Science and ICT Faculty

Science Home | Contacting us | Key Stage 3 | Key Stage 4 | Sixth Form

SCIENCE
	Introduction
	Contacting us
Key Stage 3 & 4
	Key Stage 3
	Key Stage 4
Sixth Form
	Biology
	Chemistry
	Forensic Science
	Human Biology
	Physics

Science at Banbury School

Introduction
The aim of the Science courses at Banbury School is to give students an understanding of a broad range of scientific concepts and to give them the interest and opportunity to use their knowledge further.

Lessons frequently involve practical work and students are taught the necessary skills so that they can carry out experiments on their own.

Typically, students are taught in 6 week topics. At the end of each topic students are tested. They are then be given feedback on their progress and targets are set for the next topic.

The Curriculum
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8)
Students in Key Stage 3 follow a two year Curriculum.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11)
Students follow one of two different courses in Key Stage 4.

The first course enables students to study for three separate GCSEs in Science. These are 21st Century Science Biology, Physics and Chemistry in the range of A*-G.

The second pathway is via the BTEC vocational course in Applied Science. This course is 100% internally assessed and there are no external examinations.

Students are awarded Pass, Merit or Distinction grades where a Pass grade is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade C.

Sixth Form
Students obtaining suitable grades during Key Stage 4 can choose to study Science in the Sixth Form. The courses currently available are:
Biology AS/A2
Human Biology AS/A2
Chemistry AS/A2
Physics AS/A2
Forensic Science (National Diploma)

Extra Curricular Opportunities
The Science Club runs on Tuesdays, after school, from 3.05pm until 3.50 pm.

Revision lessons are available prior to external examinations (SATs, GCSE and AS/A2).

Coursework catch-up sessions will run for GCSE students.

The Biology and Human Biology students have the opportunity to go on the annual field trip in order to collect data for their coursework.

Assessment And Target Setting
All students are assessed at the end of each term (each new term is approximately 6 weeks long).
Feedback will then be given and targets set for the next topic. During each topic there will be other types of assessment opportunities. Students will be expected to reflect on comments in their books from their class teachers on ways to improve their work.

Useful Web Sites

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision
www.samlearning.com
www.skool.co.uk
www.howstuffworks.com
www.waythingswork.com

Accommodation and Resources

The Science Faculty consists of 11 fully equipped laboratories. Additionally there are 4 AS/A2 laboratories and a Science ICT room.

Safety

Students will be expected to take responsibility for working safely. They do not usually wear protective clothing, although they may wear lab coats or old white shirts if they wish to protect their clothing.

Students with long hair will be asked to tie it back and safety goggles must be worn whenever directed to do so.

Use of ICT

ICT is used in Science in order to:
• Gather data from experiments
• Analyse data from experiments
• Prepare reports and presentations
• Research topics of current scientific interest

Building towers on Creative Learning Day

Homework

In Key Stage 3 students will be set one homework per week, designed to last approximately 30 minutes.

In Key Stage 4 students will receive one homework per week, designed to last approximately 40 minutes.

In the Sixth Form students should expect to undertake 5 hours of work each week. This may be set homework, research and/ or private study.