Junior Science
The Science faculty is housed in a modern, purpose-built facility that compares favourably with many university departments. It is impressively resourced with state-of-the-art equipment that can be shared between the three science departments. All girls at Monmouth School for Girls study Biology, Chemistry and Physics until the age of sixteen and preparation for that begins at Year 6, when girls from the prep department attend for their lessons.
The three sciences are delivered by specialist teachers in both Years 7 and 8. The programmes of study are designed to lead on from Year 6 Science courses and provide a firm and broad foundation for IGCSE Sciences, which begin in Year 9. The Schemes of Work follow the statements in the National Curriculum for Science KS3 that pertain to the programme of study that has been devised by the school’s Science Department. All aspects of teaching and learning are covered, including the principles of scientific investigation and safety. The course is well-resourced with networked interactive activities and it is supported by text books and work books.
Year 7
What do year 7 study?
Safety and Apparatus
Laboratory rules, safety and hazard symbols, identifying and using apparatus, the Bunsen burner
Life processes and Cells
The seven characteristics of living organisms. The relationship between cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. Structure and function of a typical animal and plant cell. Specialised cells. How to use a microscope and preparation of cells for microscopic examination.
Particle model: solids, liquids and gases
Solids, liquids and gases, evidence for the particle theory, using the particle model, change of state, diffusion.
Space:
The Sun and the moon – eclipses and seasons. Planets of our solar system. The Sun emits light and the planets reflect light. Comparing the Sun with other stars
Human Reproduction
An overview of animal reproduction. In humans: sperm and egg production, the basic anatomy and function of the male and female reproductive system. The characteristics of puberty including the menstrual cycle. The development and birth of a baby.
Acids, bases and salts
Acids and alkalis and the pH scale. Neutralisation reactions, reactions of oxides, carbonates with acids, naming salts and writing equations.
Electricity:
Identifying common circuit symbols . Designing and using appropriate circuits.
Year 8
What do you study in year 8?
Ecology and plant reproduction:
The structure and function of the reproductive organs in wind and insect pollinated plants. Pollination, fertilisation and seed dispersal. Investigating the requirements for seed germination. Using different sampling methods in the meadow.
Atoms, Elements, Mixtures and Compounds
Pure substances and mixtures. Elements, atoms, symbols, molecules, formulae and writing equations. The difference between mixtures and compounds.
Forces
Pushes and pulls. What forces can do and how to measure them. Contact and non-contact forces; balanced and unbalanced pairs of forces; Speed, velocity and acceleration. Hooke’s Law – How springs stretch
Body organs and systems
The levels of organisation within our bodies and key systems including the nervous system, endocrine system and excretory system.
The periodic table
The differences between metals and non-metals. The reactions of metals with water, steam, oxygen, acids. Displacement reactions. The reactivity series within the periodic table.
Energy
What is meant by the term energy? Forms of energy and how it can be transferred. Renewable and non-renewable sources of energy and the problems of each resource. Consider each energy resource in the context of our electrical supply
Opportunities for support
Many everyday activities can be used to reinforce the learning in school. e.g. observing changes in the body during exercise, identification of plants and animals in the garden and the countryside, observing changes of state in cooking, observing corrosion of metals, acids and alkalis in the kitchen, using spring balances for cooking and fishing, using nut crackers, highlighting energy use in the house, observing key constellation such as the plough and Orion.
Books
Pupils’ Text book and coursebook
There are many stimulating books in the science section of the school library.
Co-curricular
|
Activity |
When? |
Age group |
|
Harris Scientific Society |
Evenings |
Year 12 + 13 |
|
Monmouth Science Initiative |
Wednesday p.m. |
Year 12 + 13 |
|
Engineering Education Scheme Wales |
Lunchtimes and after school |
Year 12 |
|
STEM Club |
After school |
Y 9-13 |
|
Monmouth Astronomical Society |
First Tues evening of the month |
All ages |
|
British Physics Olympiad and Physics Challenge Competitions |
Michaelmas Term March |
Years 11-13 |
|
British Chemistry Olympiad and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge |
Michaelmas Term Summer Term |
Years 11-13 |
|
Biology Challenge Competition |
March |
Years 9-10 |
|
British Biology Olympiad |
January, March |
Y13 |
|
National Science and Engineering Competition |
Lunchtimes and after school |
All ages |
|
Oxbridge and Russell group Biological & medical sciences discussion group |
lunchtimes |
Y11-12+13 |
|
Oxbridge Physics and Engineering |
Lunchtimes after school |
Y13 |
|
Astronomy Club |
Lunchtime |
All ages |
|
Science Clubs |
Lunchtime |
Years 7 + 8-9 |
|
Faraday IET Competition |
Lent term |
Year 8 |
|
Chemistry Research Club Sixth form Research Club |
After school |
Year 10-11 Year 12-13 |