The Model
Science for all and science for scientists
Twenty First Century Science in action at Bishop Douglass Science College, north London
Our science curriculum offers flexibility and genuine choice to cope with the diversity of students' interests and aspirations. Only a minority become professional scientists. But we all need to be able to cope with the science that shapes our lives. We are on the receiving end of scientific ideas and technical information in many different roles such as householder, parent, patient, voter or juror.
All young people, whatever their future, need a science education to prepare them to make sense of science while appreciating what science has to say about themselves, their environment and the Universe. Some young people aspire to be scientists or to work in fields where a knowledge of science is essential. Educating the next generation of scientific and technical practitioners is also crucial.
In short, we need both science for everyone and science for scientists – for those who will go on to use science as a major part of their work.
Science: scientific literacy for all
There is a Science course for all Key Stage 4 students (age 14 to 16), taking 10% of their curriculum time and leading to one GCSE grade. All students need this whether or not they continue with science.
Additional science by choice
Alongside Science, young people will be able to opt for one of two Additional Science courses, also taking 10% of curriculum time and leading to one GCSE grade. Because the courses are independent, the GCSE grades may differ. The two forms of Additional Science are:
Flexibility
By separating the Science course and the Additional or Separate Science courses, this model makes it much easier for a student to correct a choice they later come to regret. Choice allows flexibility, without closing doors.
The Separate Science and Entry level courses provide even more flexibility.
Separate Sciences
In schools, students can choose to study for three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This is possible in Twenty First Century Science. We offer extra topics which supplement the Science and Additional Science courses to give rise to a programme of Separate Sciences.
Entry level
For a variety of reasons, some students are not ready to start a GCSE Science course at the age of 14. We have worked with OCR to revise their succcessful Entry level specification so that students can follow the course in schools that have adopted Twenty First Century Science.
