Science Introduction:
Science is a compulsory subject at both KS3 and KS4. There are three different pathways that can be taken at KS4 which all focus on providing opportunities for learners to:
- develop students’ understanding of the science around them that affects them in their everyday life.
- develop students’ questioning, analytical and evaluative approach to scientific problems and issues.
- develop students’ practical skills in science and an understanding of how science works.
- encourage enthusiasm about science leading to continued study.
Each pathway is different but the skills and aims are common to all the different courses. Separate Sciences are studied by over half the year group and leads to awards in GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics. GCSE Science and Additional Science are studied by students who may not want to continue with Science beyond KS4. The final pathway is BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science, this vocational course is coursework based.
Integral to all the courses are skills that help contribute to the wider curriculum. There are opportunities for generating evidence to support the key skills in application of number, information and communication technology, working with others, developing and applying ICT skills. The ability to express applications and implications of Science through coherent writing and oral work is an integral aspect of all assessments.
Students are prepared for further study at A-level or BTEC Level 3 courses in all the Science disciplines including subjects such as Psychology or Sociology. However the key skills of analysis, evaluation, mathematical ability and the ability to solve problems creatively are of value to all students for any route chosen.
