Y8 pupils examine rocks in the laboratory

Year 8

Year 8 builds on the knowledge and skills of year 7 and previous learning. Pupils follow the modules listed below and are examined in December and May. Lessons on thinking skills (CASE) are interleaved with the teaching modules, to enhance the pupils’ learning in this subject. Pupils are presented with more demanding tasks and concepts which would not be appreciated by younger children. Pupils are expected to use scientific ideas and key words much more than in earlier years. Pupils are taught in 5 classes, organised as higher and lower bands, in roughly the same groups as year 7.

Modules:

Autumn Term:

• Waves (sound and light)
• Nutrition
• Elements
• Exam

Spring Term:

• Heat Transfer
• Rock Cycle
• Magnetism and Electricity
• Movement
• Exam

Summer Term:

• Personal Health
• Living things and their environments
• Environmental Chemistry

As in Y7, timing of the modules is staggered, so that the teachers are not all trying to do the same experiment simultaneously. This means that pupils in the same form (tutor group) may not be studying the same topic. The curriculum is enriched in various ways, we have previously arranged ICT activities, guest lecturers, Space centre trip in science week, and other science week activities. Our aim is to ensure that pupils continue to find scientific explanations of phenomena in their everyday lives and ensure continued pleasure of learning.