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Building on from the key areas from KS2:
as well as preparing for the next step of study for GCSEs, science in this phase builds on the continuity of learning by enabling our learners to relate their scientific explanations to phenomena in the world around them and start to use modelling and predicting as well as abstract ideas to further develop a firm foundation of knowledge.
Our KS3 content across Years 7 and 8 is under 10 big idea headings: Forces, Electromagnetism, Energy, Waves, Matter, Reactions, Earth, Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes. Our students will form links between structure and function in living organisms, the particulate model as the key to understanding the properties and interactions of matter in all its forms, and the resources and means of transfer of energy as key determinants of all of these interactions.
Teachers are constantly monitoring the students learning by using low stakes testing at the start of each lesson, using questioning techniques during the lesson, then the lesson is concluded with a final review to ascertain student’s progress from the lesson At the end of each topic there will be an end of topic test which will be used to assess the learning of the students for that topic. The test outcomes will then be followed up by a progress task which is assigned to each student to address areas of weakness.
We offer a range of external opportunities to broaden our student’s perceptions of science outside of school. Trips and events are organized throughout the year and have included:
We also offer an in school Explosive science club. This takes place after school every Thursday from 3-4pm where students are encouraged to explore a range of hands on science practical activities to excite their thirst for science.
Students are given a username and password to access the free online text books and resources via www.kerboodle.com
Our Key Stage 4 learners develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiry which help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them, today and for the future.
Science is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. All of our students are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science to enable them to build upon and deepen scientific knowledge and the understanding of ideas developed in earlier key stages in the subject disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
Our students develop the knowledge to enable them to develop curiosity about the natural world, insight into working scientifically, and appreciation of the relevance of science to their everyday lives, so they:
Through years 9 and 10 students complete regular formative progress tasks every two to three weeks. These are supported by 6 summative end of unit tests each year. These end of unit tests are based on past GCSE science exam questions. A similar pattern is followed in year 11 but using complete past GCSE papers rather than end of topic tests. Students will sit PPE’s at the end of year 10 and in February in Year 11. At the end of the course students sit 6 GCSE exams, 2 Biology, 2 Chemistry and 2 Physics. For Combined Science this leads to 2 GCSE grades. Triple science leads to 3 GCSE grades (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).
Students will benefit from range of visits and on site speakers including RAF Roadshow; Medical research taster sessions; Science and Technology showcase event; Young Women into STEM and Babcock mentoring scheme. Students also have the opportunities to study and discuss the wider role of science in society. This includes an appreciation of the power and limitations of science and consideration of any ethical issues which may arise. Students will start to explain every day and technological applications of science; evaluate associated personal, social, economic and environmental implications; and make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments.
Students have a login to Kerboodle which gives them access to online copies of the text books we use, alongside other resources, BBC Bitesize and Seneca learning are other recommended web based resources. We have hard copies of revision guides available to purchase through ParentPay. There are several different versions available so please check with your teacher if you are unsure which version would be the most appropriate. We offer GCSE revision after school on Tuesday evenings for year 11 students.
Our BTEC Applied Science course enable our learners to bring together knowledge and understanding with practical and technical skills from Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This is achieved through learners performing vocational tasks that encourage the development of appropriate vocational behaviours and transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis.
Our learners develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, when studying Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques, learners will develop laboratory skills, including collaboration and teamwork which support some of the skills learners need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training.
Our BTEC Applied Science course enable our learners to bring together knowledge and understanding with practical and technical skills from Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This is achieved through learners performing vocational tasks that encourage the development of appropriate vocational behaviours and transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis. Our learners develop the transferable and higher order skills which are valued by higher education providers and employers. For example, when studying Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques, learners will develop laboratory skills, including collaboration and teamwork which support some of the skills learners need to progress to higher education, employment, self-employment or training.
This course uses the EdExcel specification of study. In Year 12 students cover an externally examined unit (unit 1) –The Fundamentals of Science, this covers aspects of Level 3 Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They also complete an internally assessed module (unit 2) – ‘Scientific Practical Techniques’, this teaches them techniques such as preparing standard solutions, titration and chromatography. In Year 13 students cover an externally examined unit (unit 3) – ‘Science Investigation Skills’ and an internally assessed unit (unit 8) – ‘Physiology of Human Body Systems’
Assessment is through externally assessed exams and internally assessed assignments. You will complete your unit 1 exam at the end of year 12, along with submitting assignments for unit 2. In your 12, you will complete internally assessed assignments for unit 8, as well as preparing for the externally assessed unit 3 which involves completion of a practical in controlled conditions and an exam paper based upon the practical.
All assignments are based around a scenario involving a local business or organisation. Students have the opportunity to have visits from people working in science and medical industries, such as a physiotherapist to aid the learning in unit 8.
Lunch time support drop-in sessions are available for both internally and externally assessed units. A revision guide is available; BTEC National Applied Science Revision Guide: (with free online edition) (REVISE BTEC Nationals in Applied Science) Paperback – 2 Sep 2016 by Mr David Brentnall (Author), Ann Fullick (Author).
