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Key Stage Three Schemes of Work - Science

A scheme of work produced as optional guidance from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to support the teaching of science at Key Stage Three (students aged 11-14), and intended to cover all the requirements of the 2000 National Curriculum programme of study.

Context 

While the scheme of work is intended to be 'a comprehensive and stimulating basis for schools planning their science curriculum for 2000 and beyond', and to 'help schools improve standards' the guidance stresses that the material was optional and shows 'one way that the science programme of study can be interpreted for the classroom'. It was intended for adaptation by teachers to meet students’ diverse needs.

Development

The scheme was developed by QCA 'with teachers, advisors, researcher and those working in science education' – and informed by reports of good practice, research projects, and evidence from student performance in tests. The units were written in such a way as to cover the statements of the National Curriculum programme of study. The guidance outlines expected levels of progress of most students through Years Seven, Eight and Nine. The teaching sequences of each of the units are suggested – each unit being mapped to the programme of study statements for science (both content and scientific enquiry), and links being provided to show where the unit fits in, prior learning, health and safety, language for learning, resources and out-of-school learning. Each of the suggested teaching activities has learning objectives and outcomes, and other relevant points to note.

Components

The Scheme of Work comprises 37 teaching sequences presented as units of work, named by year-group from Years Seven to Nine:

Unit titles and teaching times

Blank page for teachers' use

Unit 7A Cells

Unit 7B Reproduction

Unit 7C Environment and feeding relationships

Unit 7D Variation and classification

Unit 7E Acids and alkalis

Unit 7F Simple chemical reactions

Unit 7G Particle model of solids, liquids and gases

Unit 7H Solutions

Unit 7I Energy resources

Unit 7J Electrical circuits

Unit 7K Forces and their effects

Unit 7L The solar system and beyond

Unit 8A Food and digestion

Unit 8B Respiration

Unit 8C Microbes and disease

Unit 8D Ecological relationships

Unit 8E Atoms and elements

Unit 8F Compounds and mixtures

Unit 8G Rocks and weathering

Unit 8H The rock cycle

Unit 8I Heating and cooling

Unit 8J Magnets and electromagnets

Unit 8K Light

Unit 8L Sound and hearing

Unit 9A Inheritance and selection

Unit 9B Fit and healthy

Unit 9C Plants and photosynthesis

Unit 9D Plants for food

Unit 9E Reactions of metals and metal compounds

Unit 9F Patterns of reactivity

Unit 9G Environmental chemistry

Unit 9H Using chemistry

Unit 9I Energy and electricity

Unit 9J Gravity and space

Unit 9K Speeding up

Unit 9L Pressure and moments

Unit 9M Investigating scientific questions

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