Meet the Teaching Team in Science

Mrs M Hendry - Science Curriculum Leader
Ms J Atkinson - Deputy Headteacher and Science Teacher
Mr S Palmer - Science Co-ordinator
Miss A Mundiya - Science Co-ordinator
Mrs A Calvert - Science Co-ordinator
Mr C Ainley - Teacher of Science
Mrs L Evans - Teacher of Science
Mrs A Jones - Teacher of Science
Mr K Schlecter - Teacher of Science
Mrs K Dawson - Teacher of Science
Mrs N Naeem - Teacher of Science (also Health & Social Care)
Mrs P Chima-Sohal - Teacher of Science

Science at Batley Girls' High School

In science we aim to inspire, enthuse and work in partnership with our students to help them achieve their potential. There are numerous coaching sessions and clubs to support all students, both at lunchtimes and after-school. We recruit Science learning consultants from several year groups, they advise us and are involved in planning our annual science week.

Groups are set for science, usually according to ability. However the organisation varies from year to year, depending on the particular needs of each year-group. We are lucky to have small class sizes, which allows students to experience more practical and creative science activities.

For further enquires regarding Science at Batley Girls’ High School please contact the curriculum leader, Mrs Hendry at school or via mhendry@batleygirls.co.uk

Key Stage 3

In years 7 and 8 students follow a theme-based programme which explores science concepts from a different angle; some schemes are planned with the humanities and Design-Technology areas incorporating curricular links to electronics, resistant materials, geography, history and RE. In addition to this there are regular booster schemes to help develop investigative skills. The teaching orders and homework activities for each year group are given on the Science area of the school ‘Moodle’ VLE.

Key Stage 3 ‘Assessing Pupil Progress’ in Science

We have periodic ‘APP’ assessments, these vary in terms of activity – asking students to interpret data or produce newspaper articles, PowerPoint slideshows, models or make a video. The results of these activities are recorded as levels against a given ‘Assessment Focus’. There are 5 Assessment Foci – AF1 – AF5, following the completion of an assessment students record results and consider how to make further progress in this skill area. In addition to this there are occasional ‘exam-type’ assessments, which test the use of scientific skills as well as information recall.

Key Stage 4

There are two main routes that students follow in Key Stage 4 Science studies, GCSE science qualifications or BTEC Level 2 qualifications. Details of the individual qualifications can be found below.

GCSE Sciences Information and Assessment

All the GCSEs are EDEXCEL qualifications. They follow a traditional format using examinations to test students understanding, and provide a good basis for further scientific study at Advanced level (NB grade BB or better are required to study A levels at BGHS). The qualifications are part of a unitised course which allows us flexibility. GCSE students in years 10 and 11 follow the ‘2006’ specification. This is being updated by Edexcel and therefore year 9 students will follow the ‘2011’ specification.

To really get to grips with the GCSE courses we study you may wish to look at the entire specification follow the appropriate link below.

For year 10/11 students:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/gcse-leg/science/science/Pages/default.aspx

For year 9 students:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gcse/GCSE-science-2011/Pages/default.aspx

The courses and the unit names are outlined below:
Pasted Graphic

For the 2006 specification (year 10/11 students)
B1, C1 and P1 units are assessed by 6 external multiple-choice examinations usually 3 in November and 3 in June of year 10. In addition to this there are Internal Assessment Activities (IAAs) - one each for B1, C1 and P1. The IAAs are skills-based assessments testing students planning, interpretation and evaluation skills. Students complete IAAs following study on the relevant area of the specification in classes, following preparation lessons.

B2, C2 and P2 (additional science) units are assessed by end-of-unit examinations both multiple choice and structured questions these are usually examined in the year 11 June exam session. In addition there are further IAAs for each unit.

Triple award students complete units B1, B2, C1, C2, P1 and P2 in class as per the core and additional Science students. In addition to this these students must complete the extension topics B3, C3 and P3 in order to achieve the three GCSEs by the end of year 11.

Revision guides for all the different qualifications are available from the Science office at the subsidised cost of £2.00.

BTEC Level 2 Applied Science Information and Assessment

The BTEC qualification allows students to gain qualifications which are equivalent to GCSE in an applied context. Students learn Science concepts and then demonstrate their understanding by completing a series of assignments. Each assignment clearly states a deadline and what needs to be completed to achieve a pass, merit or distinction grade. The qualification has no examinations, it is entirely portfolio based. Each assignment is graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction levels. ALL assignments must be passed to achieve an overall pass.
After all assignments for the units are complete students can be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

BTECTable

It is an excellent qualification for students of various abilities, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of science in an applied context – such as designing a powerpoint presentation, conducting an interview or producing a leaflet. The qualification is applied so would not be relevant for students who wish to study science ‘A’ levels, but is a excellent foundation for students who wish to study other subjects at advanced level.

There are two BTEC qualifications we offer to various groups. These are:

BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science. This is equivalent to one GCSE qualification at grade C or above.

BTEC

BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Applied Science. This is equivalent to two GCSE qualifications at grade C or above.

BTEC Extended

For further information about BTEC qualifications follow the link as below:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/nationals10/appsci/Pages/default.aspx

Key Stage 5

We offer two courses at Advanced Level. Entry requirements are two grade ‘B’s at GCSE level.

Biology is the Edexcel qualification – specification and further information at the link below:
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/biology/Pages/default.aspx

Chemistry is the AQA qualification – specification and further information at the link below:
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/science/chemistry_materials.php?id=03&prev=03

For 2010-11 we are offering the Level 2 BTEC certificate in Applied Science, this is equivalent to a GCSE in Science at Grade C. For further information, refer to the BTEC information in the Key Stage 4 area.

science
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