Science – an overview

About the subject

The delivery of Science in school is fundamental to the development of a broad range of transferable skills to further children’s development both within school and in many other areas of their lives. This philosophy is identified by the Science department at Raincliffe and is reflected in the design of our courses both at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Consequently we deliver a balanced curriculum to provide an engaging, enjoyable and purposeful experience.

Key Stage 3

In years 7, 8 and 9 the Heinemann scheme of work is used. This is a published scheme chosen as it correlates well to the QCA units and scheme of work. In addition to this scheme teachers are encouraged to use a variety of other resources that capture the pupils’ interest. This will often involve the use of practical activities, group work, literacy, numeracy and ICT activities. Pupils are regularly informed of their progress through teacher’s comments in exercise books, verbal feedback, plenary sessions (within each lesson) and progress review lessons that take place every two weeks.

Key Stage 4 – GCSE

In years 10 and 11 students follow the ‘OCR 21st Century Science’ course. This is a new course designed to deliver scientific ideas in a familiar, interesting and engaging context. In addition this promotes the inclusion, and development, of those skills essential to the world of Science.

Year 10
In year 10 all students follow the Core Science course and in year 11 students have the choice of following the ‘Applied Science’ GCSE course or the ‘Additional Science’ GCSE course.

Year 11
The ‘Applied’ course is designed to encourage the students to look at the use of Science in the work place and they prepare a portfolio of coursework based around job roles and procedures used in the work place. The ‘Additional Science’ course is designed to show progression from the skills, knowledge and understanding from the year 10 ‘Core Science’ course.
For more details about the coursework, units and their respective contributions to the overall grade please see the relevant section.