Science
Head of Faculty: Mrs Hussey - CHUSSEY@LARKMEAD.VALE-ACADEMY.ORG
Key Stage 3
Throughout key stage 3, students will develop literacy, numeracy and scientific skills through the study of topics which have a foundation in biology chemistry and physics. Students start to plan and investigate concepts as well as produce risk assessments and work on analysing and interpreting data. Students learn to look at the sources of scientific data and review it in terms of reliability and bias.
Key Stage 4
During key stage 4 whilst completing GCSE courses, students need to ensure that they revise on a regular basis. The Science GCSE section on BBC Bitesize website will provide all students with the opportunity to reinforce all topics covered in lessons as well as the opportunity to complete mini assessments to check their understanding. In addition there are resources provided on the onedrive system which include questions designed to test the recall of knowledge as ell as longer response questions which will test some of the skills that have their foundations in key stage 3. Past papers and mark schemes can also be accessed from the AQA website.
Revision notes, activities and mini assessments for Combined Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE Science can be found on BBC Bitesize. Students must always select the AQA option. For Combined Science students should select the “Trilogy” option
During years 10 and 11 the students will be expected to have with them basic equipment, which they will use on a regular basis. This includes: a pen, a pencil, a rubber, a pencil sharpener, a calculator, a protractor and a compass. All students must follow the Science Health and Safety rules when working in a laboratory. This includes the wearing of safety goggles and tying back long hair as requested.
How is Science taught?
Having a number of science teachers means that students will have a number of different styles of teaching. Students will learn how Scientists carry out experiments and how data is handled in the real world, examples would include how scientists make sure that medical drugs and vaccines are safe for use by the general public.
Science staff use a variety of activities to explain concepts these might include experiments, ICT for research and simulations, discussion, debate, poster making, creative writing, videos and mind mapping. Science staff also use modelling in lessons to support student learning, whether this is to explain a concept or show hoe to answer a GCSE exam question.
Throughout each module the students will complete regular assessments (GCSE style questions) which are used to track their progress and to ensure that appropriate interventions are put in place to maximise achievement