Science

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KS3

Science

Aims

The Science curriculum builds on learners’ investigative skills from KS2 and allows them to gain subject knowledge in the Interdependence of Organisms (Biology), The Sustainable Earth (Chemistry) and How Things Work (Physics). Learners will be taught to apply their scientific skills, knowledge and understanding to design strategies, solve problems and offer explanations, relating scientific ideas whilst also developing their Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Competence skills. The Scheme of Learning gives pupils the opportunities to carry out practical activities and recognise the role of experimental data and creative thinking in Science. It also highlights the importance of Science in Wales through dedicated Curriculum Cymreig tasks and allows learners to become aware of issues relating to ESDGC (Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship). Cefn Hengoed’s Science department is a team which is dedicated to enabling all pupils to achieve their full potential. We plan our lessons based on our whole school approach of using Bloom’s Taxonomy and we aim to ensure that every lesson is stimulating, motivating and enthuses pupils’ interest in all aspects of Science.

Extra-Curricular activities

We offer a weekly KS3 Science Club where learners are given the opportunity to take part in exciting practical activities. A weekly Eco club called Green Gladiators is also offered to pupils in conjunction with the Mathematics department. Within these meetings pupils develop their awareness of green issues within the school. The Green Gladiators played a pivotal role in our school achieving the Platinum Green Flag Award. We have also got strong links with Swansea University where learners can take part in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) based activities. The department works closely with our cluster primary schools and offer half termly KS2 classes for year 5/6 pupils and taster days. This gives the learners chance to experience Science in a laboratory setting.

Assessment

Investigations

KS3 pupils receive 7 hours of Science lessons per fortnight and are taught in their teaching groups. They will be assessed termly on their investigative skills through full and part investigations which cover the Science Skills Framework. This framework is split into 3 parts and further subdivided into 15 strands as shown below:

Science1

After each investigation pupils will be given the opportunity to reflect upon their work and carry out any improvements.

Tests

Pupils’ subject knowledge will be assessed through a variety of end of topic tests and an end of year examination. These tests will include a variety of questions from recall of scientific knowledge, scientific literacy and data questions. These tests will prepare pupils for the demands of KS4 examinations.

Extended Writing Tasks

Once a term learners will be given the opportunity to carry out an Extended Writing Task related to the topic they are studying. This will be taught through the whole school Reading, Oracy and Writing Behaviours.

ROWND tasks

Learners will carry out a ROWND task which consists of aspects from the Reading, Oracy, Writing, Numeracy and Digital Competence Frameworks.

KS4

Course outline

All pupils will study Double Award GCSE Science and they will receive nine hours a fortnight with specialist Science teachers. The course encourages learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards Science and to recognise its importance in their own lives and to society.

All learners will be taught essential aspects of knowledge, methods, processes and uses of Science. They will study scientific concepts through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Practical skills will be developed through an investigatory approach which develops understanding and provides positive learning experiences.

Assessment

Learners will be placed in an appropriate set depending on his/her ability. Learner progress will be monitored closely against their Global Target Grade and if necessary individuals may be placed into a higher/lower set depending on outcomes from internal assessments. These assessments comprise end of topic tests/questions which determine pupils’ ability to recall facts, solve problems, and give detailed scientific explanations whilst demonstrating good use of literacy and numeracy to support their responses. Homework will be used as a tool to support this learning and we ask you to encourage your child at home in these tasks. In addition we provide a weekly after school revision session between 3-4pm for extra revision and support from specialist Science teachers.

This two year GCSE course will be externally assessed through a series of written exams across the three Sciences combined with a practical assessment. These examinations will be carried out at the end of Year 10 and Year 11. This qualification will be awarded the summer pupils leave school. If successful, learners will be awarded 2 GCSE Science qualifications.

SCIENCE

Science

KS3

KS4

Course outline

All pupils will study Double Award GCSE Science and they will receive nine hours a fortnight with specialist Science teachers. The course encourages learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards Science and to recognise its importance in their own lives and to society.

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