Mrs Elizabeth Greene 

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     Key Stage 3 Science Curriculum :

   All year 8 to 10 pupils are offered  science.
  • Pupils  have opportunities to develop skills in scientific methods of enquiry to further scientific knowledge and understanding viz
  • planning for investigations,
  • obtaining evidence,
  • presenting and interpreting results;
  • develop creative and critical thinking in their approach to solving scientific problems;
  • research scientific information from a range of sources;
  • develop a range of practical skills including the safe use of science equipment.
  • The content of KS 3  is divided into 4 main sections so children learn about;

  • Organisms and Health (1)

  • Interdependence of plants and animals
  • Cells, genes and reproduction
  • Healthy body and mind

  • Chemical and material behaviour (2)

  • Atoms and chemical changes
  • Structures, properties, uses of materials
  • Elements, compounds and mixtures

  • Forces and energy(3)

  •  Forces and energy transfer
  • Using electricity
  • Sound and light

  • Earth and Universe (4)

  • The environment and human influences
  • The solar system and universe. ​

  •    At St Mary`s the KS3 Curriculum  taught allows pupils  to;

  •  develop their use of scientific vocabulary and mathematics
  •  develop the  following skills across all three science disciplines:Biology,Chemistry and Physics:
  •   scientific attitudes
  • Experimental skills and investigations
  • Analysis and evaluation
  • Measurement.
By the end of Key Stage 3, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes listed in the programme of study.

The main aim at this Key Stage is for pupils to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas. They should start to make connections between different subject areas and be mindful of some of the concepts that are the foundation of scientific understanding.

KS4 SCIENCE

  GCSE Science in St Marys follows;
  AQA Core Science and Additional Science Specifications
All external GCSE science exams now follow a linear format , exams held at end of course .In this case May or June  none in January .

    Core science is covered in Year 11 and certificated in June of Year 11
    Additional science is covered in Year  12 and certificated in June of Year12
  • GCSE SCIENCE YEAR 11

  • Science A (4405)        Specification at a glance
  •  Route 1   
  • Two Tier Entry Higher & Foundation
 Most recent indications are that Northern Ireland will retain grades, while boards are at present in discussions to facilitate this move ,there is nothing definite as yet.

Unit 1: Biology 1

Written paper – 1 hour 
60 marks – 25% 
Structured and closed questions
At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication(QWC) in a science context 

Unit 2: Chemistry 1 

Written paper – 1 hour 
60 marks – 25% 
Structured and closed questions
At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication(QWC) in a science context


Unit 3: Physics 1 

Written paper – 1 hour
60 marks – 25% 
Structured and closed questions
At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication(QWC) in a science context

Unit 4: Controlled Assessment (Hypothesis given)  Recommended time 6 hrs
Investigative Skills Assignment – two written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing 
50 marks – 25%
 
The controlled assessment is not tiered but students take either the Foundation Tier or the Higher Tier for the written papers.
Controlled Assessment:
  1. AQA set the ISAs and send me  all the information before the course starts
  2. I choose which of several ISAs to do and when
  3.  Candidates do the ISA test in class time
  4. I mark their tests using  marking guidance from AQA
  5. AQA moderate my allocated marks. 

GCSE Science A gives students a good basic knowledge of Science 

It is suitable for students of all abilities and the course encourages students to understand theoretical concepts alongside developing practical Science skills

 Mathematical and other requirements GCSE Science A for certification June 2014 onwards.

The areas of mathematics that arise naturally from the science content in science GCSEs are listed below;

This is not a checklist for each question paper or Controlled Assessment, but assessments reflect these mathematical requirements, covering the full range of mathematical skills over a reasonable period of time.

Candidates are permitted to use calculators in all assessments.

Candidates are expected to use units appropriately,However, not all questions reward the appropriate use of units.
​
 All candidates should be able to:
1 Understand number size and scale and the quantitative relationship between units.
2 Understand when and how to use estimation.
3 Carry out calculations involving +, – , x, ÷, either singly or in combination, decimals, fractions, percentages and positive whole number powers.
4 Provide answers to calculations to an appropriate number of significant figures.
5 Understand and use the symbols =, <, >, ~.
6 Understand and use direct proportion and simple ratios.
7 Calculate arithmetic means.
8 Understand and use common measures and simple compound measures such as speed.
9 Plot and draw graphs (line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, scatter graphs, histograms) selecting appropriate scales for the axes.
10 Substitute numerical values into simple formulae and equations using appropriate units.
11 Translate information between graphical and numeric form.
12 Extract and interpret information from charts, graphs and tables.
13 Understand the idea of probability.
14 Calculate area, perimeters and volumes of simple shapes. In addition, Higher Tier candidates should be able to: 15 Interpret, order and calculate with numbers written in standard form.
16 Carry out calculations involving negative powers (only -1 for rate).
17 Change the subject of an equation.
18 Understand and use inverse proportion.
19 Understand and use percentiles and deciles.

 Equation sheet An equation sheet will be provided for the physics unit. Candidates will be expected to select the appropriate equation to answer the question.
Data sheet A data sheet will be provided for the chemistry unit  This includes a periodic table and other information. Candidates will be expected to select the appropriate




GCSE SCIENCE YEAR 12

  1. Additional Science (4408)               Specification at a glance

        Route 1 
 
Unit 1: Biology 2 

Written paper – 1 hour 
60 marks – 25% 
Structured and closed questions
At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication(QWC) in a science context

Unit 2: Chemistry 2

Written paper – 1 hour 
60 marks – 25% 
Structured and closed questions 
At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication(QWC) in a science context

Unit 3: Physics 2 

Written paper – 1 hour 
60 marks – 25% 
Structured and closed questions 
At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication(QWC) in a science context

Unit 4: Controlled Assessment (hypothesis not given)  Recommended time 6 hrs
Investigative Skills Assignment – two written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing 
50 marks – 25%

Controlled Assessment:
  • AQA set the ISAs and send me all the information before the course starts
  • I choose which of several ISAs to do and when
  •  Candidates do the ISA test in class time
  • I mark their tests using marking guidance from AQA
  • AQA moderate my allocated  marks.

 GCSE Additional Science encourages students to develop skills through investigative work and builds a scientific understanding of the world.
GCSE Additional Science offers students a broad, coherent course of study that adds to their knowledge and understanding of the living, material and physical worlds. For Key Stage 4 (KS4) learners it is a good follow on from GCSE Science A 


Internal Assessment takes place in the form of homework,classtests and end of module tests ,records kept electronically and progress monitored .
One parent teacher meeting per year .