Science

Context

The science department consists of ten specialist teachers and one full time science technician. The department has six laboratories and two classrooms. The department has a united focus on students achieving their personal best and developing a love for learning.

Curriculum

Students in all year groups are working towards GCSE exams with the AQA exam board. These students will be assessed on the number grade 1-9 system. A linear curriculum is in place, where students study the new units each year in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (refer to the curriculum guides for additional information). There is still a strong focus on practical skills and students will be assessed on their knowledge of practical skills through their GCSE exam papers.

At KS4 some students work towards Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs) and some students work towards Combined Science worth 2 GCSEs. This choice is discussed with students through the options process and through our personalised Information and Guidance meetings between senior leaders, students and parents. Students who attain highly through the first half of Year 10 are given the opportunity to be entered for the Separate Science course, achieving three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

For curriculum guides for Science, please visit our Curriculum by Year Group pages.

Learning Journey

Assessment

Teachers use powerful formative assessment on an ongoing basis to identify student misconceptions and address them in using responsive teaching.  Each half term students will complete a Mastery Recall Test to check their key knowledge in Science, and Mastery Application Tasks to check their ability to apply knowledge and demonstrate scientific skills.  Key Stage 4 students will sit two sets of mock exams per year as preparation for GCSE exams and to check progress to ensure that all students are entered for the correct course and tier of exam paper.

Homework

All Key Stage 3 students are expected to complete 30 minutes of Science Masters of Knowledge work at home each week.  This key practice ensures that they can recall the most important knowledge, and that they will be prepared for upcoming topics in the classroom.  As well as Masters of Knowledge, GCSE students will also be issued with 30 minutes of practice exam questions to complete each week.  This is crucial revision, carefully sequenced to help students remember and apply key knowledge, and to gain familiarity with how Science will be assessed in their final exams.

Enrichment Opportunities

Competitions and special sessions will take place throughout the course of the academic year linked to key events, such as British Science Week.

For our 'Electives' we are running Super Scientist STEM Club and Small Animal Care. For further information, see the Electives Programme area of our website.