Overview

The ethos of the Science department at the Riverbank Secondary School is based around the following points;

• Explore , enjoy and achieve
• Stay safe
• Achieve economic wellbeing
• Make a positive contribution
• Model excellence

Curriculum

In Year 7, 8 and 9, the pupils are taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics in an integrated fashion. They will be following the checkpoint Cambridge lower secondary curriculum and featuring elements of the ‘Activate’ teaching course which meets the needs of the National Curriculum and is fully supported with electronic resources for both pupils and teachers.  Pupils will explore many topics in depth through practical experimentation .The skills gained allow pupils to make an early start on the IGCSE courses. They will also be sitting for the Cambridge Checkpoint examinations in year 9.

In addition, towards the end of Year 9, pupils will be asked to consider an option of these subjects for their IGCSEs:

Separate Sciences (9-1): Biology (Single Award), Chemistry (Single Award) or Physics (Single Award)

This option is likely to favour the higher ability pupil who wishes to pursue any of the Sciences at A Level or International Baccalaureate (IB). A successful pupil will end up with an individual GCSE in each Science. If pupils decide to choose the Separate Sciences then they must study all three Sciences. As this course is aimed at the higher ability pupils they will be entered for both terminal exam papers in each Science at the higher tier. Controlled assessments from the previous specifications have been replaced with a series of set experiments that all pupils must complete. Aspects of these practical experiments will be examined in the terminal exam papers.

Cambridge IGCSE Sciences – Co-ordinated (9-1)

Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Co-ordinated Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a cross-referenced, scientifically coherent syllabus. It is a double award qualification, earning two grades. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study.

They learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.

Cambridge IGCSE Science – Combined

Cambridge IGCSE Combined Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. It is a single award qualification, earning one grade. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. 

They learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous, formative and summative and it is designed to help the student achieve his/her potential. At KS3 and Year 10, students do STEM cross curricular projects, classroom based assessments, home work and end of term exams.

Educational visits and extra- curricular activity

For pupils who wish to explore Science further, there are separate Science clubs  for Years 7, 8 and 9, which take place on a weekly basis. Educational trips will also be a regular part of learning

Rooms and resources

The Science department includes three purpose built laboratories. There are also a preparation room. The laboratories are fully equipped, including fume cupboards, to teach the Sciences up to and including ‘A’ Level. ICT provision for the laboratories includes departmental wireless laptops, data projectors, interactive white boards, Wowbii and data logging equipment. The laboratories are supported by highly experienced and enthusiastic staff members.