Science A-level Health Checks
Keeping you on track for success
Overview
Are you planning A-level Sciences for the year ahead? Do you want to ensure that your students achieve the best possible grades? The A-level Science Health Check service is a valuable resource for all organisations determined to improve performance, even those who are currently doing well.
Our expert consultants are drawn from the most experienced in the field and include ex-Vice Principals of Curriculum and Quality, Ofsted Inspectors, Curriculum Managers and Heads of Science. They will work collaboratively with you to review your service, assessing either your overall science provision or individual subject delivery. Read more about our consultants below.
This service builds on the successful approach we developed and applied within the Triple Science Support Programme, Vocational Learning Support Programme and Diploma Support Programme (currently part of the 14-19 Workforce Support Programme).
Key features of the service
- strong focus on raising attainment in A-level Sciences
- delivery by experts who are highly-experienced in teaching and learning, leadership, management and coaching
- tailormade to the needs of your organisation - whether you want to look at all areas of delivery or a particular aspect, across one or all sciences
- clear and practical recommendations for development
- a supportive approach that enables teachers to carry forward improvements themselves
- a follow-up service if required, to support progress
- applicable to specifications for all awarding bodies
Benefits to your organisation
- enhances the quality of your Science A-level teaching and learning
- boosts student attainment and satisfaction
- motivates staff through sharing of good practice
- enables sustainable quality improvement
How does it work?
Our consultant will contact you to plan the right approach for your school or college. They will then deliver the service over a maximum of three days – typically two days working with you and one day producing a clear and practical plan of action. If you need further support, a follow-up service is also available.
Areas we will look at include:
- the curriculum model you use to deliver Science A-levels
- delivery strategies, schemes of work, pedagogy and learner assessment process
- learner attainment levels, including planned intervention, data analysis and the use of student voice
- embedding How Science Works and ECM (Every Child Matters) into A-level Science delivery
- how effectively you use e-learning, making suggestions around using additional material
- departmental quality improvement, examining self assessment reports and plans compiled with subject leaders
- opportunities for delivery of cross-curricular themes (such as financial capability, citizenship and enterprise) and other enrichment and enhancement activities
- progression routes for science students
Delivered by experts
Bob Tweedie, Lead Consultant
Bob was until recently Vice Principal of a successful Sixth Form College. He has been a curriculum manager for Science and Mathematics and a Head of Physics. He taught A level Physics for more than thirty years. His areas of expertise include Quality Improvement and Continuous Professional Development. He has been an Ofsted Additional Inspector for more than ten years
Glenys Hart, Consultant
Glenys has been Vice Principal of a large urban comprehensive school and taught in a range of schools. She has also been Head of Science and Head of Physics. She taught A-level Physics for more than 20 years. Her areas of expertise include Continuing Professional Development and ICT. She has been an Ofsted Inspector and LA Adviser for a number of years.
Tim Shepherd, Consultant
Tim was until recently on the senior leadership team of a large and successful urban Science specialist school. He has been a curriculum manager for Science and taught Biology, Physics, Applied and Double Science A-levels during more than 30 years of teaching. His expertise includes Continuing Professional Development and Leadership and Management.