Science

Home / Science

Statement of Intent

The LDA science curriculum intends to increase pupils’ science capital, and light the fire of scientific interest in pupils.

Curriculum Aims

The Science curriculum at Lord Derby Academy builds on the National Curriculum.  The KS3 Science curriculum provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

Throughout KS3, pupils are given numerous opportunities to think like a scientist through experimentation and problem solving. Pupils revisit content as they journey through the curriculum, helping them to recall and retain information and allowing them to gain the fundamental knowledge needed to be successful in KS4 and beyond.

Curriculum Pathways

Click the links below to view the variety of scientific pathways:

Astronomy Curriculum Pathway
Biology Curriculum Pathway
Chemistry Curriculum Pathway
Combined Science Curriculum Pathway
Physics Curriculum Pathway

Curriculum Model 2022 – 2023

In KS3, Year 7 will experience 4 lessons and Years 8 and 9 will experience 3 lessons of Science per week. Pupils will also be exposed to Science experiences through our enrichment programme. During the options process in Year 9, we strive to encourage pupils to further their scientific understanding by opting to choose Triple Science and Astronomy.

Overview

Year 7

Rationale: At the start of Year 7, pupils focus on transition into secondary school through the Introduction to Science unit, allowing pupils to develop the necessary experimental techniques for future scientific practicals. Pupils then begin their journey into KS3 Science by learning about cells, followed by acids and alkalis and then forces – 3 units of which introduce core principals of biology, chemistry and physics. From the Spring term onwards, Year 7 study a further 8 units ranging from muscles and bones to electricity to energy allowing pupils to be introduced to a broad scientific diet. During this time, pupils apply content taught during their time in KS2 and further develop  understanding of scientific phenomena.

Year 8

Rationale: Year 8 pupils start the year learning about atoms, elements and molecules – a fundamental concept of chemistry. This then flows seamlessly into the mixtures and separation unit allowing pupils to experience an array of experimental methods to separate substances. Towards the end of the Autumn term, Year 8 pupils move onto the breathing and respiration unit. This study allows for pupils to re-visit content taught during the biology units in Year 7, as well as creating cross-curricular links to PSHE and PE. From Spring term onwards, pupils engage in 6 further units ranging from unicellular organisms to energy transfers to fluids.

Year 9

Rationale: At the start of Year 9, pupils focus on the light and sound unit. During this time, pupils learn the physics behind how different waves transfer energy as well as accessing biology content to discuss the structure and function of the eye and ear. Pupils are then taught genetics and evolution, making materials and forces, motion and space before the end of the Autumn term. During Spring term, pupils cover more biology, chemistry and physics units before moving on to the science revision unit where pupils spend time re-visiting core scientific concepts from Years 7, 8 and 9 before embarking upon the final unit of Year 9: transition to GCSE. It is during this last unit that Year 9 pupils will begin their transition to KS4 content.

Key Stage 3 Modular Overview

Click here to view the detailed overview of the Science curriculum content taught throughout KS3.  Each modular overview provides information on the knowledge and skills taught at each stage within the intended curriculum.

Revision Support

All pupils have the opportunity to purchase a Revision Guide from school.  Past papers can be found at qualifications.pearson.com. BBC.co.uk/bitesize contains online support for Years 7 through to Year 11.

Homework

Science is set on a weekly basis as an extension of the curriculum.

Faculty

Mr A. Hambleton: Curriculum Leader, Science
Mrs S. Lancelott-Morris: Deputy Curriculum Leader, Science
Mr K. Young: Assistant Headteacher, Classroom Teacher Science
Mrs R. Fitzsimon: Responsibility in Science
Mrs L. Smith: Classroom Teacher, Science
Miss J. Smart: Classroom Teacher, Science
Mrs C. Pugh: Classroom Teacher, Science
Mrs D. Abel: Classroom Teacher, Science
Miss B. Sorenson: Classroom Teacher, Science
Mr P. Hartley: Classroom Teacher, Science
Miss E. Norton: Technician
Mrs T. Robinson: Technician

Select Language