Science Learning in Kent

FINAL ENTRY

2010-10-19T14:08:00Z

As Kent C C (Learning Group) has undergone a restructure, there will no longer be specific science support on offer to schools. This blog will therefore cease to function. I will attempt to maintain an update service via my new blog to be found at http://milchemscience.blogspot.com/ Please link to this page. If you require science support for pupils or staff or enrichment activities, please contact me via my web site at http://milchemconsulting.weebly.com/ and use the contact form. Thanks to all...(read more)

APP recording sheets

2010-10-19T14:06:00Z

Attached is a spreadsheet that allows you to link learning targets to APP. Full details are explained in the attached excel file. Take a look and see if it suits your needs....(read more)

Free Triple Science - raising attainment training

2010-10-19T14:03:00Z

Attached are details of a free training event at Sittingbourne Science Park coming up in December. Full details and application form attached. This is a Science Learning Centre course in association with Triple Science....(read more)

Chemistry for non-specialists - act fast

2010-10-19T14:00:00Z

Please find attached details of a Chemistry training course suitable for non-specialists. Full details are in the zipped folder. You'll need to act before the end of term 1 (i.e. NOW!!)...(read more)

New KS4 Specifications

2010-10-05T09:56:00Z

I have received details of some evening sessions where the exam boards will be available to discuss the new KS4 specifications. These are being run by the Science Learning Centre (SE). They (the specs) might even be accepted by the time these take place! View the attachment for details and how to book. Wine and nibbles provide some further incentive!!!...(read more)

APP - the current view

2010-10-01T13:29:00Z

I have contacted DfE about APP and the strategy has been doing the same! The attached Q and A might answer some of your queries about APP and what is expected under the current regime. The general tone of the advice is "It's up to your school"....(read more)

Kent ‘Taster Twilights’

2010-09-13T15:06:00Z

The Science Learning Centre (South East) is attempting to get some regional networks going in Kent. They recognise the need for these in the current climate (I told them!) and are keen to offer support to schools and be responsive to local needs. With this in mind 3 taster sessions have been arranged which will be twilights running from 4.00 - 5.45 pm. I have attached a flier for these (as a zipped pdf file). Do download and sign up. Please pass the word between colleagues both in your school and...(read more)

Please find attached the latest newsletter.

2010-09-13T10:54:00Z

This includes details of some free posters (first come first served)....(read more)

Two science lectures in Canterbury - Bubbles and X rays

2010-07-30T20:15:00Z

My attention has been brought to the attached science lectures at the Gulbekian theatre in Canterbury. They are reported to be excellent presentations and may very well encourage our pupils to take up careers in science. I have attached the flier for these for your perusal. Why not make this one of your enrichment opportunities next year?...(read more)

KS4 permitted combinations and reporting of 2 good sciences

2010-07-26T09:11:00Z

Somewhat late in the term but I know that this is at the front of your minds at the moment and may help those schools embarking on 3 year GCSEs navigate their way through the range of courses and pathways involving new and old specifications. At this stage we do not know what will be happening with 2013 or 2014 KS4 Tables. Recent DfE guidance… (my emboldening!) ‘Based on current criteria, to be included in the KS4 Tables science indicator, pupils can do a mixture of old and new science specifications...(read more)

Post 16 progression in science in Kent.

2010-07-26T09:07:00Z

Please find attached a brief document which summarises findings from visits to Kent schools during 2010. This report explains student perceptions of science and offers some ways forward for increasing the uptake of post 16 science subjects....(read more)

DFE 14 - 19 update

2010-07-26T09:05:00Z

Please find attached updated information on the 14 - 19 developments (or cuts!!!!)....(read more)

Useful APP powerpoint - can provide basis of display and support materials Pt ii

2010-07-15T09:32:00Z

Here is the second part of the power point mentioned in the post below....(read more)

Useful APP powerpoint - can provide basis of display and support materials

2010-07-15T09:03:00Z

Attached is PART 1 of a zipped power point presentation which has a range of useful slides which can provide the basis of APP display (should you be thinking of this). There are some useful level mountains and some "I can" posters for each AF which are more student friendly. Download and have a look! The hyperlinks from slide one will not work when pointing to the slides in the second section. You could try amalgamating the two after download to get it back and fully functioning. It would...(read more)

Looking for APP support - Learning targets materials

2010-07-15T08:32:00Z

Attached to this post is a zipped file with suggestions of activities / learning targets which can be used to assess each of the AF's and their threads. The file contains:- Learning targets and examples for AF1–5 Learning targets across all Assessment Focuses (levels 2–8) A Level Ladder template Examples of Learning mats that can be complied to display a pupil or group's targets A template for a Learning mat Whilst APP as a process is under review by Government, the general principles behind...(read more)

National Curriculum Level Descriptions at KS3

2010-07-14T11:26:00Z

I have attached a paper which gives some guidance as to requirements for KS3 assessments over the near future. Following the coalitions decision to scrap the new KS3 descriptors, the guidance sheet makes clear what should be done, to whom and when!!...(read more)

What is Physics? - FREE GCSE Physics Taster - new dates added!

