OLDYear 8 Curriculum Information Booklet 2017-2018

Science
Science is taught to all students at Stretford Grammar School and the aim is to ensure that
all students develop a good understanding of basic scientific concepts, start to develop their
understanding of the practical applications of Science so as to be able to start to apply their
knowledge to practical applications. Lessons include a balance of written work, research and
project work. Practical work is used in a majority of lessons to introduce concepts or to help
students visualise scientific concepts. Practical work is completed in pairs or in larger
groups. Student progress is assessed via a combination of classwork, homework tasks,
short topic tests and longer termly tests.
Key Stage 3 Science is taught over two years and helps students to develop the knowledge
and skills to help them prepare for the GCSE course.
Topic 1 Heating and Cooling
Students will study the following:
How thermal energy affects the
physical properties of a substance.
The methods of heat transfer by
conduction, convection and
radiation.
Topic 2 Atoms, Elements, Compounds
and Mixtures
Topic 3 Respiration and Gas exchange
Students will study the following:
The difference between atoms and
elements
The properties of metals
The organisation of the Periodic
table
The differences between elements
and compounds
Chemical formulae and naming
compounds
Planning and evaluating
investigations
Students will study the following:
The respiratory system
Control of ventilation
How the lungs are adapted for
efficient gas exchange
Aerobic and Anaerobic cellular
respiration