At the Forum Centre we endeavour to prepare our students for life after school. Science is an integral part of everyday life, it is the reason we are here and explains what things are made of and how they work. We therefore strive to make science relevant to our lives and continually make links within the three sciences, biology, chemistry and physics, and all other subjects.  

In year 9 we follow the Exploring Science, Working Scientifically scheme, which aims to consolidate science learning up to Key Stage 3 and to prepare students for progression to Key Stage 4. It is a enquiry-led scheme which encourages students to explore and learn. 

In years 10 and 11 the Forum Centre offers AQA Entry Level Certificate and GCSE AQA Combined Science: Trilogy which awards two GCSEs. The pathway students take is based on their individual needs.  

GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy is taught as three separate sciences, which are examined as six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics, at the end of year 11. Each of the papers assesses knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.  

Further information about the GCSE and Entry Level Certificate courses can be found at https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464/introduction and https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/elc/science-5960/introduction  

 

Intention

Our intention in science is to prepare our students for life after school. The Science Council defines science as ‘the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence’. Science is therefore an integral part of everyday life; it is the reason we are here and explains what things are made of and how they work. The techniques we use, and our understanding that opinions should be evidence based, is very important when trying to make sense of information and form our own views.

We strive to make science relevant to our lives and continually make links within the three sciences: biology, chemistry and physics, and all other subjects, with emphasis on using a scientific methodology.  

Scientific methodology includes:

  • Objective observation: Measurement and data (possibly although not necessarily using mathematics as a tool)
  • Evidence
  • Experiment and/or observation as benchmarks for testing hypotheses
  • Induction: reasoning to establish general rules or conclusions drawn from facts or examples
  • Repetition
  • Critical analysis
  • Verification and testing: critical exposure to scrutiny, peer review and assessment

It is our intention that pupils will develop a wide variety of skills through their science lessons, that can be transferred to other areas of study and their life and will be useful and transferrable post-16.

 

Implementation

KS3 – Core Year 9

In year 9 The Forum Centre follow the Exploring Science, Working Scientifically scheme, which aims to consolidate science learning up to Key Stage 3 and to prepare students for progression to Key Stage 4. Emphasis during this year is on developing the core topic areas whilst ensuring that the foundations of the three sciences are secure. It is an opportunity to address misconceptions, cover learning gaps and provide a transition to Key Stage 4. The scheme is enquiry-led, which encourages students to explore and learn, with emphasis on secure scientific methodology and working scientifically. 

 

KS4 – Year 10 and 11

In years 10 and 11 we tailor our offer to the individual needs of the students, with a range of learning routes. We are aware that science has often been perceived as a problem area for students and are keen for them to foster a positive relationship with the subject. This is why we have a range of pathways for students in years 10 and 11 based on their individual needs.

There is the opportunity to follow the more traditional GCSE AQA Combined Science: Trilogy which awards two GCSEs, with the potential for AQA Entry Level Certificate for those following this path who may not be ready to complete the full GCSE course. In addition, we offer GCSE AQA Biology and Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Principles of Applied Science and Application of Science.  

 

Impact

A variety of assessment for learning techniques are used throughout the year to check understanding. Formative assessment is used every lesson to inform planning and to ensure teaching is adaptive to the needs of students; these take the form of mind-maps, quizzes, classwork, discussions and questioning. Students will also have summative assessment with baseline assessments on arrival and regular end of unit assessments, peer assessments and mock examinations to help prepare them for their final BTEC or GCSE exams.

 

Resources

GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy is taught as three separate sciences, which are examined as six papers: two biology, two chemistry and two physics, at the end of year 11. Each of the papers assesses knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.

GCSE Biology is examined with two papers and also assesses knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.

Entry Level Certificate is taught alongside GCSE Combined Science and is wholly teacher assessed. It is graded as ELC single and double award 1-3 depending on the quality and quantity of work completed.

Further information about the GCSE and Entry Level Certificate courses can be found at https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464/introduction and https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/elc/science-5960/introduction  

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/biology-8461/introduction

 

Pearson BTEC Firsts Applied takes into account the unique nature of Applied Science, spanning three disciplines (physics, chemistry and biology). It is offered as two 120 guided learning hour awards, Principles of Applied Science Award and Application of Science Award. These are completed consecutively and are assessed through internal assessments and an external paper for each Award.

Further information about Pearson BTEC Firsts and specifications can be found at

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-firsts/applied-science-2012-nqf.html

 

Further information

There are numerous television programmes and books relating to science and to help with revision. We would always recommend ensuring that the material is from a reliable source and not just from a Google search or TikTok.

BBC programmes such as The Brian Cox ‘Wonders’ series are excellent as well as David Attenborough’s Planet Earth series. In addition, the late Michael Mosley made a number of fact-based food and diet programmes, and Hannah Fry’s Secret Genius of Modern Life series explores modern technologies.

For revision, BBC bitesize is a very good resource, as is primrosekitten.com Students will be given additional revision resources and links closer to their exams.