Intent
Science at George Mitchell School is designed to ignite curiosity within students to understand the world around them.
Our Science curriculum allows students to:
- Understand everyday experiences scientifically
- Develop practical and mathematical skills by working scientifically
- Understand the uses and implications of Science in the world around them
- Helping students to see connections between subject areas and become aware of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge.
Implementation
In Key Stage 3, students follow a course designed to support every student through a journey to Key Stage 4. Students build on their maths, literacy and working scientifically skills which are vital for Key Stage 4 success. We follow a contextual approach to Biology, Chemistry and Physics with working scientifically integrated throughout.
In Key Stage 4, students follow either the Combined or Separate Science route. They continue to build on their knowledge and working scientifically skills across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are assessed via AQA exam board and obtain two grades in Combined Science or three grades in Separate Science.
Assessment
Baseline assessments take place to determine starting points of all pupils. Formative assessments take place during the lesson and may be seen as questions, tasks, quizzes or more formal assessments. Units of work end with summative assessments to measure what a pupil has achieved at the end of a period of time. Teachers are able to feed-forward based on identified misconceptions and gaps identified in knowledge or skills.
Useful resources
KS3 Revision guides are available from the school at a discounted price of £8.
Combined Science revision guides are also available through the school at this discounted price of £8. Single Science revision guides are also available at £4 each. With a greater focus on application of knowledge, it is also recommended that students purchase workbooks. These can be bought together with revision guides for £16.
Additional resources include individual access to Active Learn and GMS Edmodo pages.