The following principles underline the Key Stage 3 strategy:
sufficient regular teaching time for the teaching and learning of scientific knowledge, and of the understanding and skills of scientific enquiry;
direct, interactive teaching, through whole-class and small-group work, including the demonstration of essential practical and technical skills;
engagement by all pupils in tasks and activities that, even when differentiated, relate to a common topic for the whole class;
extra support for pupils who need it to keep in step with the majority of their year group;
regular opportunities to develop scientific language and mental and visualisation skills through oral work and modelling;
opportunities for pupils to use and apply their understanding of key scientific ideas, either on their own or with others, with varying degrees of support opportunities to carry out extended investigative work;
time for pupils to reflect on their learning.
Reference: http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/keystage3/respub/scienceframework/strategies/