Science in Society in the curriculum

Science in Society is a widely accessible course that develops scientific literacy and communication alongside a number of valued generic skills. The AS level is accessible to all with the appropriate literacy skills and a minimum single core science GCSE background — the emphasis is upon a more mature understanding and use of science already encountered in exploring relevant issues, rather than upon extensive development of new factual scientific explanation. AS Science in Society* is complete in itself as a terminal course. Progression to A2 Science in Society introduces the necessary science behind several topical issues that are explored in depth, with an emphasis on communication of the relevant argument and understanding. Within the 14–19 curriculum, Science in Society might be placed as:

• specialist advanced level study • broadening study as part of, or alongside, a 16–19 entitlement/enrichment curriculum • in-depth study for ʻgifted and talentedʼ at key stage 4 (AS level) • additional learning within an advanced diploma programme • skills development for the extended project (AS level) • as part of the AQA baccalaureate (possible accreditation from 2011) • in various ʻspecial circumstancesʼ such as special needs, custodial institutions, BMAT

preparation, alternative yr 13 from AS science(s), etc. As a ʻnormalʼ advanced level, Science in Society is fully funded by the Learning Skills Council. Establishing the course does NOT require unusual or major new capital or running expenditure. Science in Society attracts the normal UCAS points for an A level, and the skills developed during the AS course are attractive to a wide variety of HE institutions/courses. * Note that AS Science in Society is a development of the successful AS-only Science for Public Understanding specification first introduced as part of ʻCurriculum 2000ʼ — references in these pages to current experience are to AS SPU.

Science in Society as a specialist study

Science in Society provides a useful experience for students continuing their education alongside a wide range of other subjects. It specifically provides a sound basis for specific progression into university courses such as Science communication, Science and the media and Philosophy of science. The mix of experience, including problem based learning and consideration of relevant issues, also makes the course a good additional qualification for candidates seeking entry to medical and similar professional courses. A list of HE courses that provide some direct progression in the subject is available.

Science in Society as a broadening course

AS level Science in Society has been successfully offered by a number of centres as a broadening course as a timetable alternative to subjects such as General Studies and Critical Thinking. This has usually required some adjustment of the teaching scheme to meet a reduced time allocation. Clearly students taking the course with reduced contact time may be at some disadvantage. But, for many, Science in Society is a more accessible course, than Critical Thinking for example, as long as care is taken that students have the necessary literacy skills. Centres have found the course deliverable in this context, with careful planning and student selection, in 2-3 hours per week and a few in particular circumstances have managed with less. Most commonly this is managed by delivering Unit 2 (the internally assessed work) through tutorial/voluntary study.

Science in Society AS level for gifted and talented (KS4)

Science in Society builds upon ideas about how science works that are core to all current single science GCSE courses. A number of centres have found the AS level course a suitable option for brighter or more motivated students who have taken science GCSE at the end of Year 10, usually within a ʻgifted and talentedʼ programme. Some care needs to be taken, particularly in distinguishing the demands of the internally assessed Unit 2 from similar work being undertaken in other subjects at GCSE level, but for selected students this course can be an exciting early introduction to advanced level work.

Science in Society as ʻadditional learningʼ within an advanced diploma programme

Advanced diploma programmes (level 3) require a number of hours - typically 360 ʻguided learning hoursʼ - of ʻgeneric learningʼ in addition to the focused principal learning. Catalogues of approved courses that provide suitable additional learning are published for each diploma on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications. Science in Society is listed in the catalogues for all currently available advanced diploma programmes and may be used alongside the vast majority of other additional learning courses (barring code EE226, AS=180 guided learning hours). Many students would gain value from various elements of the Science in Society course within such diplomas as Society Health and Development, Engineering, Creative and Media, Information Technology, or Construction and the Built Environment.

Skills development for the Extended Project through Science in Society (AS)

The Extended Project Qualification (level 3) is available to all students at level 3 as both a standalone award alongside A level and other courses, and as a required element of diplomas (progression and advanced). The Extended Project aims to develop the skills required by employers and universities by requiring students to plan, research, carry out, complete, present and critique a piece of work. It is equivalent to half an A level. These skills are specifically developed and used in Unit 2 of Science in Society to produce a study of a scientific issue. Students who have completed Science in Society Unit 2 will be particularly well placed to commence an extended project. They may use the skills they have developed to study a completely new topic/area or may decide to investigate the subject of their Science in Society research at greater length and depth (in the latter case care would need to be taken if the project was also being used within a diploma programme that all other diploma criteria were met). There is potential for students following the A2 Science in Society course to continue their AS Science in Society research work, thus gaining accreditation both at A level in Science in Society and in the Extended Project.

Science in Society and the AQA Baccalaureate

NB Science in Society as a 'broadening subject' is not yet accredited. Necessary procedures are underway with a view to this combination being available for award from June 2011. AQA is developing a baccalaureate qualification that requires three A levels, a ʻbroadeningʼ AS level, an extended project and specified hours of enrichment activity. Currently in pilot the first generally available awards are planned for June 2010. In the pilot the recognised ʻbroadeningʼ AS levels are General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship. A review is being undertaken following the pilot and the necessary discussions are already underway to consider adding AS Science in Society as a recognised broadening subject for awards from June 2011.

Science in Society meeting needs in particular circumstances

Science in Society (particularly the AS course) has been successfully used to meet particular requirements in a number of situations. The elements that are drawn upon vary but they include:

• examination of issues can take place at many levels making the course suitable for mature students;

• the course is recognised as a science

qualification where GCSE science is required;

• there is no practical requirement; • the textbook and complete web

resources allow use for distance learning or individual tuition;

• the generic skills developed are valued

in many areas.

Examples of students successfully completing a course in AS Science in Society include:

• adult students in community evening course;

• mature students on ʻhigher education

accessʼ course; • students in penal institutions, both

adolescent units and adult prison; • students preparing for the BMAT

examination for entry to medical school; • students who completed AS level with a

low grade in a specialist science and were not able to continue that study to full A level.

Funding and Resourcing Science in Society Science in Society is recognised as an advanced level course and receives full LSC funding (i.e. 150 guided learning hours at AS and 150 guided learning hours at A2). The LSC Learning Aim reference is 50025806 with an FE programme weighting factor B. While teaching of Science in Society in most centres is by science teachers in their usual specialist accommodation this is not essential. Either on their own, or as part of a team with science specialists, interested and motivated teachers with other backgrounds (including, for example, geography, history, English and media) have successfully led students through the course. The course requires no practical work (although some science teachers may introduce the occasional demonstration) and timetabling in seminar or other classrooms is successful and sometimes valuable. Access to computer network facilities with internet access is valuable on various occasions during the course. This can be limited to individual access for research work in Unit 2 if necessary. The text book [link to textbook page] is recommended. All other necessary teaching resources are freely available on this website.