© 2011 St Bede's Catholic Grammar School All Rights Reserved.
Science is a core subject at both KS3 and KS4. All students cover a mixture of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and how Science works. There are 10 full time teachers in the department and one part time teacher.
The department is well resourced and has 8 laboratories and one computer room. Many of the laboratories also have some computer access. Each of the rooms has an interactive whiteboard.
The Science Department aims to ensure that all students cover a broad range of scientific topics, and develop the skills to analyse scientific information for themselves when confronted with it in the outside world.
Key Stage 3
In Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability form groups, having 3 hours of lessons per week. They start with an introduction to Science and practical skills, before covering a range on topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each unit of work is assessed using an assessment task, and practical skills are assessed throughout. There is a formal test at the end of each term.
In Year 8 the students are placed into sets based on their attainment in Year 7. The year group is split into two bands, and each band has either 3 or 4 sets. Students will attend 3 hours per week. Students are assessed throughout the year as in Year 7. Movement between sets is regular and takes place after each termly assessment.
In Year 9, students have 4 hours per week of Science, and continue to follow the same structure as in Year 8.
Key Stage 4
Year 11 2011/2012
Students have 5 hours per week of Science and are taught in ability sets (sets 1-4 on each half of the year group). Some students will follow the Separate Science curriculum and will gain 3 GCSE grades. Some will follow the Science A and Additional Science route, gaining 2 grades. Other students are working towards the BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Applied Science, producing a portfolio of work through the year. All students cover aspects of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Year 10 2011/2012
Most students will study 8 hours per fortnight of Science. They will follow the AQA Science specification and will cover units of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, alongside How Science works skills (assessed by a coursework practical and exam). They will gain 2 GCSEs, one in Science A and one in Additional Science.
Students may opt to take separate sciences, and will have an additional 5 hours per fortnight. They will study additional units in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, gaining 3 GCSE grades. This is recommended for those planning to take A-level Science subjects.
Students may also opt to follow the BTEC Applied Science route. These students produce a portfolio of work over the two years, and will gain the Level 2 Extended Certificate in Applied Science. Students who opt for this will study 5 hours per fortnight in Science.
Web Sites of interest
www.aqascience.gcsehomework.com (online homework for Y10)
© 2011 St Bede's Catholic Grammar School All Rights Reserved.
