About Science at New Heights Key Stage 3
Science is the curiosity and search for knowledge of how concepts work and why they work in this way, using observation and experimentation. Science works alongside many different subjects, such as Maths, English, Food tech and Art to support the development and understanding of our world today in a manner that they can relate to.
During science lessons, our students will develop skills in communication, sharing ideas and working collaboratively with other students to test their hypotheses during practical lessons as well as research opportunities to delve deeper into the topic being taught at that time.
Science is fun!
Subject Content
The topics covered in science will cover a wide range of concepts in the three science disciplines Biology, Chemistry and Physics for key stage three. These include:- Biology – cells, body systems, human reproduction, plants, ecology and evolution
- Chemistry – particle model, the periodic table, acids and alkalis, the Earth and the atmosphere
- Physics – forces, energy, sound and light waves and the Earth and the Universe
Curriculum Principles
The principle focus of Science at New Heights Key Stage 3 is to develop a deeper understanding of a range of scientific ideas in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Our young people will begin to see the connections between these subjects and become aware of some of the ‘big ideas’ underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding.
The order of the units has been chosen by thinking about the connections between topics in each subject area of biology, chemistry and physics alongside links with other subjects such as food tech when learning about diet and nutrition and P.E when learning about muscles and respiration.
This has been mapped through a two-year plan to ensure significant opportunities for progression by all students. The flexible content aims to deepen scientific knowledge, ensuring key concepts are understood and cemented into the long-term memories of our students for future study.
Assessment and Feedback
Students complete a baseline assessment on entry to allow teaching staff to understand each student’s prior knowledge and any gaps in their learning. The results of which are used to create individual learning pathways.
Pre-topic questions are used to identify individual starting points for each new topic and for misconceptions to be addressed. Work produced in books is marked and feedback written for each lesson so students can respond while the lesson material is still fresh in their memory.
Summative end of topic questions or quizzes are used to identify new or remaining misconceptions so these can be addressed before the start of the next topic.
Targeted intervention is put in place to ensure student’s progress from their starting points and students are aware of their progress in skills and knowledge, their effort and conduct so they can build on these at their own pace.
Links to Everyday Life
Science is an important core subject. At New Heights Key Stage 3 we want our students to understand science plays an important role in everyday life, whether it’s looking after themselves and others around them, maintaining a clean and healthy environment or to avoid sickness and disease whenever possible.
Science matters 😉
Future Careers
Science career pathways are endless and range from archaeologists to veterinarians and ‘everything else’ in between. If your future ambitions lie outside of the mould of traditional careers, there are some alternative options that fuse together science with other areas for a really unique career including; scientific illustrator or even a politician!
Many careers require some prior knowledge of one or more of the 3 science disciplines so bringing careers into the classroom helps students to understand why they need to engage in science lessons in order to fulfil their chosen career. By encouraging students to work as a team will provide skills for the world of work. By ensuring students follow the laboratory rules at all times will encourage students to follow health and safety regulations in all aspects of their lives, whatever career they choose.