Science at Bank View
Base 1 and 2:
Base pupils at kS2-3 complete a science course that is delivered at their individual level and supported appropriately by their class teacher. Base pupils kS4 work towards AQA entry level science. This can be achieved at 3 levels and can be a single or double award.
In this year pupils are introduced to the main elements of science:
Electricity and Magnetism
· Light and Sound
· Chemical Reactions
· Acids and Alkalis
The work is practically based and includes an introduction to tables, bar charts and graphs. It is designed as a preparation for the remainder of the science curriculum.
Years 8, 9:
Years 8-9 follow the KS3 national curriculum and experimental skills are developed due to the highly practical nature of the subject. The emphasis on developing ideas and skills in this KS3 curriculum then better prepares pupils for their KS4 qualifications for entry level up to higher vocational levels.
Pupils follow the AQA Entry Level Science course leading to a single or double qualification. The units are made up of practical and some written assessments and cover the following areas:
· Biology: The human body
· Biology: Environment, evolution and inheritance
· Chemistry: Elements, mixtures and compounds
· Chemistry: Chemistry in our world
· Physics: Energy, forces and the structure of matter
· Physics: Electricity, magnetism and waves
Pupils are encouraged to plan, carry out and evaluate their own experiments frequently as this is also part of their science education and assessments.
In year 11 we have developed a level 1 certificate/award with Open awards for those pupils who are capable of achieving this higher qualification. This is achieved by submitting a portfolio of work covering a variety of biology, chemistry and physics topics along with a mandatory investigating skills unit. This portfolio holds a range of practical evidence, photographic, verbal accounts/projects and written work so as to give all pupils an individualised route to gaining a qualification.
The school is fully equipped with a science teaching lab designed for carrying out experiments and the grounds are used to support the science curriculum including a study of the ecology of the school site.