Critique of the Qca Scheme of Work
- Submitted by: olulad
- Views: 1400
- Category: Other
- Date Submitted: 08/13/2010 02:08 AM
- Pages: 3
- Report this Essay
A Critique of The QCA scheme of Work by OLUWATOYIN LADITI, PGCE Science
The underlying objectives of the QCA scheme of work for KS3 Science are designed to:
1. build on their scientific knowledge and understanding from key stage 2 and make connections between different areas of science;
2. use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events;
3. understand a range of familiar applications of science;
4. think about the advantages and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments for the environment and in other contexts, considering the reasons for different opinions;
5. carry out investigations of different types, on their own and in groups, making use of reference sources and evaluating their work;
6. communicate what they did and its significance;
7. learn how scientists work and the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas.
According to QCA, the KS3 programme of study represents a shift in emphasis away from content towards scientific process and how science works. Knowledge of conceptual and factual information is important, it states, but the range and content statements are now more open to interpretation.
The QCA indeed performed a great feat in detailing the various facets that contribute to the study of science. The entire unit structure brings into the focus or at least provides pointers to the entire world around us and how we can initiate a systematic study.
In addition curricular links with other subjects namely, English, Mathematics, ICT and PHSE provide the much required context in which science can be learned and practiced. These links can be seen to serves as ‘bridges’ to the actual application of science in the real world. For example, the knowledge of speed, acceleration, braking force etc. with knowledge of the highway-code or responsibilities as a citizen are effectual in engaging learners interest or the study of genes and moral/ethical issues such as genetic screening or...
The underlying objectives of the QCA scheme of work for KS3 Science are designed to:
1. build on their scientific knowledge and understanding from key stage 2 and make connections between different areas of science;
2. use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events;
3. understand a range of familiar applications of science;
4. think about the advantages and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments for the environment and in other contexts, considering the reasons for different opinions;
5. carry out investigations of different types, on their own and in groups, making use of reference sources and evaluating their work;
6. communicate what they did and its significance;
7. learn how scientists work and the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas.
According to QCA, the KS3 programme of study represents a shift in emphasis away from content towards scientific process and how science works. Knowledge of conceptual and factual information is important, it states, but the range and content statements are now more open to interpretation.
The QCA indeed performed a great feat in detailing the various facets that contribute to the study of science. The entire unit structure brings into the focus or at least provides pointers to the entire world around us and how we can initiate a systematic study.
In addition curricular links with other subjects namely, English, Mathematics, ICT and PHSE provide the much required context in which science can be learned and practiced. These links can be seen to serves as ‘bridges’ to the actual application of science in the real world. For example, the knowledge of speed, acceleration, braking force etc. with knowledge of the highway-code or responsibilities as a citizen are effectual in engaging learners interest or the study of genes and moral/ethical issues such as genetic screening or...