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 14 qualified subject specialist teaching staff, two HLTAs, 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 Mrs Rolls-Roake - Second in Science/KS4 Co-ordinator Mr Thomas - Third in Science/KS3 Co-ordinator Mrs Crane – Teacher i/c Biology Mr Law – Teacher i/c Chemistry Mr Kishkar – Teacher i/c Physics Mrs Banks – HOY 12 Mr Burrell – HOY 8 Mr Shingadia Mrs Patel Miss Ahmed Dr Bingham Mrs McGuinness Mrs Pope (HLTA) |
Ms Agate - Science administrator Mrs Thomas – Senior science technician Mrs Carter – Science technician Mrs Leahy - Science technician Mrs Riley - Science technician |
Curriculum IntentOur students will experience the nature of scientific processes through scientific enquiry and develop an understanding of the world we live in. |
Homework Intent
The purpose of science homework is to consolidate the 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. |
Key Stage 3
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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 BandsStudents 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 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 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. More information about the new banding format will be given to Year 7 parents well in advance of the first Student Progress Report, which is sent to parents/carers at the beginning of February. |
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Summary Curriculum Plan |
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Key Stage 4
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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:
Students are recommended the most appropriate pathway at the start of Year 9 before they make their option choices. |
Summary Curriculum Plan |
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Key Stage 5
Curriculum IntentStudying Science at A-Level will enable students to develop: |
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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 ScienceThe 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 Plan |
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Inclusion
IntentIt 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. |
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Literacy
Reading Aims:
Writing Aims:
Spoken Language Aims:
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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.
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CERN Trip |
Hadron Collider |
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Independent Study
Key Stage 4 |
Key Stage 5 |
For further information regarding our Sciences Curriculum please contact:
Mrs Mackenzie Dodds (Head of Department) anna.mackenzie-dodds@edgbarrowschool.co.uk
