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Assessment and reporting
at the heart of the community
Learn about us
View our curriculum
Assessment and reporting
The Furness Academy Science curriculum for each year group is detailed below.
Units that are taught throughout Year 7 are:
Units that are taught throughout Year 8 are:
Units that are taught throughout Year 9 are:
Number of lessons:
Disciplinary knowledge is developed throughout the course in order for students to understand how to behave and investigate like a scientist. For example how to plan an investigation, manipulate, present and evaluate data, write conclusions and explain them with scientific knowledge.
Students also become skilled in selecting and using different pieces of apparatus to follow methods.
All students need to carry the following equipment in pencil cases in their bags.
Science equipment needed
Students participate in on-line chats with scientists via the platform. The aim is to demonstrate to students that STEM is relevant to their lives and hopefully inspire them that science is for them. Careers and career progression are often at the forefront of the discussions.
The club uses relatable scenarios that bring out pupils’ creativity whilst guiding them to develop and apply knowledge and skills to important real-world challenges. We are part of a local initiative and the club is supported by the Walney Skills fund. The department owns MTa STEM kits for the challenges.
We regularly enter teams of of year 8 students to compete in chemistry challenges at either Lancaster or Manchester university. The day is brought to a close with a ‘flash bang’ show.
Students have recently been encouraged to join and participate in the online Salters Chemistry club.
bp’s Ultimate STEM Challenge has been designed to help young people develop their creativity, problem-solving skills and employability by tackling real-world challenges. Students participate in the annual challenge and enter the competition. Themes have included biodiversity and a home for nature, innovative design solutions and a net zero plan for their local community.
Students participate in the technology, maths and science event alongside local businesses. We host a stand and our students interact with the public to encourage them to attempt our experiments, whilst explaining the science behind them.
All Year 7 students participate in the ‘Race for the Line’ rocket car challenge. Students design, race and develop their own cars that are launched with a rocket and speeds calculated. The fastest cars, with their designers are then entered into the regional, and ultimately the national final.
Year 9 students attend taster days in preparation for their options. They have time in the labs, opportunity to talk to under graduates, plus a tour of the campuses.
We are part of an exciting pilot project with STEM learning to develop a science club in partnership with a school in Brazil. Our STEM club will work with students in the Brazilian school on a research project that investigates the effects of climate change through deforestation in both countries.
Year 9 participate in workshops with Energy Quest; a curriculum-linked programme for schools which encourages young people to find out all about sustainable energy and learn about associated engineering careers.
Units that are taught throughout Year 10 are:
Units that are taught throughout Year 11 are:
Number of lessons:
All foundation students complete triple science.
Disciplinary knowledge is developed throughout the course in order for students to understand how to behave and investigate like a scientist. For example how to plan an investigation, manipulate, present and evaluate data, write conclusions and explain them with scientific knowledge.
Students also become skilled in selecting and using different pieces of apparatus to follow methods.
End of topic assessment; length between assessments is dependent upon the topic studied. Predominantly assess substantive knowledge, however there will be questions to assess disciplinary knowledge, particularly when there is a required practical in the topic.
Mock exams in June year 10, (paper 1 topics), November year 11, (paper 1 topics – a different paper) and February year 11 (paper 2 topics)
All students need to carry the following equipment in pencil cases in their bags.
Science equipment needed
Students participate in on-line chats with scientists via the platform. The aim is to demonstrate to students that STEM is relevant to their lives and hopefully inspire them that science is for them. Careers and career progression are often at the forefront of the discussions.
GCSE students who are interested in a medical career have had the opportunity to discuss careers in medicine, university course requirements and general career questions.
Barrow and District Association of Engineers invite students to termly lectures at The Forum.
Furness Academy is part of Furness Education Trust, an exempt charity.
Furness Education Trust is a Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales under Company Number 06895426 Registered in England and Wales.
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