Science

Welcome

Every student studying Science at Edgbarrow will develop the skills to be successful in their learning and skills-building both in and beyond the classroom. With high aspirations for all, we deliver excellent teaching and learning in a subject that allows students to understand and explore the world around them. Science will strengthen their literacy, numeracy, analytical and questioning skills through a variety of learning activities. These are skills for life which will open future doors for all our students.

Science lessons at Edgbarrow include:

Fundamental concepts in Chemistry, Physics and Biology; focused around the key strands of these subjects such as: the Big Ideas of Organisms, Ecosystems and Genes in Biology; Matter, Reactions and Earth in Chemistry; Forces, Electromagnets, Energy and Waves in Physics.

Data analysis and interpretation skills
Critical evaluation skills
Observational skills
Practical techniques
Communication skills
Research skills
STEM activities

The Edgbarrow Science Department has ten fully equipped classrooms and two prep rooms in a purpose-built block. We have an excellent team of staff comprising 15 qualified subject specialist teaching staff, a dedicated science HLTA, four science technicians and one science administrator.

We deliver highly engaging lessons and use a range of strategies to promote deep learning and ensure all our students retain information in the subjects so that they are then able to apply that knowledge to a variety of scenarios. These include:

Regularly reviewing previously taught material, often through our silent starter recap questions
High quality first teaching
Teaching students how to use different revision strategies and specific memory techniques
Sequencing the curriculum to ensure that new content builds on prior learning, starting with our ‘Big Ideas’ at Key Stage 3.
Incorporation of STEM activities at appropriate points in KS3 and KS4.

Key Staff

Mrs Mackenzie-Dodds - Head of Department/Head of Biology
Mrs Rolls-Roake - Second in Science/KS4 Co-ordinator
Mr Thomas - Third in Science/KS3 Co-ordinator
Mr Law – Head of Chemistry
Mr Kishkar – Head of Physics
Miss Ahmed
Mrs Banks – HOY 13 (maternity leave)
Dr Bingham
Mr Burrell – HOY 9
Mrs Cooper
Mrs Crane
Dr Dutson
Mrs McGuinness
Mrs Patel
Mr Shingadia
Miss Smith (HLTA)

Ms Agate - Science Administrator
Mrs Thomas – Senior Science Technician
Mrs Carter – Science Technician
Mrs Leahy - Science Technician
Mrs Riley - Science Technician

CURRICULUM INTENT

Our students will experience the nature of scientific processes through scientific enquiry and develop an understanding of the world we live in.

Key Stage 3

Our Key Stage 3 Science course is an exciting theme-based learning experience. Within each unit, our students will cover all of the National Curriculum range and content, and 'How Science Works' learning objectives. There is an emphasis on skills development to enable success at Key Stage 4 and beyond. Following major curriculum re-sequencing, students follow a ‘spiral’ curriculum of key concepts (Big Ideas) where frequent links to previous learning are in place, to ensure students can clearly see how all areas of the three sciences are interlinked.

Assessment Bands

Students will follow national guidelines throughout Key Stage 3 to support and prepare them for their Key Stage 4 courses. The school operates a banding system of 1-9 (9 being the highest band). Students will be given a target based on their Key Stage 2 scores and baseline assessments on arrival at Edgbarrow. The band they are awarded at the end of the Key Stage is intended to be indicative of the grade they may achieve at GCSE.

FOR YEAR 7 & 8 ONLY: We have recently changed the way in which we track progress in Key Stage 3. The new format is currently in operation with Year 7 and 8 only. In each individual subject, students are given one of three progress bands: foundation, intermediate and higher. These bands are based on Key Stage 2 scores, as well as evidence gathered by class teachers. Throughout Key Stage 3, students will be judged to be meeting, exceeding or below expectations for their given band. The headline criteria for each of these bands can be found below, as well as a short presentation explaining the new assessment and reporting format.Key Stage 3 Assessment Video

(Assessment Bands will appear here shortly. Please contact Head of Department should you have any questions.)

