Science

Key Stage 3

Subject Statement

Science at Tunmarsh develops pupils’ understanding of the big ideas in the subject and their application to the world. We develop skills vital to the scientific process; gathering and using evidence to analyse and evaluate outcomes. Pupils develop an understanding of scientific attitudes and approaches throughout time.

Course Outline

In Years 7, 8 and 9, students follow the ‘Exploring Science: Working Scientifically’ scheme which has been designed to deliver the National Curriculum and the Science Programmes of Study for Key Stage 3 laying secure foundations for work in Years 10 and 11.

The course covers both the skills needed for thinking about scientific problems and those required to process and analyse data (including mathematical skills). Pupils learn how to approach problems scientifically, as well as understand the use and power of ‘the scientific method’.

Assessment and Feedback

Students are assessed at the start of a unit to establish a baseline. Students then receive a mixture of verbal and written feedback on work covered in class as they study the unit. The feedback is from their teacher but students also learn self and peers assessment methods. There are final assessments at the end of each unit to measure progress.

How Parents and Carers can Help

Discuss what your child is covering in class.

Talk to your child about developments in Science that may be covered in the media and discuss whether you can trust the information is reliable or not.

Encourage your child to use the BBC bitesize website to help with their learning

Contact

Head Of Science - Omar Wilkinson: omar.wilkinson@prus.newham.sch.uk

Teacher of Science - Tope Ayandare: ayantope.ayandare@prus.newham.sch.uk

Links to Online Resources

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p

Key Stage 4 GCSE / BTEC (or equivalent)

General Course Information

Students study Edexcel Biology. This GCSE enables students to:

develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding

develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries

answer questions scientifically about the world around them

develop and learn to apply problem-solving skills in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments

develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Feedback and Assessment

There are two papers in total, which are taken at the end of Year 11 in the Summer exams.

Each paper is 1hr 45mins – 100 marks (50% of the GCSE)

Biology Topics

Paper 1: Biology 1 – topics 1-5

Key concepts in biology
Cells and control
Genetics
Natural selection and genetic modification
Health, disease and the development of medicines

Paper 2: Biology 2 - topic 1 + topics 6-9

Key concepts in biology
Plant structures and their functions
Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
Exchange and transport in animals
Ecosystems and material cycles