S c i e n c e

Secondary Science at BIS

'Science is everywhere! It continues to be in the news and shapes our lives irrevocably. Here at BIS the Science Curriculum consciously embraces this belief. Whether it involves investigating the nutritional value of our food by burning it or exploding balloons filled with hydrogen, the range of activities used in our curriculum reflect the rich diversity of Science in the real world.

The Science Faculty is committed to providing students with a broad and balanced 'English style' curriculum of the highest quality. We provide students with a strong foundation in all aspects of Science by utilising the very latest developments in Learning and Teaching so that they are challenged and prepared for a successful future. Students will become scientifically literate, independent learners who are able to acquire knowledge and understand scientific processes. This will enable them to make informed decisions and solve problems of a scientific nature.

Curriculum

All students in Years 7 to 9 follow an internationally tailored KS3 National Curriculum. The Programme of Study followed is that recommended by the Qualification Assessment Authority (QCA), but adapted to suit the particular requirements of our students. Currently students are taught in mixed ability tutor groups in Years 7, 8 and 9.

The course is taught as an integrated subject and provides a thorough, practically based approach to understanding basic scientific concepts and their application in the modern world. Student progress is regularly assessed through summative, End of Unit tests and on-going classroom based formative assessments. http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/schemes2/secondary_science/?view=get

In Years 10 and 11 all students follow the EDEXCEL IGCSE Co-ordinated Science, Double Award syllabus (it counts as two IGCSE passes) or the Separate Science Courses. Students are taught by subject specialists in the three main scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At the end of Year 11 all students sit a final examination in each of the three subject areas. The IGCSE Double Award course provides an excellent foundation for success at IB and other Post-16 curricula. (Science Specification: EDEXCEL IGCSE Double Award: 4SCO). http://www.edexcel.com/quals/Pages/qual-home.aspx

Following the IGSCE course, students take their scientific interests further in the IB programme. Students can specialise in one or two Sciences by taking courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics at Standard or Higher Level. Students may also opt to take the Standard Level transdisciplinary course of Environmental Systems and Societies. Students are taught by experienced subject specialists through varied and stimulating methods from practical based experimentation to computer modelling.

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