Y Group Science
For the younger parts of the school (Y1-Y3) an interest-based approach to science is used. Rather than focusing on the Key Stage 3 curriculum like most schools, we have found that indulging the interests of the children makes them much more interested in studying science. Making lessons structured around what THEY want to know keeps their curiosity alive, and permits us to cover a huge range of topics which becomes narrowed during GCSEs.
Examples of topics we have covered in the past are; The Electromagnetic Spectrum, Why Whales Sing, The Multiverse Hypothesis, Megalodon and Prehistoric Sharks, Hurricanes, The Gravity of Different Planets, Ecosystems and How Snake Venom Works.
O Group Science
For the older half of the school (O3-O1) starting in O3, are the science GCSEs. We offer Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and conduct the teaching over three years. The reason for this is that the national curriculum for science is incredibly long, and covers a truly gargantuan range of topics. As there is so much information to learn, we feel it is sensible to spread it over three years rather than trying to cram it all into the standard two years as other schools do. This removes a tremendous amount of stress from the students, and means they don’t have to have six hours of science a week on the timetable.
We allow the students to choose which blend of sciences they want to study, which gives them a sense of ownership over their scientific education.
- Single Science: One subject is taken as a single GCSE, e.g. Biology.
- Double Science: Two subjects taken, each worth a GCSE, e.g. Chemistry and Physics.
- Triple Science: All three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are taken as individual GCSEs. This represents the greatest amount of work to a student, and requires a lot of focus, discipline and self-directed learning.
- Combined Science: Combined science is all three subjects combined into one. It is worth two GCSEs, and has reduced content and shorter exams. Ideal for those who want to study triple science but struggle with the workload.
Almost every student that has been to Sands in recent years has left with at least one science GCSE, often coming from a place where science was their least favourite subject.