Aim

• To familiarise students with laboratory apparatus
• To engage students’ curiosity
• To develop students’ investigative skills
• To increase knowledge and understanding of the human body and the world around us

Topics covered

Year 7 Science begins with an introduction to safety in the laboratory and general practical skills. Students are then taught nine topics which are split into three blocks:

• Block One (September-January): Cells and reproduction, particles and energy
• Block Two (January-May): Bodies, separating mixtures and electricity
• Block Three (May-July): Biodiversity, chemical change and space

Within these topics, students will get many opportunities to develop their practical and investigative skills

Teaching groups

Students are taught in mixed ability form groups, except those who need support in accessing the curriculum who are taught in a smaller group.

Assessment

Students will complete assessments at the end of each topic, allowing teachers to assess student progress. There will also be an assessment at the end of the year on content from the whole year.  The result of this test will be used to determine students’ current attainment as well as in setting students for the following year.

How to support at home

• Buy a Key Stage 3 Science Course Guide or Knowledge Organiser through ParentPay to support your child's work at home
• Support students in completing homework on time and talking to them about what they have been doing in Science. Much of the homework set is online (using Seneca)
• Encourage students to watch documentaries about space and nature (for example, Planet Earth, Blue Planet and The Solar System). There are many available on BBC iPlayer or streaming services

If you would like to view the level of content, then you can visit BBC Bitesize by clicking here