Science: Key Stage 3 and 4

To allow us to deliver appropriately challenging and relevant materials, between Yr7 and Yr11 the curriculum is broken down into an in-house two-year KS3 general science course (based on the Exploring Science scheme) and taught to mixed ability classes, followed by a three-year GCSE course.  All students follow a common route throughout Yr9, but are taught as separate scientific disciplines, with the decision whether students then follow the Triple or Combined Edexcel course(s) usually being made as they move into Yr10.  GCSE classes are set by ability. 

The implementation of challenge lessons in Yr7 and 8 has been extremely popular with staff and students alike and is an area of development for rolling out to other key stages.  These lessons have increased the range of opportunities the students have to develop and build on their problem-solving, and equally as importantly, increase both their engagement, scientific curiosity and teamwork skills.  Likewise, discrete careers links are highlighted in the GSCE schemes of work, as are links to both the world of work and other subjects, providing the students with a greater understanding of how the subjects studied at SGS fit together to prepare them for life and the independence expected of adults in our society.

Although under constant review, the sequencing of the material taught has been developed so that it not only follows a logical order, but also gives students the biggest range of opportunities to build on prior knowledge and skills whilst considering their increasing cognitive ability.

Retrieval practice is a strength in the department.  All CATs now contain retrieval material as well as the main theme of that assessment. At KS5, as the students develop the breadth and depth of their knowledge and skills, the use of the synoptic style questioning and skills are frequently used to improve exam preparation and holistic understanding of the subject.  Retrieval activities employed may include starter activities, as well as during the main body of lessons and in assessment.

Common assessment tasks at GCSE are all written in-house using up to date assessment material from a wide variety of sources, with most CATs containing extended answer questions so that students can develop the CfL skills required.  These also form the basis of some of our assessed homeworks.  Other CfL skills that have been a focus of the department includes the reinforcement of command words, in conjunction with the development of good exam technique, both delivered as a matter of course by all teachers.  

Our assessment model now groups an increased number of topics into fewer, larger scope, assessments encouraging longer term recall and an increased frequency in the revisiting of previously covered material:  the by-product of which is the development of links between different areas of learning.