The cross-cutting capability strand of KS3 Science. The NC names Working Scientifically as the foundation of all scientific learning at KS3, with five threads:
- Scientific attitudes — pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility; understand that scientific methods and theories develop as earlier explanations are modified
- Experimental skills and investigations — ask questions and develop a line of enquiry; make and record observations and measurements using a range of methods; apply sampling techniques
- Analysis and evaluation — apply mathematical concepts; interpret observations and data; present reasoned explanations; evaluate data
- Measurement — understand and use SI units and IUPAC chemical nomenclature; use and derive simple equations
- Vocabulary, units, symbols and nomenclature — accurate use of scientific vocabulary
Forward to KS4
Direct precursor to KS4 Science — Working scientifically — the cross-cutting capability strand at KS4 is the explicit continuation of this KS3 strand.
Why this is its own strand
The NC’s decision to make Working Scientifically a named cross-cutting strand at KS3 reflects the consensus that science is a way of investigating, not just a body of facts. AQA’s GCSE Combined Science Trilogy maintains this explicit billing at KS4 (Working Scientifically is 15% of marks). Edexcel weaves it through. Either way, the discipline of careful observation, controlled experiment, and reasoned conclusion is the canonical territory of this strand.
For NEO’s online delivery, practitioner-supported home experiments, virtual lab simulations, and structured observation tasks are the working pattern at KS3 as well as KS4.