AREAS
science
As a specialist science school the science department is proud of its good track record in offering a broad and varied curriculum that is supported by a range of clubs and other extracurricular activities. Our pupils are amongst the highest achieving in the borough in this subject area.
Key Stage 3
Pupils begin their study with a real emphasis on building the skills necessary to be successful in science. Pupils work in well resourced science labs with ample opportunity for practical work and good access to ICT support.
Key Stage 4
At key stage 4 pupils are offered the chance to study 2 science GCSEs from the 21st Century Science suite described below:
- Separate Sciences (Triple Science)to stretch the most able and enthusiastic in science.
- Science A which builds a sound foundation in scientific literacy and approaches to thinking that scientists use in their work.
- Additional Science A which helps prepare students for further scientific study at A level.
- Additional Applied Science which looks at the role of scientists in the work place and has a real emphasis on developing the practical skills necessary for a vocational career in science.
Pupils work in well resourced labs that are fully networked and that have access to trolleys of laptops. These are a particular help in producing high quality coursework
Key stage 5
Robert Clack is proud to offer Physics, Chemistry and Biology for pupils with an academic thirst for science.
Curriculum study is further enriched by trips that include the yearly Biology field trip. In summer 2007 some sixth form students had the exciting opportunity of working in the rain forest in Indonesia contributing to vital conservation work there.
gifted and talented pupils in science
How do we identify gifted students?
We look for students who are:
- able to understand more abstract concepts in science
- able to use more complex scientific language
- able to independently link topics in science
- good experimental, investigatory and observational skills
- good at linking classroom science teaching to the real experiences in the world
- able to discuss a though/idea and argue for and against the counter arguments using good, well reasoned evidence and science concepts.
How are gifted students supported in science?
In Science we are looking to extend the opportunities of G & T pupils within lessons through the development of the new curriculum. This is to allow far more personalised learning and as a result we will be looking for those pupils who are able to stretch themselves with the assistance of the teacher across a range of content but also, more importantly, transferable skills.
This coupled with the additional use of KS4 material for those most able pupils in the latter stages of KS3 allow the pupils to progress at a faster rate which in turn allows them to progress at a rapid rate throughout KS4.
Those most able pupils are encouraged to take triple science at KS4 which allows them a much broader and developed starting point at ‘A’ level which in turn will allow them to compete at a greater level for University places at the ‘OxBridge’ level universities.
Outside of the classroom we run G & T problem solving days over the course of the year were the most able pupils are encouraged to attend and participate in activities designed to stimulate their thinking. We also run extra-curricular trips to show the pupils science outside of the classroom, in the form of exhibitions, museums and careers.
EXAM REVISION MATERIAL
Year 11 Revision Timetable: Please click here
Please click on the links below to access exam revision material for 2009 exams
KEY STAGE 3 EXAM MATERIAL
Subject Downloads Key Stage 4
The curriculum is outstanding and meets the needs of students extremely well. A wide range of vocational courses and work-related opportunities at Key Stage 4 offer helpful pathways into training and employment. Provision for personal, health, social and citizenship education is excellent and supports students' personal development successfully as well as providing exciting opportunities for developing enterprise and work-related skills.
