You are here: Home » Academic » Teaching Departments » Junior Science

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