Science

In this section / Teaching, Learning and Assessment

"Science is fun. Science is curiosity. We all have natural curiosity. Science is a process of investigating. It's posing questions and coming up with a method. It's delving in."

KEY STAGE 3

In KS3 Science at Hollis Academy students follow a three-year course based on the new National Curriculum. Across the course there is a focus on practical investigation skills and independent learning as well as opportunities for creative problem solving and open-ended enquiry. We appreciate that some students have lost learning across the primary curriculum and so key themes are mapped from year 1 to year 9 so that core concepts are understood well.

Students are assessed across KS3 using a combination of written assessments and practical assessments. Students will receive graded feedback after completing each topic.

YEAR 7.

Topics Include

Autumn term 1A - Living things including classifications and body systems
Autumn term 1B - Particles including particle model and changes of state
Spring term 2A - Space and Earth and rocks
Spring term 2B - Chemical reactions including acids and alkalis and rusting
Summer term 3A - The environment and feeding relationships
Summer term 3B - Light and Sound

There is an emphasis on basic laboratory work and investigative skills that allow students to build up their knowledge and confidence in science lessons.

YEAR 8.

Topics Include

Autumn term 1A - Living things including reproduction and variation
Autumn term 1B - Particles including elements and compounds and the periodic table
Spring term 2A - Forces and Space
Spring term 2B - Chemical reactions including metal reactions and recycling
Summer term 3A - The environment including plants and farming
Summer term 3B - Energy and electricity

There is a focus on students working independently to solve problems creatively as well as working as part of a group.

YEAR 9.

Topics Include

Autumn term 1A - Living things including microbes and disease
Autumn term 1B - Pollution and the atmosphere
Spring term 2A - Forces and magnets
Spring term 2B - Chemical reactions including rates of reaction
Summer term 3A - Respiration and human impact on the environment
Summer term 3B - Energy efficiency and heating and cooling

KEY STAGE 4

Students in year 10 and 11 work towards an Open Award certificate in Science at level 1 or 2. Children complete across the two years. During each unit children evidence learning through tasks which build towards the qualification. There is no exam element to the course.

Units are:

Human systems for survival
Science investigations
Energy use
Acids and alkalis
The human body
Light and sound
Fuels and pollution

Please use this link to take a look at the Open Awards level 1 certificate and level 2 certificate specifications.

In addition, students complete several bespoke units of work to support preparation for adult life. These include:

Ensuring children have a good understanding of sex, pregnancy and STDS
How to get a GP and dentist,
Which ailments require a pharmacist, a GP or an ambulance
Basic illnesses and prevention including vaccination such as athletes' foot, flu and measles
Car safety, speed limits and what you can't legally modify on your car
Elements of a healthy diet
Teeth and oral hygiene