Science

Science department curriculum 2010-11

Year 6-8 follow in-house schemes of work written around the secondary science framework objectives. Depending on entry date to BLC students in Phase 3 will follow either a 2 or 3 year curriculum. All yearly teaching objectives are covered alongside How Science Works.

Students in Phase 3 will also carry out a STEM project designed to develop independent learning, inquiry skills and other transferable skills.

Year 10-11 have the option of two different routes in science.

Route 1 – GCSE

Students opting for GCSE will follow the EDEXCEL 360 core science course.

This consists of six external modular exams each worth 10% of the final grade, 3 internal assessments, also worth 10% each and a practical skills assessment again worth 10% of the final mark. Modular exams take place in November, March and June. Students that pass their core exam in a year move on to additional science. Students who fail to gain a C/D grade are given the option to resit during the next year. During 2011-2012, Y11 students that have passed both core and additional will move on to take triple science.

For Y9, due to specification changes in the GCSE from 2011, Y9’s opting for GCSE will follow EDEXCEL 360 biology GCSE (old specification). In subsequent years EDEXCEL chemistry and Physics will be taught.

Route 2 – BTEC

Y10 and 11 Students opting for route 2 follow the BTEC First Applied Science course. Students in Y11 during 2010-11 will complete the certificate course at level 2 to gain two GCSE passes. Students in Y10 are encouraged to work towards BTEC Diploma as the extra curriculum time should enable them to gain 4 GCSE passes.