Science
Science Curriculum Statement
Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work
Thomas Edison
Curriculum Intent
This, and future generations, will have to tackle the problems of a rapidly changing climate, a planet lacking in finite resources, and a decline in biodiversity that has not been seen for millennia. As a department we believe it is essential that we are trying to develop students who are equipped with the skills and knowledge in this ever changing modern world in which we live.
The rationale of our Science curriculum is:
· To develop inquisitive young minds that will influence the world around them.
· To develop contextual and relevant knowledge in all branches of Science.
· To ensure that our students are given the opportunity to study an engaging and challenging curriculum that is tailored to their interests and needs which allows them to fulfil their potential.
The department believe that Science is key to a wide variety of career choices. To that end, we aim to keep science at Wigmore as broad and diverse as possible, ensuring students have the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics in equal measures.
While we follow the National Curriculum, there is a focus on key concepts which we study in greater depth throughout the 5 year curriculum. Students develop skills in practical enquiry, such as formulating hypothesis, testing these practically and the ability to analyse and evaluate data.
There is a large focus on understanding concepts through
1. Introduction and explanation of new concepts in an engaging and practical way,
2. Practice and application of concepts to new situations,
3. Feedback and regular formative assessment including effective questioning of understanding,
4. Developing independent leaners that can self-assess in order to move forward.
Curriculum Implementation Key Stage 4
AQA GCSE (9-1) Combined Science GCSE (Trilogy) and AQA GCSE (9-1) Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
· All courses provide a wide breath of study across the 3 major branches of Science.
· The examination provides an accessibility that is not as apparent from the other course providers.
· A wide range of revision resources are available for the AQA specifications.
· The question style present in the examination papers is consistent, applying command words the students have worked on since Year 7.
GCSE Science will be studied over a 3-year period and students will receive 10 hours per fortnight with 3 teachers in Year 10 and 11 and 6 hours per fortnight in Year 9. Students are grouped according to their mathematical, science and English ability.
There are two GCSE pathways through Science, Separate Science (3 GCSEs) or Combined Science (2 GCSEs). We follow the AQA specification which is 100% examination at the end of Year 11. Students will be graded 9-1 and sit a total of 6 examination papers, at either foundation or higher level. There are compulsory practical investigations to complete throughout the course which are assessed within the examination.
A small number of Year 9 pupils will study AQA Entry Level Science in Year 9 & 10. This will help bridge the gap between Key Stage 3 and GCSE and ensure scaffolding for pupils. It will allow them to achieve a certificate in Entry level science prior to moving onto to GCSE Science in Year 11.
Students will have access to a number of AQA textbooks to use in class to support all Key Stage 3 and 4 curriculum. All students will complete regular end of topic tests to assess progress. In addition to this students will sit an end of year examination for each Science at the end of the academic year. Progress will be carefully monitored and tracked and parents informed of any concerns. All students will be encouraged to purchase a revision guide in to support their learning. In addition to this, students will keep a record of set practical investigations which they must carry out in all three sciences. Students will be provided with regular homework through Teams, which consists of examination questions and learning tasks to improve recall and understanding throughout the course. Homework will be set on a regular basis across all three Sciences and feedback given by teachers. Extra support materials will be set using Teams, in order to allow pupils to work independently at home. In class, regular spaced learning and retrieval practice will take place in order to develop knowledge and understanding of core principals.
Specifications and past papers can be found using the link below.
Biology: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461
Chemistry: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/chemistry-8462
Physics: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463
Trilogy Double Science: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464
Entry Level Science (Year 9)
AQA | ELC | Science | Specification at a glance
Implementation Key Stage 3 Science
Key Stage 3 is studied over 2 years with 6 hours per fortnight curriculum time. In lessons students have access to the Activate textbook to support concepts covered.
Year 7
In Year 7 students are in 3 mixed ability classes. We aim to ensure that pupils find Science a stimulating and challenging subject where they develop knowledge and an understanding of the world around them and discuss their ideas with each other. We ensure that lessons have a strong practical element which allows pupils to develop key skills when working in the laboratory and the skills valued by scientists such as teamwork, problem solving and resilience. In addition to this we introduce command words used at Key Stage 4 and reinforce the importance of learning key scientific concepts which are built on during the 5 year study period. All pupils will complete an end of unit test when each topic has been studied and feedback is then given by the class teacher. This is used to assess understanding of the concepts covered, track students to ensure progress is being made by all. Homework will be set by their teacher on a fortnightly basis and written feedback given on all homework completed. Homework in Year 7 is designed to stimulate interest, enthusiasm in science and also encourage practical skills and independence. All pupils are provided with a homework folder and book to allow revision of key concepts.
Year 8
In Year 8 students are in 3 classes and are grouped on their mathematical ability. However it is expected that there will be movement between these groups in order to encourage and motivate students to achieve and make progress. As in Year 7, there is still a strong practical element, using relevant and engaging examples. Challenge is increased further with the introduction of GCSE content allowing students to gain a more in-depth knowledge of key concepts. This knowledge is checked using recall questions and exam questions when appropriate.
All students will complete an end of topic test to ensure progress is being made. Both written and verbal feedback is given by the teacher to explain how a pupil can improve further. Regular homework is given on a fortnightly basis. The homework is designed to support the topics being studied and has an element of choice for students. This allows for creative, practical and challenge activities to be completed as appropriate and ensure students complete a variety of tasks. All pupils will receive a homework folder and book to ensure resources for extra revision at home.