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Junior Science


In Shell and Second Years Bablake Science Departments teach their own scheme which broadly follows the KS3 Science National Curriculum.  This gives a solid introduction to Science, introducing key ideas and concepts in preparation to learn separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics from the Third Year.  

Facilities

The Science Department has ten modern laboratories used for Junior Science teaching. Each laboratory is fully equipped with a projector and AV equipment. A large range of resources and excellent support is provided by five technicians. Access to our own ICT suite in the Science Department is also available.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to be engaging, practical rich and challenging.

Topics covered in the Shells are: Introduction, Cells, Movement & Speed, Particle Model, Electricity, Human Body, Pressure and Levers, Elements, Compounds & Mixtures, Space and Life.

Topics covered in the Second Year are: Separation, Sound, Circulation & Movement, Heat, Plants & Ecology, Acids & Alkalis, Microbes and Disease, Light, Reactions and Electromagnets.

Ethos

The Department has high expectations of pupils in terms of quality of work and contributions to class discussion. The aim is to provide a course that thoroughly develops and prepares our pupils for studying separate Sciences from the Third Year onwards. It is designed to make links with everyday life, so that pupils understand the connection between what they learn at school and the real world. A large number of relevant practical sessions to improve the learning experience are carried out wherever possible.

Co-curricular

The Department is fully engaged in co-curricular activities and promotes Science whenever possible.

Junior Science Club for Shells and Second Years takes place once each week at lunchtime. Interesting and exciting experiments are carried out and the theory behind them investigated, understood and learned. Examples include; making slime, marshmallow catapults, bath bombs, rockets and sparklers.

CREST Club takes places once a week at lunchtime. Pupils may work individually or in groups to complete a Science based project. The project is assessed externally and a Bronze or Silver Award is achieved, depending on the complexity of the project. Past examples include; making a natural rehydration solution, effect of spices on microorganisms, making a natural anti-bacterial soap and investigating & making indigestion remedies.

Pupils participate in the annual British Science Week Poster Competition, which has a different theme each year. When possible, we invite external speakers to give talks and our Senior Science technician delivers exiting shows/demonstrations, involving flashes, bangs and fire!

Staff know their pupils well and respond sensitively to individual needs. A caring atmosphere prevails thoughout the school.

Independent Schools Inspectorate