2010-07-12T07:31:00Z

I have just received news of this free enrichment opportunity. Book now to avoid disappoitment. You are invited to bring a group of year 10 students to this half day event at a SEPnet Partner university campus. The event covers ‘ Energy and Energy Resources ’ as detailed in the GCSE specification, and includes: An introductory talk on energy in the world around us An exhibition of hands on activities exploring energy and its use A quiz to reinforce the material covered Dates and venues: 15th September...(read more)

2010 KS3 Optional SATs analysis tool

2010-06-22T18:03:00Z

If you've done the 2010 SATs papers you might like to use this analysis tool passed to me from the National Strategy. I haven't checked it but hopefully it will help you with your question level analysis....(read more)

FREE LabSkills resources for all state secondary schools and FE Colleges

2010-06-22T17:59:00Z

The ASE has informed me of this free resource. As a major partner in the Getting Practical programme ASE is supporting the LabSkills project. LabSkills is an interactive software resource designed to help teachers and their students get more out of chemistry laboratory sessions at A-level and GCSE levels. Available as a USB stick, a teacher can use the material to prepare students for a laboratory session. LabSkills supports and encourages the student and enhances the practical work. It is not designed...(read more)

Request for your old textbooks

2010-06-21T09:50:00Z

Nick Withey from St. Anselms wrote to me with the following request. I wonder if in your next newsletter or on your log you could include the following. WANTED: Heinemann Science Scheme books (Key Stage 3). If they are collecting dust in a cupboard whilst you enjoy your new Key Stage 3 text books we will gratefully take them off your hands, freeing up some valuable space. We will collect. Please reply to witheyn@st-anselms.org.uk Thanks in anticipation Nick Withey Key Stage 3 Science Manager St Anselm...(read more)

June News Update

2010-06-20T18:58:00Z

Please find attached the latest news update with articles about the new specs, researchers in residence and forthcoming training....(read more)

OFSTED Science guidance for students

2010-05-24T08:18:00Z

Please find zipped and attached a recent OFSTED report on guidance in science. It makes some interesting points regarding Individual Advice and Guidance and the general curriculum issues faced by students and science teachers. It is worth a read. The word file contains a link to the web to see the report and a couple of quotes from it which say a great deal. During recent visits to Kent schools where I talked to Y11 and post 16 students, similar issues were raised. This was part of a fact finding...(read more)

News Update - May

2010-05-24T07:58:00Z

Please find attached my May news update and associated files. This includes information on GCSE Spec changes, training coming up, enrichment opportunities, narrowing the gap materials and radiation protection issues....(read more)

STEM Conference

2010-05-04T14:07:00Z

June 11th is the date of the first STEM conference (primary and secondary) that has been organised by the Kent and Medway STEMPOINT. The flier is attached and more details can be found on their web site http://www.kentandmedwaystem.org.uk/...(read more)

Early Comparisons of new Specs in science

2010-05-04T13:49:00Z

Please find attached a comparison of the new specifications completed by a Strategy Consultant in Herts. Thanks!...(read more)

Draft OCR Specs for 2011

2010-04-22T18:47:00Z

I have just had this e-mail come through. This might be useful for many of you. NOTE - they are DRAFT!! OCR's draft specifications for the new science GCSEs are now on our website - w ww.gcse-science.com If you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to call me. Kind regards Neale Neale Phillips Curriculum Manager - Science OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations) Marketing & Sales Progress House Westwood Way Coventry CV4 8JQ 02476 856 148 Mobile 07595 091...(read more)

April Science News Update

2010-04-21T15:09:00Z

Please find attached (in a zipped file) the news update and associated files referred to in the newsletter....(read more)

Enrichment and Engagement - Spacecamps and forensics etc

2010-03-26T09:33:00Z

At the recent subject leaders meetings we discused activities to enrich the science curriculum. A local based company was mentioned which it may be worth contacting. (Other providers are available!!) Take a look at www.spacecamps.co.uk We also talked about careers and IAG. Futuremorph is a good starting point for looking at employment using science skills. Go to www.futuremorph.org to have a look....(read more)

Nuffield Bursaries 2010

2010-03-26T08:43:00Z

I have been contacted by Janet Czajkowska regarding the latest Nuffield Bursaries. These are funded opportunities for students to undertake some research. Janet will be able to provide you with more details. She wrote "I have some good placements this year and plenty of bursaries for the county and am trying to think of a way to get them to students." Janet can be reached by e-mail at janet.czajkowska@gmail.com and will be able to point you to further information. My own daughter did this...(read more)

Spring Subject Leader Day Materials

2010-03-22T13:17:00Z

Here are some of the materials used during the Spring Days at Canterbury and Maidstone. Others will be zipped and posted on separate entires (due to size limitations)....(read more)