Science
Click here to view an illustration of our student's Biology Learning Journey
Click here to view an illustration of our student's Chemistry Learning Journey
Click here to view an illustration of our student's Physics Learning Journey
Subject Intent
The Science Department at Jarrow School intend to provide all students with a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum, rich in scientific skills and knowledge. We aim to promote a positive attitude to Science among all students, encouraging them to view the subject as essential, interesting and enjoyable. All students will be encouraged to have an awareness of how science in the real-world impacts on their everyday life as well as the opportunities for science-based careers within the local area and beyond.
All students are encouraged to adopt an inquisitive, critical and logical approach to problem solving which is based on scientific evidence. We are committed to raising standards of achievement, through a variety of teaching methods and opportunities, challenging misconceptions and promoting scientific literacy, thus developing confident, responsible and articulate young scientists.
We aim to promote an environment conducive to learning where we encourage all students to consider the social, moral and ethical implications of science in the media and the impact of science on their future lives.
Key Stage 3 Overview
Students follow a bespoke Key Stage 3 curriculum which covers all aspects of the Science National Curriculum. It builds upon prior knowledge obtained from the Key Stage 2 Science National Curriculum and prepares students well for what is taught at Key Stage 4 in years 10 and 11.
Each subject is colour coded with the following:
Green = Biology
Red = Chemistry
Blue = Physics
Year 7
| Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
|||
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
|
Introduction to KS3 Introduction to lab safety and equipment Expectations of working in the lab 7C1 Particles Introduction to particle theory, states of matter, changes of state. 7B1 Cells Introduction to the use of microscopes to visualise cell structure and function. Assessment |
7P1 Forces Introduction to the effects of forces on objects. 7C2 Elements and Compounds Development of particle theory. How atoms are arranged in elements and compounds, how to write symbols and formulae. Assessment |
7B2 Body Systems Development of cells as the building blocks of life. understand the basic function of common human body systems. 7P2 Sound Understand how sound waves travel and how the ear works. Assessment |
7C3 Chemical reactions Further development of particle theory. How chemicals interact with each other, different types of chemical reaction, how to write chemical equations. 7B3 Reproduction Development of specialised cells Introduction to fertilisation and pregnancy. Assessment |
7P3 Circuits Development of simple electrical circuits and how to measure current. 7C4 Separation Further development of particle theory. How mixtures are different to compounds, how we separate different mixtures of solids and Liquids. Solubility and solutions. Assessment |
7P4 Space Introduction to the main objects in space and how they interact. Investigation skills Famous scientists research and present End of year assessment |
Year 8
| Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
|||
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
|
8C1 Acids and Alkalis Introduction to acid reactions. How do acids react with different metal compounds and how are salts formed and prepared. 8B1 Health and Diet Development of the digestive system and 7 components of a healthy diet. Assessment |
8P1 Motion and Pressure Introduction to gas pressure and development of forces including calculating speed. 8C2 Periodic Table Introduction to key groups of the periodic table and how to group chemicals based on chemical and physical properties. Assessment |
8B2 Affecting Body Systems Introduction to respiration and circulation and the effect of drugs on the body. 8P2 Light Introduction to reflection and refraction, the parts of the eye. Assessment |
8B3 Plant Processes Introduction to photosynthesis and development of specialised plant cells. 8P3 Energy Introduction to energy (heat) transfers. Use of energy and power calculations. Assessment |
8B4 Adaptations and inheritance Introduction to the adaptations and variations of common animals and plants. Introduction to DNA. Assessment |
8C3 The Earth Material cycles and human impact on the environment. Assessment Investigation skills End of year assessment |
Year 9
| Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
|||
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
|
9B1 Ecosystems Development of adaptation, food chains and webs. Introduction to sampling methods. 9C1 Metal reactions Further development of chemical reactions. How to predict metal reactivity. Assessment |
9P1 Electricity and Magnetism Development of series and parallel circuits. Introduction to magnetic fields. Investigation skills and application |
Assessment CB1 Key concepts in biology: a) Cells Further development of specialised cells and use of microscopes. b) Enzymes Development of enzyme activity in cells. How do enzymes behave in extreme conditions and why. |
c) Movement of substances Diffusion, osmosis and active transport. Assessment CC1-4 Key concepts in chemistry: a) Separation Review of particle theory and application of ideas for further development of separating techniques depending on solubility and state. Application of ideas to real world examples. |
b) Atomic Structure and Periodic Table Introduction of structure of the atom, how we identify subatomic particles using the periodic table and the development of organisation of elements on the periodic table. Assessment |
CP1/2 Key concepts in physics: a) Motion Review of speed and introduction of key motion calculations and graphical representations. b) Motion and Forces Development of forces, how objects interact with the world. Assessment End of year assessment |
Key stage 4 overview
All students follow the GCSE Edexcel programme of study in science. The majority of students follow the Combined Science course (2 GCSE qualifications) with some students opting to study each subject as a separate qualification (3 qualifications). Foundation tier students can achieve grades in the range 1 to 5 while higher tier students can achieve grades in the range 4 to 9.
