Course content - What will you be studying?
In Year 9, students will build upon skills and knowledge they have gained in Years 7 and 8. There is a focus on the 5 key ideas of science (Particles, Interdependence, Energy, Forces, Cells). Students will explore these topics in greater depth than in previous years, and begin to get a taste of what GCSE Science is like.
The science topics are explored through contextualised projects, that each take some time to immerse students into the “why” of what is being learned. For example, when studying Interdependence, students explore the local marine habitat (Plymouth Sound) and then learn about how human behaviour is affecting the local biodiversity, both positively and negatively. When possible, this project is enriched by a trip to the local aquarium that has a fantastic exhibit focusing on the local marine ecosystem which depends upon the endangered seagrass beds.
Assessment
Students will be assessed through a variety of formative methods throughout the projects and will begin to get a taste of GCSE style assessment when completing end of topic assessments. The purpose of this is not only to provide useful data to inform teacher planning, but also to gradually increase student awareness and competence in advance of the first round of mock examinations in Year 1. Students transitioning to Key Stage 4 courses will undergo AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy.
Enrichment opportunities (Extra curricular clubs)
Opportunities for extra curricular and enrichment activities include:
- Local walks
- Field-trips/Visits (e.g. National Marine Aquarium, Dartmoor Zoo)
- Science club