Science – Intent, Implementation & Impact Statement

Intent

At The Limes College, through the study of Science we aim to develop students to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence required to be successful throughout their time at The Limes College and beyond, whether that be upon their return to mainstream provision, or their post-16 destinations, including further study in the field of Science, potential apprenticeships or future employment. For KS3 students, Entry Level Science is taught, this enables students to develop their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics to a level that is comparable to that in Mainstream provisions; students can also gain the Entry Level Certificate in Science upon completion of this course, a qualification just below GCSE level. Students are given the opportunity to carry out practical work, learning and developing experimental skills that enable them to gain direct experience of the Scientific method in carrying out investigations and a better understanding of the world around them.

At KS4, students study GCSE Biology, providing our learners the opportunity to build upon their KS3 knowledge and further their understanding of living organisms. KS4 students are able to gain a deeper knowledge of the human body as well as other living organisms; linking processes that happen on a cellular level to a whole organism level and beyond. GCSE students are given the chance to carry out a number of practical experiments, further enhancing their investigatory and analytical skills that can be applied in their future lives, whilst also providing a GCSE qualification enabling them to progress into a wide range of post-16 destinations. For our BOOST Girls students, we aim to develop the same knowledge, skills and qualifications applicable to Entry Level Science, whilst also providing the option to study GCSE Biology, enhancing their future career prospects and developing a higher level of confidence in the subject.

Implementation

Entry Level Science consists of six units of study in total (two units each for: Biology, Chemistry and Physics) For KS3 students, the Entry Level Course is taught on a three-year cycle, covering two units per year, whilst for BOOST students, the same course is taught across two years, covering three units per year. Teaching for each unit includes a number of theory lessons covering the knowledge required for each scientific discipline and at least one practical experiment, which is then written up formally. The practical write up alongside a small assessment makes up the formal assessment for each unit. For KS4 students, GCSE Biology is taught across two years, there are seven units to cover, units 1-4 are taught in year 10, whilst units 5-7 are taught in year 11. Students are routinely assessed and provided with feedback on their areas of strength and how to further improve throughout the course, the formal assessment for GCSE Biology however includes two written exams to be completed at the end of year 11.

All lessons are adapted to meet the individual needs of our students and include a focus on engagement,  retrieval practice (recalling knowledge that has previously been taught), improving the ability of our students to understand and apply scientific vocabulary, as well as reciprocal teaching strategies, which aim to enhance scientific knowledge whilst also improving students’ reading comprehension skills.

Impact

Both the Entry Level Certificate and GCSE Biology courses run alongside the National Curriculum for Science at KS3 and KS4 levels, ensuring that the knowledge and skills gained by our students meets what is outlined within the National Curriculum programmes of study for Science. For KS3 students, their scientific study at The Limes College improves their confidence and ability to successfully reintegrate back into Mainstream education, whilst also providing a strong foundation to build upon for students who stay with us and progress into KS4 study in year 10. For our BOOST Girls students, gaining a Certificate in Entry Level Science provides them with a recognised scientific qualification, whilst the skills learnt throughout this course equip them with an ability to progress into a wide range of post-16 destinations successfully.

For our KS4 students and BOOST students (who also study GCSE Biology), attaining a GCSE in Biology enables them to progress onto a vast range of post-16 courses and destinations. For those that wish to pursue further scientific study at sixth form or college, or, who wish to progress onto T-Levels and apprenticeships within the fields of Health, Laboratory or Biological Sciences in particular, the knowledge and skills developed through GCSE Biology equips them with an ability to transition smoothly and progress onto such courses with confidence and a strong belief that can be very successful, both post-16 and in their future lives.