Science
"Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood." Marie Curie
Introduction
The science department is at the heart of the school. Well-equipped with two modern science laboratories and a science classroom served by an excellent science technician at the centre of the learning space. The curriculum meets and expands upon the National Curriculum, providing a clear learning path from Year 7 through to examinations in Key Stage 4. The department is staffed with specialist teachers who have experience of teaching all three science subjects to A-level standard. There are two full-time science teachers as well as four part-time teachers, including the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher.
Curriculum Intent
The Science department teaches Biology, Chemistry and Physics from year 7. We aim to create and develop enthusiastic, informed, inquisitive and ultimately successful scientists who go on to use their understanding in their post-16 education.
Students who study science at The Rural Enterprise Academy should be curious about the universe about them and enjoy learning how scientific models can be used to explain observations from the very large to the very small. We are committed to establishing a learning environment that encourages students to develop their observational, experimental, problem-solving, and evaluation skills so that they become confident at analysing and interpreting information and data. Students will be offered many opportunities to apply and expand on their mathematical and communication skills in the context of the different sciences. Students will become aware of the ethical implications of scientific advances and gain opportunities to independently extend their skills beyond the classroom, making use of our great facilities and extra-curricular activities.
Fundamentally, our teachers want to inspire, foster and nurture a love of science and use scientific knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about the communication, application, and implications of science as they relate to their own lives and cultures and to the sustainability of the environment. At KS3, students are introduced to basic biology concepts and fundamental science investigative skills. The concepts are delivered using a variety of strategies to appeal to different styles of learning, such as model making, practical work and research. They are introduced to all the key vocabulary and ideas in the scientific investigative method. This helps build a strong foundation for GCSE and A level.
Subject at KS3 – Overview
In Year 7 through to Year 9, students study a range of topics as detailed in the topic sequence. During years 7, 8 and 9 all pupils study science for 3 hours a week in which they learn about aspects of Biology, Physics and Chemistry through “Big Ideas”, which are built upon each year. During KS3, teachers use the Activate scheme of work, which is endorsed by AQA, which is then adapted to the needs of the learners in each class. Progress in science is monitored through regular low-stakes tests and end-of-topic assessments. External online GL Assessment Progress testing is also used to monitor progress and benchmark against national performance of similar students of the same age.
Subject at KS4 – Overview
At KS4, we study the AQA syllabus combined science Trilogy. Topics studied at KS3 are reinforced and developed in KS4. Practical skills are further developed with the delivery of required practical and additional experiments where appropriate. We encourage their passion for science by providing both classroom-based and outdoor learning opportunities where learning is contextualised with everyday examples.
GCSE Exam Information
All science examinations are provided by the exam board AQA. The specification for the examination can be found by following this link:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/science-8464/specification
Enrichment Opportunities
Students benefit from a range of extra-curricular experiences, from HS2 STEM days to visits to Think Tank Science Museum in Birmingham. Science club is also part of Wednesday enrichment afternoons.
Studying Science Post-16
Studying GCSE science can support with a range of courses post-16, from A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology to vocational qualifications such as BTECs or Technical Awards in Environmental Science or Applied Science. It also supports further study in Animal Care, Conservation, Veterinary courses and other land-based qualifications.