Key Stage 3

Aims :

Our aim is to develop an active interest and enthusiasm in Science and to ensure thorough coverage of the National Curriculum, which covers the following four areas of study :

1. Scientific investigation

2. Life processes and living things

3. Materials and their properties

4. Physical processes

Key Stage 3 National Strategy

The department uses the QCA schemes of work which have been tailored specially to the needs of the students in our school.

We use KS2 and NFER data, combined with the knowledge gained from the departments work in feeder primary schools, to set challenging targets for the girls. This allows them to maintain a progression during the year 6 to 7 transition and then throughout KS3. The early introduction of the Key concepts of the National strategy allows these to be used to aid understanding of the more complex applications as they occur during the Key stage.

Teaching & Learning

During the Key stage we use a variety of teaching & learning techniques including traditional approaches, problem solving activities, investigative work, use of ICT (both by the girls and for lesson presentation), discussion and the use of video material.

Assessment for Learning

As one of three leading departments in the Borough we have set up a series of assessments to fit with the QCA schemes of work. These assessments the curricular targets can be used to formatively assess the understanding and application of key concepts and inform future teaching and learning. The girls are also assessed by more formal examinations regularly during KS3, leading to their SAT’s in year 9.

Homework

This is set on a regular basis and takes a variety of forms; examples include:

• Further research • questions • writing up practical work

• designing experiments • stories • collecting data

Ways in which parents can help:

• if connected to www, actively encourage its use in searching for sites that support research

• participate in the viewing of science-based TV programmes e.g. wildlife/medical etc.

• accompany children to sites of interest e.g. museums, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation areas etc

• provide and participate in the use of encyclopaedia, CD-roms etc.

• encourage the joining of interest groups and clubs.

Note: A new KS3 National Curriculum will start in September 2008

Key Stage 4

The Courses studied at Frances Bardsley

Year 10

Edexcel GCSE in Science (2101)

September – October

Topic 1: Environment

Topic 5: Patterns in Properties

Topic 9: Producing and Measuring Electricity

November – December

Topic 2: Genes

Topic 6: Making Changes

Topic 10: You’re in Charge

 January – February

Topic 3: Electrical and Chemical Signals

Topic 7: There’s One Earth

Topic 11: Now You See It, Now You Don’t

February – March

Topic 4: Use, Misuse and Abuse

Topic 8: Designer Products

Topic 12: Space and its Mysteries

March: Topic Examinations (Multiple choice) (3 x 10%)

April - May

Topic Revision

June: Topic Examinations (Multiple Choice) (3 x 10%)

June - July

Start Year 11 GCSE course

Edexcel GCSE in Additional Science (2103)

Scheme of Assessment

Internal Assessment (3 x 10%)

Assessment of Practical Skills 10%

Assessment Activities 30%

External Assessment

Six tiered multiple choice tests (6 x 10%) 60%

Year 11

Edexcel GCSE in Additional Science (2103)

September – October

Topic 1: Inside Living Cells

Topic 5: Synthesis

Topic 9: As Fast as You Can!

November – December

Topic 2: Divide and Develop

Topic 6: In Your Element

Topic 10: Roller Coaster and Relativity

January – February

Topic 3: Energy Flow

Topic 7: Chemical Structures

Topic 11: Putting Radiation to Use

February – March

Topic 4: Interdependence

Topic 8: How Fast? How Furious?

Topic 12: Power of the Atom

March – May

Topic Revision for final structured tiered examinations.

Scheme of Assessment

Internal assessment

Assessment of practical skills 10%

Assessment of activities 3 x 10%

External assessment 

Multiple choice examinations and Three structured tiered examinations (3 x 10%) 30%

During science lessons you will be expected and encouraged to:-

• Complete written work and hand in homework tasks on time.

• Carry out practical and investigations, writing up your reports and discussing conclusions. Please make sure you have a suitable Lab coat to protect your clothing from any accidental spills.

• Work hard, revise for tests, ask for help when you have problems and enjoy your studies.

Science qualifications are a valuable asset when deciding upon your future career opportunities. Success in science will ensure a great start in many professions including medicine, engineering, pharmacy, teaching, research, beauty therapy, dentistry, hairdressing, flying, personnel work, veterinary science, nursing ..... the list really is endless.