BIST Science

At BIST we are dedicated to offering an excellent education in the Natural Sciences. With 2 modern, well equipped laboratories, the Science department seeks to explore the workings of the natural world with a strong emphasis on experimentation and other practical activities.

For our department, high expectations are key to student progress, and we expect students to apply the learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

At this stage, we introduce students to the fundamentals of working scientifically - how to ask questions and to seek to answer them as a scientist. This includes methods of presenting and analysing data.

At BIST we follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum. With an emphasis on stretch and challenge, through these years, we seek to build towards the IGCSE, and students will be introduced to IGCSE style exam questions.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)

Year 10 & 11 are in preparation for the students' first externally assessed examinations at BIST. The IGCSE is a challenging and academically rigorous qualification designed to give students a grounding in Science in the wider world. This also includes:

• Practical problem solving skills

• Experimental technique and data manipulation

• Mathematical models of natural phenomena

The IGCSE is assessed on a graded scale, where A* is the highest grade that can be attained - this denotes exceptional achievement. The lowest grade is G, which represents a minimum of achievement.

The examination consists of three papers, taken separately

Paper 2: Multiple-choice questions

Paper 4: Short written answer and calculation questions

Paper 6: Practical problem solving and analysis - this is taken in place of a formal experimental assessment.

We offer the option to choose

Cambridge Co-ordinated Sciences syllabus, which combines elements of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and counts as 2 qualifications, thus a high-attaining student may be awarded 'AA'

Cambridge Separate Sciences, in which students study separate courses in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with a dedicated teacher for each subject. This is considerably more challenging and should only be chosen by students who have a specific ambition to study Sciences at A level.

Please note: Taking Co-ordinated Sciences offers adequate preparation for A level and/or future careers in Science, and in no way precludes these ambitions.

AS and A Level (Year 12 & 13, known as 'Sixth form')

Year 12 & 13 are where students may take Advanced Level Sciences (A Level), where the courses are designed to prepare students who may hope to study the Natural Sciences at university. A Level is a substantial step up in challenge, and students will be expected to engage positively in lessons and to study independently.

Any student achieving a grade B or above at IGCSE are strongly encouraged to consider the Sciences at A level. Students achieving less than a grade C will likely find the course very difficult. Those who have not achieved a grade C or above in Maths at IGCSE would likely find A Level Physics very difficult. Students beginning this course are expected to have a strong minimum ability in Mathematics. A Level is graded from A* down to E.

Students will sit examinations at the end of Year 12 and Year 13, each series of which contributes to 50% of the overall grade.

The course is taught in small groups, typically fewer than 10 students, with a strong emphasis on experimental skills and practical problem solving.