Science
Key Stage 3
The emphasis in Years 7 to 9 continues to be on gaining a good grounding in all branches of science, with the ultimate aim of continuing to raise attainment in the Year 9 SATs and preparing students for Key Stage 4. However, our new Year 7 students will be the first to sample the new style Key Stage 3 course, which looks to give students increased skills and more knowledge of 'How Science Works'. We can already boast some experience in these areas, thanks to the local authority pilot work carried out recently by Mrs Amesbury’s Year 9 group in preparation for their SATs.
Information on the new Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
Big developments in Year 10 as a large number of students are embarking on the 'OCR Nationals' course. The equivalent of two or four GCSE passes, this course offers a new slant on science and its applications in the real world. It is designed particularly (though not exclusively) as a route into several college courses (such as the new Diplomas) or into employment in scientific or technical roles. The course is gaining recognition all the time and more and more schools are looking to take it on board.
For more information on the OCR Nationals, visit the OCR Nationals website.
Other students in KS4 will continue to follow the more “traditional” GCSE courses of Core and Additional Science, provided by AQA. These also offer many routes into further education, particularly (but, again, not exclusively) A-Levels, and we will be working with local colleges and sixth-forms to raise students’ awareness of their options post 16.
For more information on the AQA website
