Science at Abbeydale Grange School

Department Overview

The science department consists of four teaching laboratories, two on each floor.  Each pair of laboratories is linked by a large preparation room where equipment is stored prior to delivery for lessons.  The first floor also has an office space, shared by the Subject team Leaders of Science, English and Modern Languages.  The second floor houses a large preparation and chemical storage room.
Of the four labs, three have been recently refurbished with modular “pods” and fully movable desks to allow several configurations of central work stations for students.  Pods contain gas and electricity outputs, and the outer work surfaces have sinks and more output sockets.  Each lab has a networked PC and interactive whiteboard, fully linked to audio visual equipment and a digital projector.

Departmental Aims

The department’s “Mission Statement” is displayed in all laboratories for the students:

Further aims include:

• Stimulating and increasing the enjoyment of the study of science through the delivery of the National Curriculum using a range of teaching strategies.
• Providing a course accessible and relevant to all students regardless of gender, ability and ethnic background.
• Developing an awareness of safety issues and a safety conscious approach to practical work.
• Enhancing practical, written, observation and analytical skills.
• Encouraging cooperation and teamwork
• Developing an awareness of the economic, social, technological and cultural limitations and influences upon application of scientific ideas.
• Allowing students to realise and understand the beneficial and detrimental effects of the application of science in everyday life.

Course Delivery

Key Stage 3

Years 7, 8 and 9 follow the “Exploring Science” course which matches the QCA Scheme of Work for KS3.  The course consists of textbooks with complementary worksheets and end of unit tests.  Each year of the course consists of Modules A-D in Biology, E-H in Chemistry and I-L in Physics.  Each module has a set of worksheets to accompany textbook work and practical sessions, and includes Summary, Quick Quiz, Target and Key Words sheets.

Key Stage 4

Years 10 and 11 follow the new “Twenty-First Century Science” course. Abbeydale Grange was one of only fifty schools in the country to participate in the pilot scheme, and our staff have an enhanced understanding of the course due to being involved from the very start.  All students follow the “Core” component of the course, and have the option to cover “Additional: General” modules or “Additional: Applied” modules, depending on ability.  The curriculum is varied and stimulating, with a full range of practical activities, interactive animations, video and audio clips aimed to give an understanding of science in everyday life.

Homework and Assessment

Homework is set regularly for all years, aimed at extending understanding of work done in lessons.  Each module has an end of unit test, which all students carry out.  Years 7 and 8 have and end of year exam to get an overall impression of student capabilities to aid class setting for the following year.  Year 9 students have practice exams for the Key Stage 3 tests.  GCSE students undertake mock exams, as well as module tests, and carry out the coursework component of the Twenty-First Century Science course.  This involves investigations, standard procedure tests, and open-book exams.

Website Links

www.twentyfirstcenturyscience.org

www.exploringscience.co.uk