Our first year 7 teaching unit is called ‘What is Science?’ It introduces pupils to essential scientific skills. These skills include working safely, making observations, recording and presenting data, researching, analysing and evaluating. Students are given lots of opportunities to develop these skills throughout KS3 and KS4 as we place a strong emphasis on practical work. This topic also aims to develop an appreciation of the developing nature of Science and the contribution of people from all backgrounds.
In Years 7 and 8 our topics are organised so that students learn about key scientific concepts within a context which is linked to a variety of STEM based careers which are highlighted and referenced throughout our lesson presentations.
Year 7
Time
Core content-
Assessments
Autumn 1Autumn 21 x Bio1 x Chem1 x Phys
Cells – BIO Scientific questions Plant and animal cells Microscopes Forces – PHYS Balanced forces Resultant forces Elasticity and Friction Particles – CHEM States of matter Change of state Diffusion
Mastery quiz after each topicAutumn assessment:All knowledge content with a focus for extended writing on the following: Describe how to use a microscope Compare the movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases Draw a line graph from results
Spring 1Spring 21 x Bio2 x Chem1 x Phys
Space – PHYS Gravity, mass and weight The solar system and orbits Seasons Atoms, elements and compound-CHEM The periodic table Making compounds Naming compounds and chemical formulae Reproduction – BIO Sexual and asexual reproduction Puberty and menstrual cycle Plant reproduction Mixtures – CHEM
Mastery quiz after each topicSpring assessment:All knowledge content with a focus for extended writing on the following: Identify organs of reproduction Describe changes in girls and boys during puberty Compare similarities and differences between elements and compounds
Summer 1Summer 21 x Bio2 x Phys
Energy – PHYS Energy stores Wasted energy Heat and temperature Electrical circuits – PHYS Series and parallel circuits Current Measuring voltage Interdependence – BIO Ecosystems Sampling Food chains and food webs
Mastery quiz after each topicEnd of year exam:All knowledge content with a focus for extended writing on the following: Model of solar system Organs of reproduction Properties of iron Plot a line graph Separating mixtures Energy transfers Calculate weight
Year 8
Time
Core content-
Assessments
Autumn 1Autumn 21 x Bio1 x Chem1 x Phys
Tissues and organs- BIOLOGY Cells Respiration Muscle strength Movement and pressure – PHYSICS Speed D-T graphs Moments Acids and alkali – CHEMISTRY pH scale Neutralisations Writing methods
Mastery quiz after each topicAutumn assessment:All knowledge content with a focus for extended writing on the following: Describe inhalation Drawing graphs Interpreting graphs
Spring 1Spring 22 x Bio1 x Chem1 x Phys
Respiration & Photosynthesis – BIOLOGY Aerobic respiration Muscle fatigue Plant adaptation Magnetism – PHYSICS Magnetism Magnetic fields Earth’s magnetic field Changing Substances – CHEMISTRY Chemical changes Balancing equations Testing gases Life Diversity – BIOLOGY Inheritance Artificial selection Human impact on natural selection
Mastery quiz after each topicSpring assessment:All knowledge content with a focus for extended writing on the following: Why muscles need more blood when exercising Mean, median, mode Method with paper clip and electromagnet
Summer 1Summer 21 x Bio1 x Chem2 x Phys
Earth’s Systems – CHEMISTRY Rock cycle Water cycle Air pollution Resistance – PHYSICS Resistances Ohm’s law Application of resistance Light- PHYSICS Reflection Refraction lenses Nutrition – BIOLOGY Food samples Enzymes Plant nutrition
Mastery quiz after each topicEnd of year exam:All knowledge content with a focus for extended writing on the following: Microscopes Circuits How burning impacts environment Interpreting graphs Independent and dependent variables
Year 9
Time
Core content-
Assessments
Autumn 1Autumn 21 x Bio1 x Chem1 x Phys
Growth and differentiation – BIOLOGY Aseptic techniques Diffusion and osmosis Stem cells The periodic table – CHEMISTRY Atoms Electronic configuration Groups in the periodic table Acceleration – PHYSICS Resultant forces Newton’s law V-T graphs
Mastery quiz after each topicAutumn assessment:All knowledge content with a focus for extended writing on the following: Drawing graphs Plum pudding model Acceleration
Spring 1Spring 21 x Bio1 x Chem1 x Phys
Human interaction – BIOLOGY Biodiversity Global warming Farming Quantitative Chemistry – CHEMISTRY Relative formula mass Conservation of mass Making salts Heating – PHYSICS Internal energy Thermal transfer Specific latent heat
Mastery quiz after each topicSpring assessment:All knowledge content with a focus for extended writing on the following: Diffusion and active transport Method to make crystals Specific heat capacity
Summer 1Summer 21 x Bio1 x Chem2 x Phys
Genetics – BIOLOGY Cell cycle Punnet squares Sex determination Using resources – CHEMISTRY Treating water Life cycle assessment Evaluating impact Sound & Waves – PHYSICS Waves Properties of waves Investigating waves Electricity – PHYSICS Power Energy resources Static electricity
Mastery quiz after each topicEnd of year exam:All knowledge content with a focus for extended writing on the following: Deforestation Drawing graphs Nuclear vs plum pudding Sustainability Method for acceleration
