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 the homework set by the Science department is revision work to help students secure key knowledge in their long-term memory and practice applying that knowledge in a wide range of contexts.
All Year 7 and 8 students are required to complete 30 minutes of Masters of Knowledge work each week. This includes a combination of Mastery Question practice and Legacy Missions. All Year 9 students are required to complete 30 minutes of Mastery Question practice per week.
At GCSE, all students are required to complete 10 minutes of Mastery Question retrieval practice, one topic summary activity to address their misconceptions and knowledge gaps, and 30 minutes of exam question practice. Our Combined Science students complete this once per week. Our Triple Science students complete this once per fortnight for each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
For students in all year groups, they will have a weekly opportunity to have their high quality revision work highlighted by their class teacher. Teachers are encouraged to award Legacy Points to students who complete their revision each week. Any students who take ownership of their independent learning by coming to see teachers for support with things they did not understand at home will be rewarded with Golden Tickets.
Year 11 Homework: Exam Practice Mark Schemes
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.