Each subject is colour coded and labeled with the following:
Green = Biology
Red = Chemistry
Blue = Physics
CB, CC, CP = Combined science biology, chemistry, physics
SB, SC, SP = Separate biology, chemistry, physics
Year 10
| Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
|||
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
|
CB2 Cells and Control Introduction to mitosis. Development of fertilisation and growth. Stem cells and the nervous system. SB The Brain Assessment CC5/6/7 Ionic Bonding, Covalent Bonding and Types of Substance Introduction on how atoms form compounds and molecules depending on how electrons are shared or exchanged. Assessment CP3 Conservation of Energy Development of energy transfers and comparison of renewable and non-renewable resources. Assessment |
CB3 Genetics Development of the structure and function of DNA. Inheritance and variation. SB Protein Synthesis, Mendel and gene mutation. CC8 Acids and Alkalis Development of acid reactions and gas tests, neutralisation, pH and solubility. Assessment CP4 Waves Introduction to measuring wave speed. Development of reflection and refraction. SP The Ear, Lenses, Colour, Infrasound and Ultrasound. Assessment |
CB4 Natural Selection and Genetic Engineering Introduction of human evolution, Darwin’s theory of Natural Selection, selective breeding and GMO’s. Assessment CC9 Calculations Introduction and practice of calculations involving masses CC10/11 Electrolysis, Obtaining and Using Metals Introduction to redox reactions, how ions behave with electricity and how this is used in industry for extraction. CP5 Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum Introduction to the 7 waves of the electromagnetic spectrum. Assessment |
CB5 Health, Disease, and the Development of Medicines Development of causes of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. SB Viral Life Cycles, Monoclonal Antibodies CC 12 Reversible Reactions and Equilibria CP6 Radioactivity Introduction to the types of radioactivity, their uses and dangers. |
CB5 Continued Assessment CC 12 Continued Assessment SC13 Transition Metals, Alloys and Corrosion Application of redox reactions to industry, alloys and their uses. CP6 Continued SP Radiation in medicine, fission and fusion Assessment |
Mock Exam Paper 1 SC14/15/16 Quantitative Analysis, Dynamic Equilibria, Calculations Involving Volumes of Gases, Chemical Cells and Fuel Cells More calculations involving masses, application to industry. Mock Exam Paper 1 SP7 Astronomy Mock Exam Paper 1 |
Year 11
| Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
|||
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 | Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 | Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
|
CB6 Plant Structures and their Functions Development of photosynthesis, adaptations of plant tissues, movement of substances through a plant. SB Plant Hormones CC13 Groups of the Periodic Table Development of Group 1,7,0 chemical and physical properties. CP7/8 Energy, Forces doing work, Forces and their Effects Development of use of work and power calculations. SP Rotational Forces CP9 Electricity and Circuits Further development of series and parallel circuits. Resistance in components. SP Static Electricity |
Mock Exam Paper 1 CB7 Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis Development of common glands and hormones. Introduction to glucose regulation and diabetes. Development of reproductive hormones and the menstrual cycle. SB Thermoregulation, Osmoregulation, the Kidneys CC14 Rates of Reaction Introduction to factors affecting rate of reaction. CC15 Energy Changes Review and development of energy changes in reactions. Mock Exam Paper 1 CP10/11 Magnetism and the Motor Effect Electromagnetic Induction Development of magnetic field. Introduction to motors, generators and transformers and the National Grid. Mock Exam Paper 1 |
CB8 Exchange and Transport in Animals Development of respiratory and circulation systems. Respiration reactions. CC16/17 Fuels and Atmosphere Development of understanding of fossil fuels, combustion and their impact on the environment. SC22/23/24 Hydrocarbons, Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids, Polymers Homologous groups and their properties, polymerisation and problems with plastics. CP12/13 Particle Model, Forces and Matter Development of density. Introduction to specific heat capacity. SP Pressure in Fluids |
CB9 Ecosystems and Material Cycles Further development of sampling techniques. Development of water and carbon cycles. Introduction to nitrogen cycle. SB Decomposition Rates Mock Exam Paper 2 SC25/26 Qualitative Analysis, Bulk and Surface Properties of Matter Development of ions, identifying ions through chemical analysis, choosing materials based on properties. Mock Exam Paper 2 Mock Exam Paper 2 |