Summary Curriculum Plans

Curriculum Map Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

The Science department is very proud of its Key Stage 4 curriculum which is personalised for the individual needs of each student. Every student is offered the Key Stage 4 curriculum which best enables them to achieve success, not only during their time at Edgbarrow but throughout their lives. Current Year 11 students will take a minimum of two GCSEs in Science, with guidance on whether to choose the separate sciences in their options choices being given to each student. We strive to ensure all students are placed on the most suitable course and tier to achieve their full potential in Science.

Following major curriculum re-sequencing, students follow a ‘spiral’ curriculum of key concepts where frequent links to previous learning are in place, plus the order of topics covered have been changed to aid fluidity of understanding. We offer two different pathways at Key Stage 4 on the new grading system:

AQA Combined Science (2 GCSEs banded 9-1)
AQA Separate Sciences (3 GCSEs banded 9-1)

Students are recommended the most appropriate pathway at the start of Year 9 before they make their option choices.

Summary Curriculum Plans

KS4 Curriculum Map - Separate

KS4 Curriculum Map - Trilogy

Key Stage 5

CURRICULUM INTENT

Studying Science at A-Level will enable students to develop:
● essential knowledge of different areas of the subject and how they are linked
● competence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
● a deep understanding of scientific methods
● interest in and enthusiasm for the subject
● an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues

All three Sciences are offered at Edgbarrow, with entry requirements of completion of Higher tier exams from either Combined Science or the relevant discipline from the Separate Sciences. Students must also have completed Higher tier maths exams. We follow full A-Level courses in AQA A-Level Biology, OCR Salters B A-Level Chemistry and Edexcel A-Level Physics, no longer offering an AS Level qualification in these subjects. Students can therefore only study the linear A-Level course which have final exams at the end of Year 13 only.

We have a strong focus on delivering the course in a way where the topics flow to aid understanding, and also focus on mathematical skills and essay writing skills (Biology only). We also prepare students for their future choices, giving practice interviews and full support in tailoring their personal statements to their courses. We have a high take up of science-based choices, often with a number of Oxbridge candidates.

Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science

The course in Applied Science is intended as an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the applied science sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A-Level and aims to give a coherent introduction to study of the applied science sector. This is a course that can run alongside Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Social Care and other Social Science subjects.

Summary Curriculum Plans

Homework Intent

The purpose of science homework is to consolidate learning within the classroom. It also gives students opportunities to research and engage in science in the wider world, and secure the analytical skills that will help them in their future.

Inclusion

It is our intent that pupils with special educational needs/disabilities (SEND) follow the same curriculum, learn alongside their peers and achieve similar outcomes. In addition, they may benefit from additional opportunities in the lessons and in the co-curricular activities that are arranged especially for them.

SEND Implementation and Impact

Pupil Premium Intent

Literacy

Reading Aims:

Students know and understand key scientific vocabulary and are confident in using it correctly and in context.
Students are able to extract the necessary information and examiner commands from exam questions, and know how to structure answers appropriately.
Students are able to use different media to research a topic, applying critical thinking to the content and sources to form a judgment on the validity of stated conclusions.
To aid comprehension of texts.

Writing Aims:

To ensure students are equipped with strategies to construct their answers.
To ensure that students understand how ‘long answer’ questions are marked to help facilitate their writing.
To ensure that students include the key scientific terminology in their answers to maximise their marks.
To support the students in having the confidence in answering 6 mark questions so that they don’t leave them out.

Spoken Language Aims:

To ensure students are equipped to use a range of vocabulary as well as subject specific vocabulary using the English language.
To ensure students are equipped with the skills to structure a coherent argument and/or presentation.
To teach students how to listen and respond appropriately.

To provide students with opportunities for structured talk.

Literacy Strategies

Co-Curricular

We offer Science Club to Year 7 and 8, timetabled Science Xtra intervention for selected Year 11 and 13 students and afterschool revision clinics for all three A-Level Sciences. A-Level Chemistry students visit the Syngenta Research Facility, and Year 13 A-Level scientists visit CERN in Geneva. In Year 8 we visit Marwell Zoo as part of Enrichment. We also advertise any relevant online lectures as they arise.