Science

Why is Science Important?

"The study of science fires students’ curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find explanations. It engages learners at many levels, linking direct practical experience with scientific ideas. Experimentation and modelling are used to develop and evaluate explanations, encouraging critical and creative thought. students learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence. They discover how scientific ideas contribute to technological change – affecting industry, business and medicine and improving quality of life. They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance. They learn to question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world."
(From the Science National Curriculum)

Science at KS3

With the new slimmed down National Curriculum for Science comes a change in emphasis away from facts in favour of skills.  Accompanying the statutory requirements is a new framework which gives helpful advice on progression through the key strands of science. At Bishopsford, we follow the new WIKID scheme where students are given a role for a topic which sets science in an everyday context.  Since Wikid science was written after the publication of the new KS3 framework, 'How Science Works' is fully integrated throughout the scheme and referenced to the framework documents.

Topics include:
Y7  Forensics; Cook; Extinction; Electromancer; A&E; Alien
Y8  Live and Kicking; Catastrophe; NViz; Species at War; Studio Magic; Pyrotechnics

Examples of Content:
A trainee forensic scientist, learning techniques for solving cases and therefore meeting ideas about particle models, patterns in chemical reactions, and evaluating evidence.

Students become trainees to famous chef Heston Bloomingheck who is always searching for perfect recipes. To graduate successfully, they will need to learn and apply ideas about chemical reactions, scientific models and energy transfer.

Science at KS4

At KS4, Bishopsford students have the chance to follow 2 pathways at present: BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science and/or AQA Separate Sciences.

BTEC: Scientists work in industry, the health service, government establishments, research and educational institutions. Edexcel’s BTEC Level 2 First Certificate and Diploma in Applied Science are designed to introduce learners to working in the sector or prepare them for further study, such as a BTEC National qualification or an appropriate NVQ. This course is not an appropriate course to study for A level Sciences but could be used as a bridge to follow a similar course at Post 16.
Units covered at the moment are: 'Chemistry Applications', 'Physical Science Applications' and 'Biological Systems'.
Students studying the BTEC course will not sit any formal examinations but must complete 18 assignments at a minimum Pass to be accredited with a PASS grade (equivalent to GCSE double C); 18 MERITS (BB) and 18 DISTINCTIONS ( A*A* )

AQA Separate Sciences: The triple science programme is usually chosen by students who have an intention to follow a scientifically academic pathway into A-levels and then into university.
The course is geared towards a post-16 style of teaching ensuring that students gain the skills of taking down their own notes and applying when necessary. The three sciences covered are biology, chemistry and physics. Students following this course will attain a grade for each of these separate components.

Presently, each component requires Paper 1 to be fulfilled through a series of 6 module tests; Paper 2 and Paper 3 are written papers assessing students understanding and application of knowledge; ISA (Investigative Skills Assessments )

Beyond the Classroom

The Science Department is committed to providing extra-curricular activities through the form of after school clubs, guest speakers or science days and science based trips. We have recently been running “SGOB” (ScienceGeeksOfBishopsford), an after school science club which we are hoping in the future students will assist in running. The year 7s recently participated in an all day space day through a visiting company and astronaut. The day revolved around the year 7 unit of space.

How Can Parents Support their Child?

Parents can support their child by ensuring that all students understand the health and safety aspects of being taught in a laboratory and the schools motto, CARE is followed diligently.

Parents should ensure that all set homework is completed to the best possible standard. In science, students are assessed regularly and therefore it is vital that you have an insight into what your child is learning and to assist in their revision.

Useful Links

http://www.edexcel.com/quals/firsts/science/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_aqa/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/bitesize/standard/biology/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/bitesize/standard/chemistry/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/bitesize/standard/physics/
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/science