Science
Aims
The study of Science fires pupils’ 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. Pupils 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.
Keystage 3
Our Key Stage programme is currently being revised changing from subject focussed units to cross discipline projects which are designed to develop a more skills based approach to science investigation with a focus on the “How Science Works” strand of the National Curriculum. At the same time, there will be less emphasis on formal teacher assessment of progress through written tests and more opportunity for self and peer assessment against agreed success criteria. The new National guidelines regarding Assessing Pupils Progress will also be integrated into the new programme and these ongoing assessments will generate pupil achievement levels and targets both on a formative and summative basis.
The Science programme of study for Key Stage 3 will be designed to provide personalised learning experiences for our pupils based upon their specific areas of interest or strength. The overall aim is for us to develop:
Successful learners – the relevance of Science at a global, national, local and personal level can inspire pupils to develop enquiring minds and become successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve. The investigative and practical nature of the subject provides opportunities for pupils to explore and learn through various approaches. In addition, the Science schemes of work support the development of essential literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. Science encourages pupils to think creatively and be resourceful, through processing information, reasoning, questioning and evaluating, in order to solve a range of scientific problems. The schemes of work illustrate the importance of both independent and collaborative work in achieving successful outcomes.
Confident individuals – Science study develops confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. The investigative and practical nature of the subject provides opportunities to assess and manage risk. Pupils are enabled to make informed decisions about many aspects of their lives. These include those related to healthy lifestyle choices, such as decisions about substance abuse and sexual health, and those related to sustainability such as decisions about global climate change.
Responsible citizens – Science study illustrates the importance of using Science responsibly in order for Science and those using Science to make a positive contribution to society. It provides opportunities for pupils to consider scientific and technological developments and the advantages and disadvantages that scientists, individuals and society need to think about before making decisions that will affect the future. It enables pupils to consider the ethical and moral implications of Science and the importance of sustainable development.
Key Stage 4 Science
The knowledge, skills and understanding gained during pupils’ Key Stage 3 experience is developed further in Key Stage 4 where courses have been chosen to provide more personalised and suitable Science qualifications for pupils based upon their abilities, interests and future aspirations.
Triple Science involves the study of the three traditional Science subjects and leads to three separate GCSEs where grades are determined from final exams worth 66% of the mark and a combination of practical and written coursework worth 34%.
This year we will be re-introducing a double GCSE Science qualification made up of a single Core Science GCSE delivered in Year 10, and an Additional Applied Science GCSE completed in Year 11. Science GCSE qualifications are essential for any pupil wishing to continue in education to study A levels and progress onto degree level study. The Triple Science option in particular gives our pupils a real advantage when applying for higher level study as this option is not offered in all Sheffield Schools.
BTEC Science is an option for pupils who do not wish to study Science at a higher level but who would benefit from the 4 grade C equivalent grades that can be obtained through the continuous completion of coursework over 2 years with no final exam.
Our other new option this year will be an Entry level Science Certificate qualification for those of our pupils who may struggle with the academic demands of the double Science route and the demand for written coursework in BTEC. Some of these students will be given the opportunity to also enter for a Single Science GCSE at the end of Year 11 if they wish.
Personal development is a vital part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum and through our Science pathways we provide many opportunities for personal development through the five Every Child Matters outcomes.
Enjoy and achieve – pupils are encouraged to discover the world around and within. A sense of awe and wonder can be developed which means that pupils are more likely to enjoy their discoveries whilst causing them to ask even more questions about phenomena which affect their lives both directly and indirectly. The investigative and practical nature of Science allows pupils to explore the contemporary applications and implications of Science and its effect on their lives both now and in the future.
Be healthy – further development of topics covered in Key Stage 3 and more in depth study of the human body, inheritance, genetics and disease develops the pupils’ ability to make informed lifestyle choices.
Stay safe – pupils learn to assess, manage and minimise risks involved with chemicals, biological materials, radiation and techniques and processes used in a wide variety of contexts. Knowledge and understanding is developed to inform personal and collective decisions related to maintaining a safe environment.
Achieve economic wellbeing – The contribution of Science to technological advances and innovation is at the heart of changes in the global economy. Skills developed through the study of Science are essential in the workplace, whether in a scientific or non-scientific career. Consideration of the varied career opportunities supported by the study of Science at Key Stage 4 allows pupils to see how they can contribute to the future success of the economy.
Make a positive contribution – The nature of scientific understanding, based on critical interpretation of observational and experimental evidence, allows pupils to develop their own opinions and become active contributors. They question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the development of societies and the future of the world. They learn to realise the consequences of their actions, consider ethical and moral issues and recognise how they can contribute in a positive way to global sustainability.
