Science Statement of Intent for CMS

We want Science to encourage our pupils to understand: how organisms interact within different ecosystems, and how the structure and function of cells and organ systems allow organisms to survive; how chemical reactions happen and how atoms are rearranged during these processes, linking them to biological and physical processes: how and why the world works around us linking to forces and the particle model.

Our Science curriculum allows our pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.   We want to enable our pupils to understand how Science is involved in all aspects of life, prepare them for adult life, employment and life-long learning.

Our Science department intent aims to ensure that all pupils: 

  • Foster a curiosity in scientific processes and how they link to the world around us.
  • Develop the skills of an effective scientific communicator and investigator;
  • Prepare students for the future study of Science.will be encouraged to acquire a deeper knowledge of various scientific processes and skills that form an integral part of understanding the world around us.
  • develop practical investigation skills which are transferable between subjects and deepen the understanding of the scientific principles taught. 
  • they should have a good understanding of what constitutes a fair comparison, different scientific variables, accuracy and sources of error.


Curriculum Across the Year 

  • In KS2 pupils receive two Science lessons per week.
  • In KS3 pupils receive three Science lessons per week.


Key Components 

KS2

Year  Topic Key Components 
Year 5 Biology Extending knowledge of different animals and their life cycles.

Discovering different organ systems of the human body and how diet and lifestyle can impact our health.
Chemistry A study of the classification and exploring the  properties of materials and how these relate to their uses.
Physics Research the relationships in space and explore why we have days, nights and seasons.

Investigating the properties of light and how this allows us to see things differently.
Year 6 Biology Discovering how variation leads to evolution and the importance of variation.

Learning how and why adaptations of species allows them to survive in extreme environments and how feeding relationships in an ecosystem impacts other species.
Chemistry Extend knowledge of physical and chemical changes in chemical reactions and use the particle model to explain how states of matter change.

Investigate different ways of separating mixtures.
Physics Extend knowledge of how forces play a part in everyday life and how they can impact objects differently.

Investigate circuits and magnetism and how different components can affect the current and voltage in circuits.

KS3 

Year  Topic Key Components 
Year 7 Biology Extending knowledge of different animals and their life cycles.

Discovering different organ systems of the human body and how diet and lifestyle can impact our health.
Chemistry A study of the classification and exploring the  properties of materials and how these relate to their uses.
Physics Research the relationships in space and explore why we have days, nights and seasons.

Investigating the properties of light and how this allows us to see things differently.
Year 8 Biology Discovering how variation leads to evolution and the importance of variation.

Learning how and why adaptations of species allows them to survive in extreme environments and how feeding relationships in an ecosystem impacts other species.
Chemistry Extend knowledge of physical and chemical changes in chemical reactions and use the particle model to explain how states of matter change.

Investigate different ways of separating mixtures.
Physics Extend knowledge of how forces play a part in everyday life and how they can impact objects differently.

Investigate circuits and magnetism and how different components can affect the current and voltage in circuits.

Websites

There is a wealth of information on the internet about the topics covered in the curriculum. You could explore the following: 


Homework

Within Science, homework is set to provide opportunities for pupils to consolidate learning, deepen understanding and give opportunities to practise and develop skills ensuring students’ progress and raising achievement. In Science homework will be focused around the 3Rs (Reading, Retrieval and Research). 

Reading  Retrieval  Research 
Regular reading helps develop cognitive abilities.  Retrieval (recap) activities help students to strengthen their memory and recall information from their learning, leading to deeper learning and understanding.  Research activities enable pupils to deepen and extend their understanding further. 

Helpful resources for learning 


Recommended Reading 

Here is a list of suitable science related fiction and non-fiction texts to stimulate young readers and more advanced readers.

Parent Information

Fun ways to inspire children with Science

You could: 

  • Read around the topic you are studying
  • Choose a relevant book from the recommended reading list
  • Take a trip to the Great North Museum, Centre for Life, the Discovery Museum, Newcastle. Kielder observatory
  • Science related days out rock pooling, zoo and farm visits

Safe at Home Science experiments

Science Assessments

Pupils are formally assessed throughout both KS2 and KS3. Assessment may include: 

  • Multiple choice questions
  • A short response questions 
  • An extended written response