WIS Prospectus 2012 - West Island School New Portal

FACULTY AND CURRICULUM INFORMATION
West Island School
Chemistry
The subject is presented as a central science which examines, describes and
explains interactions between matter and energy. Chemical principles lie
behind the physical environment in which we live, and some understanding
of Chemistry is essential preparation for studies in the Life Sciences. The
study of Chemistry thus serves two roles: preparation for courses in other
sciences as well as preparation for a career or higher academic studies.
Physics
The Physics course aims to continue and extend students’ appreciation of the subject
developed from earlier studies. This course is structured around the fundamental forces and
the energy transfers they produce. Modern day Physics is by nature an international subject,
in which scientists from around the world collaborate using internationally agreed terms and
conventions. Historical aspects of the subject, often western-orientated, are de-emphasised.
Modern centres of cutting-edge Physics, such as CERN, pool the collective expertise of
Physicists from all continents.
Learning is process-driven, with practical investigations, conforming to the IB coursework
requirements, being used to formulate, test and evaluate hypotheses. Applications and
possible career paths will be emphasised, while opportunities for independent learning
will be identified and built in to the programme of study. To complement the required IB
assessment of practical coursework and external examinations, internal assessment using
past examination questions is used for each of the syllabus topics upon completion.
BTEC Science level 2
As an alternative to the traditional IGCSE science courses taken by our Year 10 and 11
students, we currently offer a BTEC Applied Science course. This is typically equivalent to 2
Science GCSE grades, and is based around a continual coursework assessment programme.
The Applied Science nature of the course allows students to approach all areas of the
subject in a context of Science in the workplace, at home or some aspect of the world we
live in. The new syllabus has a Forensic Science option as well as opportunities to study
Environmental Science and the Chemistry of household reactions such as baking a cake.
Most lessons are based around practical work, and research plays a big part in applying the
science ideas covered to the world around us.
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