm background for work covered at Key Stage 4.
The topics covered are:
- Inheritance
- Fit and healthy
- Photosynthesis
- Plants and food
- Reactions of metals
- Reactivity patterns
- Environmental chemistry
- Using chemistry
- Energy
- Speeding up
- Pressure
- Gravity
At the end of year 9, after SATS, you will begin the KS4 course starting one of the topics that will contribute towards your GCSEs.
Some students will then take Core Science over a period of 2 years resulting in 1 GCSE, whilst the majority are expected to follow the Core Science in Year 10 followed by Additional Science in Year 11, resulting in 2 GCSEs.
Science is an exciting subject, which we hope you will enjoy, as well as gaining lots of practical experience and knowledge.