Department Head: Miss S.Gaur

Department Members:

Miss E Storey, Miss D West, Mr. S Cooke, Mr N Muir, Mr. P Armstrong, Mr. K Douglas, Mr. J Lomax

 KS3  Assessment

Pupils carry out an Assessment  for  Learning  Task at the end of each topic, designed to probe understanding and encourage pupils to explain their ideas.  They carry out a Science  Investigation  tasks in the context of each topic, quarterly  tests provide summative assessment.

Pupils are awarded a level (as described by the National Curriculum) for each assessment tasks. These form the basis for the Levels on CRUs and reports and provide a means for tracking progress. Target grades are shared with pupils. They are given specific guidance on how to move on to the next level. 

Settings

Based  on :

 50%  -  test  marks, 25%  -  CRU  levels,  25 % - target  levels (based  on  KS2/3  attainment)

Science at Key Stage 4

Most pupils study for a full GCSE in each year. We follow Schemes  of  work  developed in-house which are based  on OCR’s 21st Century Science syllabus. We now also offer GCSEs in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Year  10

• Pupils complete a full GCSE in Science – part of OCR’s 21st Century Science suite.
  
  
• The course has an emphasis on :  How  Science  Works and Science  in  Society.
  
  
• The coursework  requirements include an investigation-based Data  Analysis and a Case  Study, which involves pupils carrying out an independent project into an area of scientific controversy. 

This year, 30 pupils are studying for separate GCSE qualifications offered by AQA in

•  
  1. Physics
  2. Chemistry
  3. Biology

Interested pupils are selected on merit and must achieve at least L6 in their KS3 SATs

Year 11

Pupils not sitting qualifications in separate sciences have a choice of doing either  :  Additional  Science  or Additional  Applied  Science, each  is  a  full  GCSE.

 Coursework  consists  of : 

• Additional Science - a  full  Science  Investigation
  
  
• Additional Applied Science - Work-based Portfolio (comprises 3 pieces of work which add up to 50% of the total marks)

Additional  Applied  Science

A Vocational course

• Offered at both Foundation  and  Higher  tiers
• C/W – comprises 50%: 
  •  
    •  
      • Standard Procedures
      • Work – based  Study Suitability tests

Units : 

• Life  Care
• Scientific  Detection
• Harnessing  Chemicals