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    • Science

    Science Intent

    Aim – What is Church Stretton aiming to achieve through its Science curriculum?

    All students to receive a wide and varied curriculum, provoking their curiosity and sparking their interest in the world around them from the smallest nano particles to the expanding Universe. Students will discover how the world functions and obtain an insight into the three Sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to allow them to continue the subject in further education.

    At Church Stretton we want students to develop a passion for Science and see the application of Science in everyday life. We want students to think like a scientist, questioning the world around them; Why are leaves green? Why don’t boats sink? Why is it that in space no-one can hear you scream?

    We aim to ensure that our curriculum:

    • Develops students’ understanding of the three sciences; Biology, Chemistry and Physics
    • Provokes curiosity about the world around them.
    • Inspires a love of learning and an eagerness to excel
    • Is balanced and comprehensive, and one that all students can access and relate to
    • provides opportunities to explore Science outside the classroom, including extracurricular trips and clubs.

    The Science curriculum has been mapped across the five year groups to provide students with the skills they need at each stage of their learning journey to succeed. The cyclical curriculum allows students to draw on prior concepts, reinforce their learning whilst continually evoking new learning and extending a greater depth to their understanding of the subject.  In Year 9 students will begin their transition to GCSE by undertaking either their combined Science or Single science routes and by the time students sit their GCSE’s they will be ready for the next part of their journey in Science, at ‘A’ level.

    Web Links

    • Combined Science GCSE Bitesize Edexcel / Biology / Physics / Chemistry  – Easy-to-understand homework and revision materials for your GCSE Combined Science Edexcel ‘9-1’ studies and exams. 
    • Physics and Maths Tutor  – Revise GCSE! Past papers, exam questions by topic, revision notes, worksheets and solution banks. 
    • Save My Exams  – A stress-free path to helping students study effectively and get higher grades than they ever thought possible.  
    • Edexcel Science Specification  – Here you’ll find everything you need to prepare for GCSE (9-1) science. Materials include Edexcel specification and sample assessment materials.

    Reading List

    Reading around a subject allows students to consolidate the concept they study and help them develop their scientific terminology, whilst improving their ability to ‘write like a scientist’. We have compiled a list of suitable books which will capture students’ inquisitive minds and help them to explore the world of Science.

    KS3

    Introduction

    The Church Stretton Science department aims to help our students become scientifically literate, which means that they can describe, define, investigate and ultimately try to understand the world in which they live and how it works. We believe that this will help them to become inquisitive, decision-making problem solvers who understand their place in the wider world and how they can contribute to a better future.

    In Years 7 and 8, pupils follow the Activate course which sets science theory in real life contexts. We are firm believers that providing all students with three specialist teachers, with the very best subject knowledge, helps to extend students understanding and prevents the formation of common misconceptions that can arise from non-specialist teaching. The same structure continues into Year 9, when pupils complete the final Activate topics and then start the Edexcel Science (9-1) course in the Spring term.

    Assessment

    Students will complete an end of topic test for each of the topics they study, roughly one per subject discipline per term, which are completed within the classroom. In addition to these regular ongoing assessments students will also complete a combined sciences test as part of their Examinations week in the school hall under formal Examination conditions.

    The following topics are taught in each year and allow students to develop a robust knowledge base ready for their GCSE course. The ordering of topics allows students to continually build on prior knowledge, develop transferrable skills and understand how topics relate to one another.

    How to support your child

    • Encourage them to read regularly, try some of the suggested books from our recommendations
    • Help them to practise the spelling and use of scientific vocabulary
    • Help and encourage them to practise their mathematical skills
    • Help them to structure their revision for end of topic tests
    • Encourage them to make use of the suggested websites
    • Discuss what they are doing in science lessons and help develop their enthusiasm for the subjects
    • Use knowledge organisers to challenge students on the correct definitions for key terminology.
    • Encourage students to keep on top of their revision to reduce their workload in Year 11 and explore different revision techniques to find the one that suits their learning style.  

     

    KS4