Science

At key stage three the Department has produced homework booklets for all topics which identify outcomes required at different levels. Key vocabulary is provided and a range of different homework activities have been produced. Peer/self marking as well as teacher marking is used to monitor these. Setting by ability for the top two groups in each population in year nine has been introduced this academic year. Level assessed tasks have been introduced at key stage three. The frequency of end tests has been reduced. At Key Stage 4 we currently follow the AQA GCSE Science courses.
The Department uses rewards and sanctions effectively and this is monitored regularly via SLEUTH, both for individuals and for the whole department. Letters of praise, postcards and merit stickers are all used regularly. Students causing concern are monitored via Science report with a standard letter to involve parents. Each member of the department contributes to a Science on call system which removes disruptive students from their normal class environment. Detentions resulting from poor behaviour occur with the class teacher, or with the Head of Department. Rewards on the whole outweigh sanctions and relationships between staff and students are good.

• Science.doc 

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/home/index.html

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/science

http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/

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www.creative-chemistry.org.uk

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/default.stm

http://www.btinternet.com/~chemistry.diagrams/index.htm