Shirebrook Academy

Welcome to: The Science Department at Shirebrook Academy

Department statement
The science department aims to uphold the mission statement of Shirebrook Academy and develop a scientific ethos throughout, which incorporates strong cross curricular links. The department is committed to sharing best practice with other departments, faculties and teams throughout the academy, partner secondary schools, partner primary schools and the community.

Students and their achievements are at the heart of the work of the department. All students are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their work in science. This occurs through the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum and a range of extra-curricular and enrichment activities.
The science department will be a centre of excellence for scientific education by maximizing the opportunities of the new technologies to develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning. In addition we aim to continually raise standards of attainment of all students and provide young people with the skills needed to progress into employment, on to further education or further training according to their individual abilities, aptitudes and ambitions.

Meet the department

Course(s) over view
Students in Years 7 and 8 complete a two year Key Stage 3 course, which during this time they will have learnt a wide range of topics in Chemistry, Physics and Biology, which include Keeping Fit and Healthy; Gravity and Space; Reproduction and much more.

Years 9-11 students complete their GCSE options from those listed below, which builds on their prior learning from Key Stage 3 and provides a broad and balanced curriculum that ensures diversity and sets them on the road to success for when they leave the Academy. GCSE courses offered:
1. OCR Gateway Science Suite B. This is a dual award course whereby students will attain two GCSEs in Core Science and Additional Science. Both of the courses cover Chemistry, Physics and Biology at foundation and higher level.
2. OCR Triple Sciences. This is a triple award course whereby students learn higher level science, which is especially suited to anyone entering a profession requiring a more in depth science background. Students will attain one GCSE in each of the Chemistry, Physics and Biology sciences and is available at foundation and higher level.
3. Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Diploma. This is a vocational course with a clear emphasis on developing young people for the world of work. The course comprises Chemistry, Physics and Biology and is worth four GCSEs at grades Pass, Merit and Distinction, which equates to A* – C grades.
In Years 12 and 13 students have the option of enrolling on a post-16 science course, which is equivalent to three A levels. Course information can be found below:
4. Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science – Students will study higher level science in Chemistry, Physics and Biology and develop a wide range of skills desirable for employment and Higher Education.

How will I be assessed?
Years 7 and 8 will primarily be assessed using APP (Assessing Pupil Progress). However, they will also sit three tests throughout each year.
The majority of the current Year 9 group are assessed using National Test papers. Trial tests take place twice during the year and an end of Key Stage 3 assessment completed in May using National Test papers.
From September 2011 all of the Year 9 cohort as well as Years 10 and 11 will be assessed depending on their preferred GCSE option. The list below explains how they are assessed throughout their GCSEs:
OCR Gateway B – for both Core and Additional Science GCSEs students will complete a combination of examinations and coursework. Core science is comprised of two examinations and one piece of coursework. Additional science is comprised of two examinations and two pieces of coursework. Students are also assessed on their practical skills.

Where next?
Students studying OCR Gateway B science suite may progress to AS/A-levels, BTEC Nationals, OCR Nationals, Applied GCE, NVQ’s, apprenticeships depending on their chosen career pathway. The pathways available can lead to a wide range of professions including: engineering; mechanics; electrician; plumbing; technical laboratory assistants; veterinary/doctor; nursing; hairdressing; teaching and many more careers dependant on what a particular students would like to progress to.

Students studying BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science may progress to a BTEC National in Applied Science or related BTEC Nationals, GCE Applied Science or related NVQ qualifications, or enter employment.

Students studying BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science may progress from the BTEC National Diploma could be into employment where learners might take professional body examinations or complete NVQs. Alternatively, learners could continue to degree or other higher-education programmes in the same vocational sector or in a related sector such as BTEC Higher National Diploma in Applied Sciences or a full-time degree in Applied Sciences or Forensic Science. This qualification programme provides access to more specialist units and therefore broadens and deepens the learners’ experience in preparation for the world of work.

Extracurricular opportunities:
As part of our extracurricular activities we have a group of Year 8 students who are in involved in our sports science club. Our club will promote fitness and well being. We will look at general fitness, cycling, running and swimming techniques. Students will be working towards achieving a Bronze Crest Award and will work towards achieving the silver award in the next academic year. During the next academic year students will visit Rother Valley to take part in the children’s triathlon, which takes place in June 2010.

Key SkillsThroughout students time at Shirebrook Academy they will develop a wide range of skills including: literacy, numeracy and ICT skills, thinking skills, teamwork, independent learning, organisational skills, citizenship to show relevance of science in society, analysing skills to be able to resolve conflicts in evidence.

Well done!
Well done and many thanks to all Year 8 students who supported in delivering the Knex challenge for Science and Construction Day.