Aims
- To deliver our Science Curriculum through a variety of challenging activities.
- To encourage and develop the key attitudes of co-operation, responsibility and independent learning.
- To widen Brompton learners’ horizons and experience of the scientific world, so that they appreciate the role of Science in their everyday lives.
- To help our learners develop a positive attitude towards Science and improve their capability through both independent and collaborative working.
- To enable learners to achieve their individual potential at an appropriate level for their age, ability and emotional/ behavioural difficulties.
Resource materials for the teaching and delivery of the Science curriculum is planned to meet the needs of each teaching group. Full use of ICT is made available to the learners where appropriate, including the use of a class set of laptops, podcasting & video camera equipment. Learning is supported with regular educational visits (under the School Educational Policy designed to enhance learning), as well as inviting external speakers and guests as a curriculum support.
Teaching & Learning
During lessons there is, in addition to the teacher, an advanced skills teaching assistant. All staff support learners in either small group work or individual work as needed, the work is differentiated to meet individual student’s needs.
Key Stage 3: National Curriculum studied over 2 years
In Years 7 & 8 our learners follow our in-house, bespoke Science curriculum. ‘Big’ questions are asked and our learners undertake a variety of practical investigations, experiments and other tasks to discover the ‘answers’ for themselves! This approach ensures our learners have the practical and analytical skills to achieve further future success at Key Stage 4. Learners are assessed through a variety of methods throughout the duration of the KS3 programme of study. Regular feedback is provided for learners, parents / carers to enable all learners to achieve their potential in Science.
Key Stage 4 Qualification Pathways:
BTEC Principles of Applied Science and / or BTEC Application of Applied Science
Learners are entered for externally assessed awards as appropriate at the end of the course. Learners follow the BTEC Applied Science Level 1/2 qualifications, with learners completing the BTEC Principles of Applied Science qualification in Year 10, with the option of studying the additional BTEC Application of Applied Science qualification in Year 11. This 3 year course provides a practical; real-world approach to learning without sacrificing science understanding. It provides our learners with the necessary skills to move onto higher education or go straight into employment.
Learners study selected modules and present evidence based on actual work and studies. Through these modules there are plenty of opportunities to demonstrate skills and knowledge through written assignments, presentations, practicals and ICT tasks. Teamwork, time management, independent learning and communication skills are some of the key features developed by our learners throughout the duration of the course. All learners are encouraged to ‘aim high’ and meet their full potential within each assignment they complete and additional support is available to those learners who need it.
The modules covered are:
| BTEC Principles of Applied Science:
Chemistry and our Earth Energy and our Universe Biology and our Environment
|
BTEC Applications of Applied Science:
Applications of Chemical Substances Applications of Physical Science Health Applications of Life Science Scientific Skills |
The majority of the work is completed during lessons; however, some units also involve work outside particularly in the new garden/outdoor class room. Throughout the BTEC there are opportunities to go on trips, listen to visiting speakers and get involved in real life situations.
The BTEC qualification does
- provide opportunities for our learners to acquire technical and employability skills, knowledge and understanding which are transferable and will enable individuals to meet changing circumstances;
- give opportunities for our learners to focus on the development of the major key skills and the wider key skills in context, such as improving their own learning and performance and working with others;
- increase the opportunities for our learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
Monitoring & Assessment
The programmes of study outline a structure to enable learners to build on their subject knowledge and understanding to make progression through the various stages of the curriculum.
The school’s agreed marking policy is used across all Science lessons, in addition to the Science specific marking policy (see Curriculum Marking Policy 2015). A variety of ‘Assessment for Learning’ strategies are consistently used in lesson planning and throughout lessons to enable learners to identify the next steps they need to make to achieve their potential in Science. Learners actively participate in target setting and assessment of their own attainment, whilst also supporting others through various peer / self-assessment opportunities. This enables learners to identify their strengths and areas for development within the courses delivered in Science.
School reports are sent home twice a year detailing the objectives covered and the progress each learner has made towards achieving them.
Qualification Pathways:
Qualifications offered are:
- BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Principles of Applied Science
- BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Applications of Science (for identified students)