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 of you who have supported me during my time in Kent. I hope to meet many of you in my new role.
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.
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.
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!!)
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!!!
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".
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 beyond. THESE TASTER SESSIONS ARE FREE - COME ALONG AND FIND OUT ABOUT OTHER FINACIALLY SUPPORTED CPD
This includes details of some free posters (first come first served).
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?
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 as long as they take the right combinations. ( Information on what the science combinations are is available on the Tables website - see attached link http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/performancetables/schools_09/s5.shtml and see extract below) The 2 A*-C GCSEs science indicator doesn't discriminate against specifications although of course we would want to encourage pupils to take the new specification. But where we assume pupils will embark on their GCSE science studies early meaning, for instance, they will have started their science GCSE before the new specifications are introduced and then starting additional science after the new specifications have been introduced both will count towards the indicator’ QCDA science subject experts have also confirmed with that there is no reason to stop people mixing the old and new single science qualifications in the science indicator, although it would be better (for the learner) if they took the new specification. ExtractScience IndicatorPercentage of pupils achieving at least two GCSEs at grades A*-C and equivalent. To be counted in the indicator the pupil must have achieved grades A*-C in:
- GCSE Science ('core') and GCSE Additional Science; or
- GCSE Science ('core') and GCSE Additional Applied Science; or
- GCSE Applied Science Double Award; or
- GCSE Science and GCSE Environmental and Land-based Science; or
- Level 2 BTEC First Certificates and First Diplomas in Applied Science at pass, merit and distinction; or
- OCR Level 2 National Awards and National Certificates in Science at pass, merit and distinction.
- Intermediate Science GNVQ; or
- Pupils will have to have taken GCSEs in all three of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, but to be counted need only have attained grades A*-C in at least two of the disciplines.
- Pupils who have taken GCSEs and/or GCE AS levels early in all three of Physics, Chemistry and Biology will also be counted, but need only have attained GCSE grades A*-C and/or GCE AS grades A-E in at least two of the disciplines.
- Until they are phased out, GCSEs covering the old Key Stage 4 programme of study (Double Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Applied Science Double Award) will count.
Only these combinations will count in the indicators - others may be taken but must be in addition, rather than instead of these combinations
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.
Please find attached updated information on the 14 - 19 developments (or cuts!!!!).
Here is the second part of the power point mentioned in the post below.
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 not let me upload the large ppt in one go. Sorry.
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 APP (that is using Assessment for Learning) are solid educational principles and can be used to support students and teachers in both learning and the assessment of that learning..
Further guidance on learning targets can be found at http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/312383
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!!
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, AM or PM - University of Southampton16th September, AM or PM - University of Southampton23rd September, AM or PM - Royal Holloway, University of London24th September, AM or PM - Royal Holloway, University of London Please see attached (zipped) flyer for more information. For bookings or any questions, please contact Clare Harvey. Clare HarveyGCSE Project Coordinator and Outreach Officerclare.harvey@sepnet.ac.uk+44 (0)7702 363731www.sepnet.ac.uk New dates and venues:21st September, AM or PM - University of Sussex22nd September, AM or PM - University of Sussex22nd November, AM or PM - Queen Mary, University of London23rd November, AM or PM - Queen Mary, University of London
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.
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 to be a substitute for practical work in science. It can however play an important role in promoting best practice in lab skills in a stimulating and engaging way.
This resource helps to develop problem-solving skills and encourage a life-long learning approach to education. Created by Learning Science and the University of Bristol, and promoted through the Discover Chemistry Programme run by the RSC and Pfizer, these resources are available to all state secondary schools and FE colleges across the UK throughout the spring and summer of 2010, free of charge. One USB stick for each school or college.
Schools can register to receive the free resources at www.discoverlabskills.org. Register now to receive your resources before the end of term. Any teacher or technician can register their school.
Schools that do not qualify for the FREE Resources can purchase them from www.labskills.co.uk at a cost of £34.99 per USB stick.
For more information, read the article in the June issue of Education in Science or visit www.discoverlabskills.org
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 WitheyKey Stage 3 Science ManagerSt Anselm’s Catholic School Canterbury
Please find attached the latest news update with articles about the new specs, researchers in residence and forthcoming training.
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 exercise on my part with a view to writing a report based on Kent schools. This report will be published shortly. Watch this space.
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.
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/
Please find attached a comparison of the new specifications completed by a Strategy Consultant in Herts. Thanks!
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 - www.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 091 354
Please find attached (in a zipped file) the news update and associated files referred to in the newsletter.
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.
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 and got paid for 4 weeks research (looking at Owl droppings!!) during a summer vacation. Useful for both the pocket and the c.v.!!
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).
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