Download Correct use of complex vocabulary such as `nebula` shows pupil

Year 7 pupils of all abilities learn about astronomy. Here is a double page spread of an exercise book where a pupil has answered
questions about nebula, the formation of stars and the life cycle of a star. This content is usually only covered in the physics section
of Triple Science GCSE. This work is from a pupil with EAL who joined Michaela in September 2015 with a reading age of eight
years. In most other schools, this pupil would not be offered the opportunity to study science GCSE, and would instead follow a more
vocational pathway.
Correct use of
complex
vocabulary
such as
‘nebula’ shows
pupil
understanding
and grasp of
the difference
between
singular and
plural.
Despite offering detailed answers to comprehension
questions, this pupil makes the most of the
opportunity to self-mark their work, by adding
additional information, where appropriate.
Year 8 pupils of all abilities learn about the organisation of genetic information in living organisms and how humans manipulate the
inheritance of certain favourable characteristics using processes such as selective breeding and genetic modification. Here is a double
page spread of an exercise book where a pupil has answered questions about the organisation of genetic material in body cells and
sex cells, cloning plants and selective breeding. This content is usually only covered in the biology section of Double Science
GCSE. This pupil is eligible for FSM and is a PP pupil. This pupil joined Michaela as a late entry in May 2015 with a reading age of
ten years.
Correct use of complex vocabulary such as ‘diploid’ and ‘haploid’ in
the correct context shows pupil understanding of how the amount
of genetic information inside body cells and sex cells differs.
Pupil is able to apply knowledge to identify benefits of plant cloning and apply understanding to justify aforesaid benefits. Notice the
use of phrases such as ‘successful variety’ and ‘massive scale’, as well as terms such as ‘profits’. This shows deep conceptual
understanding of what cloning is, and why it is useful commercially. Making such connections will gain top marks at GCSE.
Year 8 pupils of all abilities learn about electricity. Here is a double page spread of an exercise book where a pupil has answered
questions about the electric current, electrical conductors and safety devices such as RCCBs. This content is only covered in the
physics section of Double Science GCSE. This work is from a pupil with EAL who joined Michaela in September 2014. In most
other schools, this pupil’s learning would be capped by the requirements of the National Curriculum. However, at Michaela, teachers
have extremely high expectations of Michaela pupils and believe that pupils are capable of understanding even the most complicated
science. This is why some topics only introduced to Triple Science pupils at other schools are covered in Key Stage Three at Michaela.
The connections this pupil makes between difference scientific
concepts is impressive. In question one, on the left-hand-side,
the pupil links what they know about delocalised electrons and
electric charges. In question two, the pupil links what they know
about electric current and the Law of Conservation of Energy.
Pupils at Michaela benefit from mastery; they are able to make
connections because of the knowledge they have mastered.