Year 9

Year 9, the end of key stage 3, prepares pupils for the SAT exams and for the beginning of GCSE study. Pupils follow separate science schemes in chemistry, physics and biology.

Pupils are informed of their GCSE options in science:
“double” combined science - all 3 sciences, 2 GCSE equivalents or “triple” science - all 3 sciences separately taught and assessed, 3 GCSE equivalents. This option will reduce the number of other optional subjects at GCSE. Pupils are taught in 5 classes, organised as higher and lower bands, as in previous years, with one hour a week in each branch of science.

Modules:

Chemistry topics:
•  making gases
•  reactivity series of metals
•  displacement
•  Practice SAT exam
•  Acids, bases and displacement
•  revision
•  SAT exam
•  atomic structure and quantitative chemistry

Physics topics:
•  forces and movement
•  electricity
•  energy revision
•  Practice SAT exam
•  revision
•  SAT exam

Biology topics:
•  photosynthesis and plant growth
•  Human biology extension
•  Practice SAT exam
•  revision
•  SAT exam

Timing of the modules is staggered, so that the teachers are not all trying to do the same experiment simultaneously! Our aim is to ensure that pupils continue to enjoy learning more about science in everyday life, extending their knowledge ready for GCSE.