🔵 Science at BIRS

In Year 7, students are taught science for 6 periods a fortnight and all classes are mixed ability. In Year 8 students are again taught in mixed ability groups for 6 periods a fortnight. In Year 9, there are 7 periods a fortnight. The most able scientists are placed in 4 groups, with the remainder of students taught in mixed ability sets.  We have two pathways for KS4 Science. Both pathways are available in Foundation and Higher tiers and so cater to a wide range of student ability. Teaching is differentiated to ensure that all of our students are supported on their journey through GCSE Science.

🔵 Vision

The Science Faculty aims to help students to become knowledgeable, scientifically literate, and technologically capable problem solvers. We foster a spirit of inquiry, nurture our students’ curiosity and aim for all to have an appreciation of the beauty and wonder of science. We bring in current, relevant and real-world science into the classroom, to allow our students to become educated citizens capable of engaging in public discussions, comprehending and analysing global issues.

Science is taught at KS3 as biology, chemistry and physics topics within the subject of science. Practical investigative skills are delivered through all of these topics.

🔵 Key Stage 3 Science Learning Journey

 This is a visual representation of how students’ knowledge and skills develop through the Key Stage 3 Science curriculum.

🔵 Key Stage 3 Science curriculum.