S1 Integrated Science
The S1 Integrated Science Course has been updated in line with 5-14 guidelines. The update has been completed with the help of the three departments and this session (2005 to 2006), only minor adjustments have to be made.
The assessment has also been revised to improve the process of determining levels for reporting. The PT group (Chemistry, Physics and Biology) adopted the Renfrewshire materials as a basis for the rewriting of the assessment.
The pupils will continue to work through 7 Units, including a Space topic.
Teaching and learning is supported by the use of a Record File that provides each pupil with material for class work and builds into a resource for revision. Practical work is supported by Activity Cards detailing experimental protocols.
Assessment and Reporting
Formal assessment is given on the completion of each unit, which will involve a test, and a level will be recorded for each pupil. An Investigation will be carried out later on in the session.
Staff will be asked to record their class marks and levels on the server for collation of results for the whole cohort. Staff will be issued with guidelines for reporting.
Evaluation
Science staff will meet during the session to discuss various issues that have arisen and any difficulties that they have had with the materials being used.
Thinking Science
All S1 classes are using Thinking Science programme to enhance their use of scientific method and to improve their problem solving skills in Science and other subjects. Classroom teachers integrate the lessons regularly into their personnel plan for their class.
ICT
An excellent website called Improving Science Education 5-14 provides extensive support for 5-14 Science. www.ise5-14.org.uk
Primary-Secondary Transition
Many members of the Science Department at Queen Anne have been involved in a project that aims to improve the transition from P7 to S1 with visits to all feeder primaries with a view to completing a Science based project which also involves S6 pupils from Queen Anne.
Target Setting and Tracking
Each pupil has been issued with a revised version of the target setting sheet and will discuss with their teacher the targets they are aiming to attain, they will be encouraged to share in devising strategies to raise their attainment.
After completion of Unit2 the pupils will have experienced their first assessment and be familiar with the process of teaching and learning/homework/revision and assessment.
Teachers should use the pupil target setting sheet to help initiate, where necessary, pupil support.
Success/ effort/ improvement should be recognised and celebrated with praise and where appropriate positive referrals.