The Ridgeway School - Inspiring learners for their future

Science

Welcome to Science at The Ridgeway School. We are an innovative and creative department always looking to challenge both our students and ourselves. Science Specialist Status has enabled us to be at the forefront of Science for the 21st Century introducing and developing courses which cater for all abilities and levels of interest in Science engendering an interest which may be nurtured now or later in life. Although our accommodation is in parts archaic what we lack in modern rooms we make up for in dynamism. We have 12 well equipped laboratories and practical work forms an integral part of all the schemes of work helping to develop a more thorough understanding of the scientific ideas involved as well as building confidence, team working skills and independence. All laboratories have projectors and ICT facilities.

At Key Stage 3 Science is currently taught following the ‘Exploring Science’ scheme interspersed with longer projects on various scientific themes. Students are set within bands which are allied to Maths. Assessment is through Key Assessed Tasks, Key Homework Tasks, AFL and end of topic tests. APP using the five assessment focus will form an integral part of assessment at Key Stage 3. The students commence the Key Stage 4 course at the start of term 6 in year 9.

At Key Stage 4 we are very happy to have chosen to follow the Gateway course. It encompasses the knowledge base we feel is essential for a sound basis in Science and includes the latest developments necessary for scientists to compete in the 21st century. In year 10 all students are set by ability and study either Core Science, at Higher or Foundation levels, or three Separate Sciences – known as Triple Science. In year 11 students are encouraged to follow the pathway that suits them best for 14-19 and beyond. This may mean continuing with Triple Science or commencing Additional Science, Applied Science or the BTEC course in Applied Sciences.

In the 6th form A levels are currently offered in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science. The opportunity to improve GCSE grades is also available and successful introduction of BTEC at GCSE level will be followed by Certificate and Diploma course for post 16 studies.

All our courses are linked to the application of Science in the world around us, in technology and industry. We have close links with The Science Museum, Swindon, and make regular visits to the Universities of Bristol, Bath and Oxford, Rutherford Appleton Laboratories and The Royal Society to enhance learning at all levels. We are hoping to further develop our links with Industry so if you feel you can offer us some help in any way please do not hesitate to contact us.

We want our students to see further, ask more questions and find answers which throw up more questions!

‘If I have seen further it is because I stood on the shoulders of giants’ Sir Isaac Newton’

Homework Policy

Please use the link below to download a copy of the homework policy. (You will need Adobe Reader to view files)

PDF Science Homework Policy