Science lesson with Maggie

Philosophy

Breckenbrough has a history of high achievement in Science with a large number of pupils leaving with not only an interest in the subject but a willingness to study it to the highest level.

Prior to the National Curriculum the philosophy leant heavily on utilising the inherent intelligence and spontaneous enthusiasm of the boys. Many experiments and ideas were initiated by the pupils themselves and it was a deliberate policy to encourage them to participate in the development of what they learnt.

The National Curriculum has by its nature restricted this 'nativist' approach but the department has tried to retain as much of its former philosophy by using the attributes and skills of the teachers within it.

The curriculum in the upper school is divided between two members of the department and that in the lower school between three. In the upper school one member of the team concentrates on the more experimental modules, where pupils are encouraged to devise their own interpretations and ideas, retaining as far as possible the original philosophy. The second Member of the department concentrates on the more theoretical modules where the skills of understanding and knowledge are at the fore. In the lower school each member of the department delivers one of the three Science National Curriculum Sections.

Aims

The science at Breckenbrough aims to give students opportunities to:

1. Acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge and develop an understanding of science including its power and limitations.
2. Develop experimental and investigative abilities.
3. Develop an understanding of the nature of scientific ideas and activities and the basis for scientific claims.
4. Develop their understanding of the technological and environmental applications of science and of the economic, ethical and social implications of these.
5. Generate an interest and enthusiasm with the intention of pupils to study to a higher level.

Programmes of study

YEARS 7 - 9 (KEY STAGE)

These follow a modular course which includes some of the Salters Science Modules along with some home written modules which have been mapped onto the National Curriculum. This ensures that all the areas are covered for all the Attainment Targets before a pupil reaches year 10.

YEARS 10 - 11 (KEY STAGE 4)

These follow the A.Q.A. G.C.S.E. Science: Double Award (Modular) Course which has proved to be a very successful way of teaching and assessing at Key Stage 4 as it overcomes the anxiety these emotional children experience with an all-or-nothing examination.