KS3 Science FAQs v1 2

							KS3 Science FAQ



St Ivo science

KS3 Science Frequently Asked Questions

Navigate to the information you are looking for by holding down the Ctrl key and left
clicking on the relevant question from the contents list below (page numbers on the
right).


Contents
Q. What science is taught in KS3? ................................................................................................... 1
Q. Is setting used in science in KS3? ................................................................................................ 1
Q. When is the science SATs examination? ..................................................................................... 2
Q. What progress can be expected from students in KS3? ............................................................. 2
Q. How do students monitor their own achievement at KS3?........................................................ 2
Q. Which tier of SATs examination are students entered for? ....................................................... 3
Q. Where can I find out additional information, or provide feedback? .......................................... 3



Q. What science is taught in KS3?

The KS3 science course at St Ivo is topic based. Students complete a sequence of
topics in each year. Each topic focuses on a particular aspect of biology, chemistry or
physics.


Q. Is setting used in science in KS3?

Students are taught in tutor groups in Year 7 and Year 8.

In Year 9, setting is used. Students are set according to achievement in Years 7 and 8.
The following criteria are used:

          Attainment in end of topic tests in Years 7 and 8.
          Teacher assessment (classwork and homework).
          Expected KS3 attainment based on KS2 performance.

In exceptional cases, behavioural issues may influence the decision to place a student in
a particular group e.g. if there are established poor relations between students, they may
be placed in separate groups in order to ensure that each learning group remains as
productive as possible.




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KS3 Science FAQ


Q. When is the science SATs examination?

Students sit their SATs exams in Year 9. The exams take place in May (2nd full week).


Q. What progress can be expected from students in KS3?

In science it can be a challenge to accurately gauge attainment progress as different
scientific topics represent significantly different levels of difficulty. Moreover, some
students find that they have a greater aptitude in one branch of science than another.

The KS3 course at St Ivo has been designed to meet this challenge. It is structured so
that the level of academic challenge for students through Years 7 to 9 is gradually
increased. This is achieved through the careful selection and sequencing of topics.
While each science topic is assessed on the national curriculum scale 3-7, the emphasis
of the challenge shifts towards the upper end of this scale (Levels 5-7) by Year 9.

This may mean that an able student will achieve a Level 6 or 7 in some topics in Year 7.
This does not mean job done! These students will have to develop as scientists and
learners in order to repeat that performance in Year 8 and then again in Year 9.

We work with individual students to generate a SATs challenge target (for their exam at
the end of Year 9). This target is generated using previous assessment data and
teacher judgement. By comparing students performance through the course of KS3 with
a with their target level we can identify which students are on course to meet, exceed or
fall short of their expected potential in science. This awareness allows us to better target
our provision to meet the needs of our learners.

This design allows us to develop scientific knowledge and understanding in a supportive
framework, which recognises a growing maturity and sophistication in learners. It also
allows us to support learning through the sharing of meaningful assessment data with
students, parents and carers.


Q. How do students monitor their own achievement at KS3?

Throughout KS3 students receive feedback from key assessed pieces of work. This
feedback can take 2 forms.

1. A key improvement target. Directly linked to the student’s learning objectives, this
target is designed to enable a student to develop their skills, knowledge and
understanding.
2. A national curriculum level using the scale described below;

                              Level reported to students
                                     and parents
                                  Level 3L (Lower)
                                  Level 3H (Higher)
                                  Level 4L (Lower)
                                  Level 4H (Higher)


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                                   Level 5L (Lower)
                                   Level 5H (Higher)
                                   Level 6L (Lower)
                                   Level 6H (Higher)
                                        Level 7

The L suffix indicates that a student has achieved this level. The H suffix indicates that
the student has performed strongly at this level and is working towards the next level
threshold.

Both types of feedback are designed to enable student to gauge the progress they are
making and develop a clear ideas of how they can improve.


Q. Which tier of SATs examination are students entered for?

There are 2 possible tiers of entry: Level 3-6 or Level 5-7.

The school are required to make a decision about which tier a student will be entered for
in November, prior to the exam in May. In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible
to review this decision in January.

Our policy in science is that we will only enter a student for the Level 5-7 tier if we are
confident that the student has a realistic chance to achieve a strong Level 6 or Level 7.
Our job is to ensure that students achieve the highest level they possibly can. If it is
judged that students do not have a realistic chance at a Level 7 then it is prudent to
enter them for the Level 3-6 tier, where due to the nature of the questions asked,
students have an enhanced opportunity to achieve a Level 5 or 6.

It is important t note that students are fully involved in discussions about the most
appropriate tier of entry.

In making this decision we use the following criteria;

      Attainment in end of topic tests in Years 8 and 9.
      Teacher assessment (classwork and homework).
      Expected KS3 attainment based on KS2 performance.



Q. Where can I find out additional information, or provide feedback?

If you require additional information please contact the school by phone or email:

ccassidy.cgz@e2bn.net

We are always grateful to receive feedback from parents and carers.




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