Science

We want to ensure that our students are thoroughly supported in their transition from KS2 to KS3 in Science. We aim to bridge both prior substantive and disciplinary knowledge across the key stages. In Year 7, we purposely prioritise revisiting and rebuilding on the following areas of KS2 study:

Working Scientifically: Peppered throughout the curriculum is opportunity to hone students’ practical skills with an array of hand on activities in a real lab. Building on investigative, comparative, recording and observational skills nurtured at key stage 2.

Prior knowledge: Our well planned and thoughtful curriculum is research led using Best Evidence of Science Teaching (York University 2019- BEST). This allows us to revisit key stage 2 national curriculum within year 7, 8 and 9 and prepare a strong foundation GCSE.

HT1: Introducing energy and matter is delivered in this half term.
Building on the fundamental principles of energy; by delivering these big ideas first allows students here at Birchwood High to access the key concepts that build upon knowledge garnered from understanding energy concepts first. Students can make links to the world around them knowledge of energy in food, energy in plants and animals. Particles and matter, is one of the 15 big ideas in science and understanding matter and particles helps us to grasp other key concepts such as forces and cells. Investigating changes of state using both hands on activities and maths skills to interpret their findings, both topics are covered in the first half term. This builds upon work from Year2, 4,5 and 6.

HT2: Investigating forces with application using practical skills and application into the real world. Cells and organ systems are taught here to better understand out body whilst also making links to energy and matter topics delivered in HT1 and forces at year 5.

HT3: Introduces the first of our topics under the discipline of biology and the cellular basis of life. Cells and organ systems are the two topics taught in this half term seamlessly transitioning from cells to cells into organ systems. Links to Year 2 animals and offspring; Year 3 structure and function, year 5 living things and year 6 animals including humans. Students have the opportunity to dissect organs, recognise how specialised cells are adapted to their function and collect cells to view under the microscope.

HT4: Elements and compound is delivered; building on the keys stage 2 substantive knowledge of group material in terms of properties, hardness, conductivity in year 5 and comparative observation of material in year 2. Chemical reactions, is delivered and the substantive knowledge of properties and changing materials where simple reactions such as rusting, burning and reactions with vinegar was explored in year 2 and again in year 5 were the term reversible and irreversible changes are introduced. We build upon this knowledge through underpinning this prior substantive knowledge through disciplinary knowledge and practical investigative work identifying both chemical and physical changes

HT 5: Acids and alkalis are delivered during this half term to build upon substantive and disciplinary knowledge of reactions covered in HT4. Students will be able to link this to acids and alkali examples within the real world. They will be introduced to the concept of neutralisation and carry out investigative work to see the science in action.
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HT6: Introduces electricity and builds upon prior knowledge of construction of simple circuits and identifying simple components such as cells, wires and bulbs taught in year 4 and the introduction of simple series circuits and the link between voltage and cells introduced in year 6. We will introduce new disciplinary knowledge though building on prior substantive knowledge at Ks2. Finally, we move on to interdependence of organisms. Recognising food webs and chains, the importance of biodiversity and how bioaccumulation can occur within a food chain.

The importance of literacy:
Throughout our thoughtful curriculum we revisit and build upon subject specific vocabulary and have a Science club during our enrichment sessions. Within Birchwood science department we nurture the development of literacy through; Introducing new vocabulary throughout each year and using this to develop our students’ fluency and confidence all aspects of literacy including; reading, writing, oracy, speaking and listening Making increasingly perceptive inferences about topics for both Science knowledge and vocabulary. Making links between what they know and how knowledge is built upon, allowing them to know more and remember more. Scientific vocabulary, practical aspects and mathematical skills delivered and interleaved throughout the curriculum nurturing confidence in students enabling them to become leaders within the field. The importance of making mistakes, nurturing a secure environment to enable students acknowledge the mistakes; reflect, and adapt thus building resilience within their science education. Promoting oracy and building our students’ ability to talk about their ideas and opinions in a clear, formal, and confident way.