Science units are delivered to individual classes on a rotation. The units listed below may not always be studied sequentially.
| Unit | Content |
|---|---|
| Biology Bioenergetics and genes
| Students deepen their knowledge of the functions of organs and cells, learning how respiration and photosynthesis are essential for the transfer of energy within living beings. They build upon the final biology topic of Year 7, furthering their understanding of the importance of organisms being well adapted if they are to survive and pass on genes. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed summatively at the end of the unit, during the first half of the year. The assessment contains questions requiring short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. This unit is also assessed at the end of the year. |
| Biology Interdependence and organisms | Students deepen their knowledge of how tissues and organs within the human body work together to supply materials that are essential for life processes. This topic also builds upon knowledge of adaptations and ecosystems covered in Year 7 and in the first part of Year 8. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed summatively at the end of the unit, during the second half of the year. The assessment contains questions requiring short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. |
| Chemistry Earth and the periodic table | Students deepen their knowledge of the periodic table, of particles and of chemical reactions. This unit provides the foundations needed to develop an understanding of the development of the Earth and its atmosphere. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed summatively at the end of the unit, during the first half of the year. The assessment contains questions requiring short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. This unit is also assessed at the end of the year. |
| Chemistry Chemical reactions and climate
| Students expand upon their knowledge of chemical reactions in the context of earth metals, developing a deeper understanding of conservation of mass and energy. They learn more detailed information about the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed summatively at the end of the unit, during the second half of the year. The assessment contains questions requiring short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. |
| Physics Electricity and magnetism | In this unit, students deepen their knowledge of electricity through practical-based activities and calculations. They also gain a more complete understanding of how magnetic fields work. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed summatively at the end of the unit, during the first half of the year. The assessment contains questions requiring short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. This unit is also assessed at the end of the year. |
| Physics Sound and light
| Students build upon their prior knowledge of energy transfers in the context of sound and light. They learn how humans see and hear and build an understanding of the properties of different forms of waves. Key knowledge developed:
Key skills developed:
Assessment: Learning is assessed summatively at the end of the unit, during the second half of the year. The assessment contains questions requiring short- and long-form answers based on scientific knowledge and on the ability to work scientifically. |
