Science

Our Science study programmes for both Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 closely follow the government recommendations for pupils of this age.

Lessons include practical work wherever possible and we place particular emphasis on investigative skills. Pupils use computers in a variety of ways including presenting results, logging data and finding information.

We hold liaison meetings with lower and upper schools to agree which topics should be taught by which schools. The transfer between schools of information about pupils' progress is well established.

Years 5 and 6

For Key Stage 2, pupils study science for three hours every week. We teach in tutor groups (apart from during the SATs presentation period when pupils are placed in groups to target their specific needs).

Homework is set once a week - the time spent doing this increases gradually over the two year period for Key Stage 2.

In the autumn, Year 6 goes on a science trip.

The Standard Assessment Test (SAT) is taken in the summer term of Year 6 and we send the results of these to parents.

We regularly assess our pupils' progress and provide written reports for their parents once a year.

Years 7 and 8

Our Key Stage 3 pupils study science for three hours a week. They are taught in groups based on their previous progress and the pace they require. The groups are set using the Maths department's evaluations, and we liaise closely with them to ensure that all pupils are allocated the appropriate set.

The Key Stage 3 study programme is divided into modules, and these are split between the middle and upper schools. We hold assessments at the end of each topic and also a transfer examination at the end of Year 8. The results of this are included in each pupil's transfer documentation, together with some investigative work.

Homework is set twice a week, with the amount of time spent gradually increasing throughout the two year period. Research and presentation skills are developed through regular projects for homework.