Science Curriculum Years 7, 8, 9
INTRODUCTION
Our aims are to foster a deep understanding of scientific principles along with a genuine
enjoyment of the diverse subject matter, combined with developing an enquiring mind.
The KS3 curriculum is delivered using the OUP Activate scheme of work that offers the
opportunity to learn using many different styles. As well as completing the traditional
experiments in the laboratories there is a wealth of online quizzes, activities and research
tasks that encourages independent learning. In addition to paper textbooks the students
also have their own online textbooks that they can annotate and access at home.
Learning takes place through practical activities in dedicated laboratories, where students
are challenged to design and undertake their own investigations. These activities support
and re-enforce the theory. Students are introduced to the use of sensors and data loggers
for taking measurements to reflect the changes and progress in the scientific industries but
the pupils will still have the opportunity to develop their multitasking and dexterity skills
when they are set the challenge of measuring speed using a tape measure, stopwatch and
toy car!
The Science Department values and arranges visits to local engineering and science based
companies so the students can relate their learning to practical applications and career
opportunities. In the past year students have visited the car manufacturing industry,
engineering workshops, bridge construction challenges and bio-science events.
Key staff:
Head of Science and Physics Miss F Booth
Head of Biology Mrs S Dobson
Head of Chemistry Mrs F Gowland
Science Teacher Mrs H Fletcher
Laboratory Technician Dr Anderson
YEAR 7 CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Units of work covered include:
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Working Scientifically
Cells
Structure and Function of Body Systems
Reproduction
Particles and their Behaviour
Elements, Atoms and Compounds
Reactions
Acids and Alkalis
Forces
Tel: +44 (0) 1325 463 383
Fax: +44 (0) 1325 383 539
Web: www.polamhall.com
1
Polam Hall School
Grange Road, Darlington
County Durham, DL1 5PA, UK
Science Curriculum Years 7, 8, 9
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Sound
Light
Space
Ways in which your child will be assessed in Year 7:
 Working Scientifically
 End of Topic Tests
 Web-quests
 The Big Write
Key events all Year 7 parents will be made aware of:
 Parents Evening
 End of year assessments/exams
YEAR 8 CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Units of work covered include:
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Health and Lifestyle
Ecosystem Processes
Adaptation and Inheritance
The Periodic Table
Separation Techniques
Metals and Acids
The Earth
Electricity and Magnetism
Energy
Motion and Pressure
Ways in which your child will be assessed in Year 8:
 Working Scientifically
 End of Topic Tests
 Web-quests
 The Big Write
Key events all Year 8 parents will be made aware of:
 Parents Evening
 End of Year assessments/exams
Tel: +44 (0) 1325 463 383
Fax: +44 (0) 1325 383 539
Web: www.polamhall.com
2
Polam Hall School
Grange Road, Darlington
County Durham, DL1 5PA, UK
Science Curriculum Years 7, 8, 9
YEAR 9 CURRICUUM OUTLINE
Units of work covered include:
Biology
 New technology
o Genetics
o Selective breeding
o Cloning
o Biotechnology
o Enzymes in industry
 Turning points in Biology
o Vaccines
o Antibiotics
o DNA
o Charles Darwin
o Preventing extinction
 Detection
o Microscopy
o Fingerprinting
o Blood typing
o Time of death
o Pathology
Chemistry
 New technology
o Nanoparticles
o Cars: pros and cons
o New fuels
o Cleaning up exhausts
o Hybrid electric cars
 Turning points in Chemistry
o Evidence for atoms
o Looking into atoms
o Discovering the Periodic Table
o Lessons from Fossils
o The oldest primate
 Detection
o Break-in!
o Smelly problem
o Blood alcohol
o Body!
o A week in court
Physics
Tel: +44 (0) 1325 463 383
Fax: +44 (0) 1325 383 539
Web: www.polamhall.com
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Polam Hall School
Grange Road, Darlington
County Durham, DL1 5PA, UK
Science Curriculum Years 7, 8, 9
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New technology
o Your phone
o Your house
o Your hospital
o Your sports
o Your planet
Turning points in Physics
o Discovering the Universe
o The Big Bang
o Spacecraft and satellites
o Radioactivity
o Electromagnetism
Detection
o Detecting planets
o Detecting alien life
o Detecting position
o Detecting messages
o Detecting particles
Ways in which your child will be assessed in Year 9:
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Working Scientifically
End of Topic Tests
Web-quests
The Big Write
Key events all Year 9 parents will be made aware of:
 Parents Evening
 End of year assessments/exams
 Deadlines for GCSE option choices
In Years 7, 8 and 9 we recommend you support your child’s learning by:
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Encouraging reading and independent research
Helping them to be organised and complete homework on time
Asking about current work and making positive comments
Engaging them in relevant discussion
Recommending additional resources – such as the library or online
Watch science documentaries
Visit museums and exhibitions
Exploring the countryside
Observing nature
Tel: +44 (0) 1325 463 383
Fax: +44 (0) 1325 383 539
Web: www.polamhall.com
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Polam Hall School
Grange Road, Darlington
County Durham, DL1 5PA, UK
Science Curriculum Years 7, 8, 9
Relevant online resources to help your child:
The following web links are useful for all Key Stage 3 students.
www.bbc.co.uk/education/
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround
www.kerboodle.com
We also recommend the use of online science revision apps available from:
www.cgpbooks.co.uk/apps_info
Tel: +44 (0) 1325 463 383
Fax: +44 (0) 1325 383 539
Web: www.polamhall.com
5
Polam Hall School
Grange Road, Darlington
County Durham, DL1 5PA, UK