The Aylesbury Vale Academy - Success Beyond Belief

Department information

The Science department has six subject specialists and is supported by a team of two highly skilled technicians. Learning takes place in a block of six, purpose-built laboratories, and a newly refurbished IT suite. All laboratories have been enhanced to provide excellent facilities including overhead projectors and interactive whiteboards. There is one preparation room enabling the department to be fully stocked with the chemicals and equipment needed for the range of courses provided.

The department has its own supply of laptops which are bookable for independent research, revision and presentation tasks, as well as a set of Datalogging resources to enhance scientific enquiry (although technology is no replacement for good old fashioned skills - like reading a thermometer).

AVA science students start learning scientific skills in Year 7 and these develop throughout their time at the school. As the experiments become more complex, so do their skills, and their confidence as young scientists grow.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 students follow the QCA KS3 Framework using specially created schemes of work based on the Exploring Science course. Exploring Science is a carefully structured activity based-course through which the National Strategy for Science is fully delivered and when combined with the resources, vibrance and experience of the Science staff, enhances Science learning.

All students begin with a brief introduction where they learn about health and safety in the lab as well as having the opportunity to practice some important scientific skills. Each topic in Year 7 and 8 is followed by a test giving the students an opportunity to track their progress. Towards the end of year 8 students will be assessed by way of one SAT style paper and coursework based exam.

There are five key scientific ideas that underpin the Key Stage 3 programme of study. These are:

• cells
• interdependence
• particles
• forces
• energy

All five areas are introduced in Year 7 and are then reinforced, developed and extended in Year 8.

In science we pride ourselves in being able to teach in a range of different styles to engage the students in our subject. Science lessons are objective led with those objectives being described as success criteria for the lesson. The investigative nature of science requires students to be independent learners and because of this students are encouraged to work in this way.

Key Stage 4

There are two pathways that students can start on in year 9, this may lead to additional pathways in Y11 depending on the students performance.

1. AQA GCSE Science (specification A) (New specification for 2010) AQA GCSE Additional Science
2. OCR Level 2 National Award in Science (New for 2010)

1. AQA GCSE Science and Additional Science

All students on this route complete Core Science in by Christmas in year 10. This is the equivalent of one GCSE. Six multiple choice examinations take place in Year 9 and 10 (Possible examination sessions are in November, March and June) with parents and students being notified of exactly when particular groups will be examined.

The six module tests make up 75% of the GCSE with the remaining 25% coming from internally assessed coursework.

Coursework is a feature of core and additional science. The coursework element of each course is referred to as an ISA (Investigative Skills Assessment) These are sat during lesson time under exam conditions.

Grades are based on four skill areas:

• Planning
• Obtaining evidence
• Analysing evidence
• Evaluation

2. OCR Level 2 National Award in Science

Entry:

This course is for students who benefit from studying at a slower pace, and without the pressure of exams, allowing them to fulfil their potential in science.

Overview:

This course will be taught over four lessons per week. There are no exams, so students are not under pressure to perform in a one-off test. Instead, assessment and learning support throughout the course give students a accurate indication of their progress, and a greater chance of success. Taking a broad approach to Science, OCR Nationals enable students to develop workplace skills without having to choose between Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Challenging yet attainable, these qualifications are designed to meet the needs and expectations of employers. Students study 3 compulsory units to gain a qualification that is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

Students on this course may have the opportunity to progress to the National Certificate which is the equivalent of 4 GCSE's.

Unit descriptors:

Students will complete 3 units to attain the national award (Unit1 and 2 are compulsory – the final unit will be specific to the students interest, examples are sport, forensics, universe and humanity)

Unit 1: Best Practice in Science

This unit is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to scientific research. They learn how to prepare laboratory materials and equipment, and to follow standard procedures safely. They carry out sampling and testing operations, and gain an understanding of the importance of working in aseptic or clean room conditions.

Unit 2: Materials' science

Students cover the key principles of identifying and testing materials to ensure that they are fit for a purpose. Students learn how materials are maintained and manufactured and look at ways of testing their physical properties and usability.

Assessment:

All units are internally assessed, and then externally moderated by an OCR Visiting Moderator. There are no external tests or exams, and ongoing assessments and moderations take place thorough out the course. All individual units are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. Awards and Certificates are graded in the same way. The qualification is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.