Revision for GCSE Examinations: Focus on Core Content and exam technique Effective revision strategies Past Paper Questions Modelled answers Guided Revision (Cognito/Bitesize websites) Online tests and quizzes Intervention classes |
A-Level Taster Sessions (optional): Cells and Microscopy Respiration Atomic Structure Organic Chemistry Particles and Radiation |
Additional Curriculum information
Most Able
Some students will require additional challenge to the curriculum to ensure they demonstrate continued progress towards the highest GCSE grades. Our bespoke curriculum provides a differentiated learning pathway to provide this challenge in every lesson. Additional tasks incorporating application of science and problem solving are integrated into lessons or set as homework via MSTeams. We encourage our more able students to act as ambassadors and utilise their deeper knowledge to support their peers. We aim to inspire our students to get involved in enrichment activities within scientific careers, for example, Medicine and Dentistry days, visits to and from local companies, colleges, sixth-forms and universities.
SEND
Some students may need additional support throughout their science learning journey which our bespoke curriculum can provide. As a fully inclusive department we strive to ensure all students achieve their potential. The department utilises a range of methods to provide learning opportunities based upon the needs of the individual. We recognise that some students will need additional provision to that provided by the specialist teacher and work closely with our students, LSA’s, parents and any additional stakeholders to make appropriate adjustments to where necessary. This may include one-to-one in-class support, small group work, alternative resources, out of class interventions or access to specific technology. We aim to prepare all our students for the world of work by developing Brave, Respectful, Resilient, Independent, Generous, Hardworking, Thoughtful and Thriving individuals.
Assessment – Impact
The department uses a combination of both formative and summative assessment to determine the impact of the curriculum on all students. Formative assessment is strongly focused on student recall and interleaved learning in the form of short quizzes and tests. All summative assessments are differentiated to ensure all students have the opportunity to achieve highly in relation to their ability and make progress. At Key Stage 3 these occur after every module and include a combination of recall and application questions, with students given the opportunity to review their progress. At Key Stage 4, these occur at the end of each term and include GCSE-style questions from the modules taught during this period. Intervention occurs following each assessment to ensure any misconceptions are addressed and all students can progress. End of Year exams take place in early July for Years 7, 8 and 9 with Year 10 sitting their mock examination around the same time. Year 11 students will take a mock examination in late November/early December and the March of the following year. Revision lists are provided to students at least a week before all assessments in the form of hard copies and electronically via Teams. For more formal assessments, such as end of year exams and mock examinations, students will be provided a revision list at list 3 weeks beforehand.
Homework
Homework is set every half-term as a minimum, in line with school policy and is generally focused on recall and interleaved learning in preparation for short, low stakes testing in the following lesson. Homework varies between classes and can incorporate aspects of online platforms such as Educake, Cognito, Seneca and GCSEpod. Any homework set by the science department will always be meaningful, purposeful and marked accordingly, with feedback for improvement provided to the students.
Beyond the curriculum
The science department takes great pride in the extra-curricular opportunities it provides for our students. A weekly science investigations club is very popular among our key stage 3 students while a number of students regularly attend our weekly homework club. We have established outstanding links with local Universities offering our students a taste of careers in medicine and dentistry, forensic science and animal handling to name but a few. We have organised trips to Kielder Observatory and the Centre for Life to enhance our curriculum as well as taking students on residential trips to Iceland and France.
Section A The Roaring 20s: USA 1919-1929
Section B Depression and the New Deal: The USA, 1929-1941
Section C War in Vietnam, 1964-1975
