Y7-11 Absence Line: 01625 627229 Sixth Form Absence Line: 01625 627274 Visit the Sixth Form Website
Y7-11 Absence Line: 01625 627229 Sixth Form Absence Line: 01625 627274 Visit the Sixth Form Website
Science is the study of the natural world around us, from living things on Earth to the workings of the stars at the furthest reaches of the Universe. It is a core part of the curriculum, studied by all students until the end of Year 11, and is an essential part of education for young people growing up in a technological society such as ours. Here at Fallibroome, we take a very practical approach to Science, so that students learn not only what Science has already discovered, but also the skills of how to discover new things for themselves. This approach serves well to develop future scientists, engineers and medics, and also to equip everyone with the skills for life to enable them to identify dubious claims and bogus pseudoscience.
Science in Years 7, 8 and 9 is taught over three hours per week, in mixed ability groups, to all pupils. Topics last for about three weeks and range across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The aim is to develop a deeper understanding of scientific principles and knowledge in as practical a way as possible, while encouraging the enthusiasm and wonder that pupils bring with them from primary school.
Practical work is recorded in a laboratory book, which remains in school. All other work is recorded in an exercise book, which pupils are expected to bring to every lesson.
3 lessons per fortnight in KS3
Teachers award stickers to recognise pupils’ effort. After pupils have collected enough of these, teachers send an email home to parents to congratulate the pupil. Emails are also sent home for other reasons, too, such as exceptional homework or improvements in attainment.
For each group of topics, above, there is a “takeaway menu” of tasks that pupils can choose from, for completion outside of lessons. Some of the items on the menus are straightforward and will not take long, others are more involved and feel like mini-projects; these will obviously take longer. Pupils have free choice or how much they attempt, as long as they do something. (As a guide, we would expect one short piece each week, or a medium sized piece over two weeks or a longer project piece over three weeks.) This allows pupils to follow their own interests and invest more time in the things they find interesting. To reward the pupils who really engage with the menus, there are ‘points’ (based on effort) available for each task and Bronze/Silver/Gold certificates are awarded when 300/600/1200 points have been reached throughout the year. In addition, pupils scoring 1800 points will receive a trophy! To achieve a trophy is very challenging, but all pupils should aim for at least their Silver certificate.
Summative assessments take place 4 times per year in November, February, April and June.
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