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ASSESSMENT AND RECORDING
The most important assessment that occurs is via the daily questioning sessions that should be an integral part of every science lesson to determine that the pupils have learnt and understood. Further to this, more formal assessment also occurs. Depending on the pupil’s age the following assessments occur:
KS2 and KS3 pupils are assessed annually using the National Curriculum Tests of both varieties (formal and optional). Also at the end of each module the pupils undergo a formal assessment based on the >>>>>>>>>>>. These results and information gained from these tasks are recorded on a tracking document based directly on >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
KS4 and Year 9 pupils are assessed by formal examination assessments. Pupils studying the Entry Level Certification undergo regular unit tests that result in nine formal assessments per year. Those pupils studying GCSE Science are assessed once per term via an end of module test. Apart from these formal assessments pupils’ progress is recorded on the school’s Science Tracking Document.
HOMEWORK
The Science Department adheres to and implements the School’s Homework Policy. In Key Stage three this ranges from between once and twice a fortnight (depending on the topic being covered). In Key Stage 4 it is related to exam revision and to practical write-ups.
CROSS-CURRICULAR LINKS
The Science Department supports the development and implementation of a range of cross curricular links. It supports the Whole School Literacy targets and Maths targets and actively strives to develop a greater familiarity and confidence with Information, Communication Technology. The Science Department draws on links between Science other taught subjects with some strong natural links occurring with Geography and History.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Within the Science Department we implement the School’s Equal Opportunities Policy by offering all pupils access to the whole curriculum, regardless of race, culture, gender and ability. We endeavour to challenge stereotyping through the use of appropriate and regularly reviewed teaching materials and resources.
BUDGET MANAGEMENT
Within the Science Department we endeavour to adhere to all advice from the Headteacher and LEA regarding financial arrangement. All monies to support curriculum development are allocated following the receipt of bids made by Curriculum coordinators at the start of the financial year. Successful bids reflect the priorities within the School Improvement Plan and are subject to monitoring by the Head. The department will prepare a spending plan prior to the start of that financial year. This plan will be prepared by the following:
The department’s bid will then be determined and submitted for approval. During the course of the year the curriculum coordinator will manage the department’s budget and follow the schools financial procedures (blue order form). The department’s budget will be monitored through regular and careful scrutiny of the monthly financial reports produced by the Office Manager.
PLANNING FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
As a department we will plan for the future development for Science teaching in line with:
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
All Staff working in the Science Department should be familiar with the school’s Health and Safety Policy and will endeavour to adhere to this policy at all times. Whilst in the Science room staff will adhere to the rules specific to the Science Lab. Staff understand when making decisions that the health and safety of both pupils and staff is of the utmost importance and Risk Assessments are a regular routine part of teaching and learning and behaviour management at Westbury School.
SEX EDUCATION
As part of the Science curriculum it is necessary to cover sexual reproduction, puberty, pregnancy and STD’s. All of these topics will be covered following the sex education policy. At all times pupils issues and questions will be dealt with sensitively and all scientific topics related to real life situations rather than being dealt with as just facts.
ICT
In Science staff will ensure that they follow and adhere to the school ICT policy, especially with regard to the Internet policy. As far as possible staff should endeavour to use IT to enable pupils to perform experiments using the Philip Harris equipment whenever possible and to use IT to write up their practical. Staff should try to use IT to increase pupils’ understanding and comprehension of the subject being covered.
LITERACY
Staff in Science will try and integrate all aspects of the Literacy target at all times and will follow the Literacy policy. Especially important throughout time will be the acquisition of key words by pupils and the use of discussion and analytical conversation.
NUMERACY
Staff in Science will employ the Numeracy targets and strategies whenever possible and relevant to the topic being covered. At all times pupils will be taught what the purpose of the calculations are and what their answers tell us about the research or the experimental results. By doing this the pupils will always see the maths being into use and its importance within Science.
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