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 burning food to understand its nutritional value or investigating air rockets, 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 'British 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 all have a successful ‘learning journey’. Students will become scientifically literate, independent learners who are able to acquire knowledge and understand scientific processes. This will give them the confidence and skills to make informed decisions and solve scientific problems.

Curriculum

All students in Years 7 to 9 broadly follow the KS3 National Curriculum, which has been tailored to our international needs. 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, experimentally based approach to understanding basic scientific concepts and their application in the modern world. Student progress is regularly assessed through summative tests and on-going classroom based formative assessments to aid learning. In Years 10 and 11 all students follow the EDEXCEL IGCSE in Science, Double Award course (4SCO), which counts as two IGCSE passes. Some students, however, are invited to take the ‘Separate Science Courses’ in an accelerated class. Students are taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics by subject specialists. The key areas of knowledge, understanding and application are addressed, with a strong emphasis on investigative, practical work. At the end of Year 11 all students sit a final examination in each of the three subject areas. The Double Award course provides an excellent foundation for success at IB and other Post-16 curricula.