Science

 

Science is taken seriously at BSB. We provide world class facilities, a challenging and stimulating learning environment, and exceptional teaching staff who encourage students to take an interest in the wider world. Students learn to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life problems and develop engaged, active minds.

Most students in the Secondary School work towards achieving the Dual Award GCSE and International GCSE (combined sciences), although one class will also take Triple Science Award and one class Single Science. Students are then given the option for further study in individual subjects of special interest at A Level or while studying for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

We also enter out top set(s) for the British Biology Challenge and encourage all students to submit work to the Microbiology in Schools Advisory Committee (MISAC) annual competition. A selected group of students competes in the Top of the Bench competition organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Students in the senior section are given the opportunity to enter the Biology Olympiad and the school has a tradition of sending a participant to the London International Youth Science Fortnight.

Students are encouraged to work collaboratively, but think independently. Lessons are taught using practical work wherever possible, creating an exciting and enjoyable Curriculum that enables students to learn by doing and seeing things for themselves.

Curriculum

Students in Years 7 to 9 follow a modified English (UK) Curriculum based on the ‘Thinking Through Science’ scheme. Students are supported outside the classroom using the Dynamic Learning web-based platform.

Most students in Years 10 and 11 study for a Double Award (I)GCSE in Science, which incorporates teaching of all three sciences in an interconnected way: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology but awards two GCSE and International GCSE grades. Students selected for the top set are entered for three separate International GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and will have three science GCSE and International GCSE grades. Those students who are not so confident in their understanding of Science follow the GCSE and International GCSE Combined Science and will have one Science GCSE and International GCSE grade.

Senior Students in Years 12 and 13 may choose to study separate A Levels in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Students choosing the International Baccalaureate (IB) path may also study Environmental Systems and Societies at Standard Level in addition to the other three sciences at either Standard or Higher Level.