Purpose of the year 

• To develop skills and confidence in a Science lab using investigations as a means of planning, developing and reflecting on key scientific principles.  Each pupil will be assessed based on the 14 strands of the National Curriculum; this form of assessment will continue into Year 8.

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

What students will learn

• Techniques
• CSI
• Life in the Freezer

• Life in the Skies
• Science of the Stage

• Our Earth, Our Future
• Life in Tredegar

Key assessments

Techniques – pupils are introduced to the Science techniques and methods that they will use in Science throughout all Key Stages. They are assessed on a writing task explaining simple separations

CSI – a crime has been committed and pupils use forensic techniques to solve the crime and to investigate DNA and its importance in forensic science. Pupils present their findings and their oracy skills are assessed.

Life in the Freezer – pupils explore the adaptations of animals and plants in different environments, investigate life in the Antarctic and the impact that humans can have on the environment. Pupils are assessed using a task based on the disappearance of the ice caps.

Life in the Skies – pupils are introduced to extreme weather patterns and how weather can be monitored. They complete the ‘parachutes’ investigation – this is initially peer assessed and then staff assessed and also used for target setting in the next full investigation (acid rain) towards the end of Year 7.

Science of the Stage – pupils look at the science behind putting on a stage production e.g., music, lights, power. They investigate hearing, sight, colour and electricity. They are assessed on a .literacy task based on the effect of loud sounds on hearing and an investigation into current in a circuit.

Our Earth, Our Future – this unit encourages pupils to think of their impact on the environment in and how we monitor our effects e.g. using earth observation satellites. They complete an investigation based on the effects of acid rain.

Life in Tredegar– pupils investigate the area around their school and the inter-relationships between animal and plant species in their local area. They look at how migrating birds use the earth’s magnetic field for navigation and explore the use of magnets and their properties.

Key vocabulary:

Essential words for students to be able to spell, explain and use

tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

Skills

Literacy and Numeracy:

Structure and organisation - Select and organise ideas and information to give a full account.

Grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting – Use punctuation accurately, spell scientific words correctly with clear and legible hand writing. 

Use a range of sentence structures choosing relevant connectives to make meaning clear.

Developing numerical reasoning – represent and communicate – select and construct appropriate graphs with suitable scales.

Literacy and Numeracy:

Response and analysis – Synthesise and analyse information effectively.

Organising ideas – Select, interpret and evaluate information objectively.

Language – Use technical terms, language and expression consistent with the subject and content.

Construct and interpret graphs.

Literacy and Numeracy:

Writing accurately –

use varied and appropriate vocabulary accurately. 

Select and organise ideas and information to give a full account

Use measuring skills –

read and interpret scales

Develop numerical reasoning- construct graphs with suitable scales

Using data skills – interpret graphs

Additional Resources

An online Padlet platform has been designed with KS3 skills in mind. Pupils can use this platform to help them understand what is required of them when completing assessments.

padlet.com/sdobbs1/1p8f0f0ebgei

The Padlet contains the level ladder we use to assess pupils.

Guidance linked to skills assessments can be found in printable document, in the link below.

tredegarschoolco-my.sharepoint.com

Please note: assessments will not be sent home and all work must be completed in class. If pupils require extra time, this may be offered as a support session. These sometimes take place after school and notice would be given in advance.

How parents can help

• Help your child to learn their key words by testing them regularly at home.
• Actively encourage your child to use the Padlet skills platform to help them to understand what’s required of them when answering skilled based assessments.

Extra-curricular opportunities & visits

To be announced as and when opportunites arise.

Homework expectations

• Pupils are to familiarise themselves with the key words and be preapared to learn the key vocabulary lists for spelling tests.
• Homework will be set by individual teachers at a time which best suits the scheme of work. This should be completed to the best of the pupils’ ability.