KS3 National Curriculum Science

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

(Taken from ‘The National Curriculum in England’)

Aims

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future

(Taken from ‘The National Curriculum in England’)

Key Stage 3 (National Curriculum Science)

Students take part, in content, according to the National Curriculum for science using ‘AQA KS3 framework’ which reviews and builds on the understanding from KS2. Practical enquiry plays a major role in forming the basis for our KS3 curriculum and allows students to develop the skills of enquiry and how to work scientifically. During Key Stage 3 students will also have the opportunity to build on topics previously experienced and allow time to aid students interest in specific subject areas of science (Forensics, Palaeontology and Astronomy)

Key Stage 3 (Entry Level Certificate)

Students take part, in content, according to the National Curriculum for science using ‘AQA ELC frame work’ which reviews and builds on the understanding from KS3 with the view to prepare the students for GCSE. Practical enquiry plays a major role in forming the basis for our ELC curriculum and allows students to develop the skills of enquiry and how to work scientifically while building the skills in preparation for GCSE. Students will have the ability to work towards an Entry level qualification or give them valuable skills to move students onto their Science GCSE.

Entry level Certificate (ELC)

KS3A and KS3B are following the Entry level certificate curriculum. Entry Level Certificates (ELCs) are nationally recognised qualifications which give students the opportunity to achieve a certificated award. ELC help prepare students for GCSE and build on their existing knowledge from KS3. It allows students to work towards a goal during their early years at secondary school.