Science
At Ryde School, all pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum in the Sciences. This is to provide a smooth path from Key Stage 2 and 3, wherever the pupil studied, through to the GCSE examination at Key Stage 4 and to provide all pupils with the opportunity to continue to A Level in any of the suite of subjects offered in the Sixth Form. The departments are well resourced with excellent technical support, and enjoy modern accommodation, including Smartboard technology linking with the school network and the Internet.
The Key Stage 3 course is based on the QCA Scheme of Work and supported by Ryde School resources and text books. This is taught in Years 7, 8 and up to Easter in Year 9. It is a modular course and is taught in two halves of three periods per week each, although a class might be taught both halves by the same teacher. The divide is between Physics and Biology, with Chemistry split in between the two. As well as covering the Key Stage 3 curriculum, pupils’ practical skills are developed, as are their abilities to formulate and test hypotheses. Development and use of appropriate language is important. A thorough grounding in the knowledge and understanding of all three subjects is developed and the pupils’ previous, and various experiences are blended in preparation for the Key Stage 4 course.
The Key Stage 4 course is started in the Summer Term of Year 9 and is assessed by the national examinations in the Core units in Year 10, and the other units at the end of Year 11. The subjects are taught by specialists in Years 10 and 11, who have four periods each, per week. This course is based on the AQA GCSE specification and supported by the Nelson Thornes books and e-science resources, as well as Ryde School resources. There is a strong practical bias to the teaching at this Key Stage and particular emphasis is placed on ‘How Science Works’; these are aspects of the specifications which are embedded in the individual schemes of work.
In the Sixth Form, Psychology is added to the curriculum and the pupils can choose any of the Sciences, although in practice, taking four would be considered rather a narrow path. Entry to these courses is in accordance with school policy, although it is recommended that an A grade is obtained at GCSE in the subject to be studied at AS, as appropriate. The A Level courses are chosen by the teachers and reflect their individual enthusiasms for the bias shown by particular Awarding Authorities. Practical work is again a central aspect of the teaching and any course will lead to study at University in that subject, or work equally well in support of other subjects at this level.