Learning and Skills Network (LSN)
Triple Science Support Programme (TSSP)

Overview

What is 'Triple Science'?

In September 2006, new science GCSEs, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics were introduced. These incorporated a new Programme of Study for Key Stage 4 and included a wider range of science GCSEs (see below).

‘Triple science' is the combination of the three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. It will normally be a course of study for students in years 10 and 11. It provides the fullest coverage of these three subjects at key stage 4 including all of the compulsory Programme of Study for Science, provided all three are taken during the key stage.

What's new about it?

From September 2008, all pupils achieving at least level 6 at Key Stage 3 will be entitled to study triple science. This need not all be in their own school, for example, it could be through collaborative arrangements with other schools, FE colleges and universities.

Also from September 2008, all specialist science schools will be required to offer triple science at least to all pupils achieving level 6+ at the end of Key Stage 3.

Why Triple Science?

At the strategic level, the economic future of the country is dependent on a good supply of highly educated scientists. Evidence shows that pupils who take triple science at GCSE are more likely to go on to study one or more science subjects at A level and more likely to get a higher grade in their science A level, compared to those who take double science GCSE.

At the level of the individual student, triple science increases the opportunity to study and enjoy a much broader science curriculum. Young people will cover a much wider range of topical science issues, designed to motivate and enthuse.

Hence the Government has made the commitment to encourage all schools to make triple science available to all students who could benefit and is providing LSN with the support to run the TSSP.

The 'Triple Science Support Programme (TSSP)'

From Autumn 2007, the Learning and Skills Network will provide the TSSP to help schools plan, develop and implement triple science. It will consist of a generic programme available to all schools - supplemented by a more intense offer of support for targeted schools. This approach will help prepare schools for the forthcoming changes as well as allocating bespoke resources to those that can benefit most.

LSN will make use of its wide experience of national support programmes combined with the expertise of the Science Learning Centres, the Institute of Physics , the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Biology to provide an innovative and exciting programme, which will include: a range of bespoke publications; training and consultancy; networks and website.

Thematic Approach

The TSSP approach will focus on four key themes, which run through all the individual elements of programme:

• Increasing subject specific expertise;
• Enabling curriculum development and improved modelling;
• Raising attainment strategies; and
• Facilitating collaborative approaches to delivery.

Elements of the Triple Science Support Programme

The TSSP comprises the following:

• A set of new publications:
• A guide to existing Triple Science related teaching materials and resources ;
• Three subject specific publications to support delivery of the separate sciences;
• Curriculum modelling, timetabling and Triple Science;
• Raising attainment in Triple Science; and
• Collaborative approaches to delivering Triple Science;
• Forty local networks of support for Triple Science practitioners;
• The programme website www.triplescience.org.uk
• A topical and informative termly science newsletter;
• An offer of three days consultancy for targeted school (around the topics above)
• A marketing campaign around Triple Science for schools

Further details are shown below.

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Triple Science Publications

• Resources for your Triple Science courses: GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics

LSN has conducted an audit of existing materials and resources that can be used to support the three ‘Triple Science' subjects. The resulting publication will signpost resources that may be useful for practitioners and contain a short description of each that suggests how they can be used.

• Teaching Triple Science: GCSE Biology
• Teaching Triple Science: GCSE Chemistry
• Teaching Triple Science: GCSE Physics

LSN has commissioned three new subject specific publications aimed at helping practitioners tackle some of the main issues in delivering the separate sciences. They have been written by acknowledged experts in these subject areas and will provide practitioners with up-to-date and useful guidance on:

• The major content differences between Dual and Triple Awards;
• Teaching and learning modules based on the content differences identified above, focusing on the areas known to be delivered poorly in schools;
• Teaching resources and assignments to promote student-centred problem solving activities.

The publications will be supported by quick guides to the topics covered.

Triple Science GCSEs - curriculum planning and design
This publication will provide managers and others with practical advice on how to plan, develop and model the Triple Science requirement – taking account of all the critical factors that need to be considered. The publication will be supported by a quick guide on the topics covered.

Triple Science GCSEs – strategies for raising attainment
The raising attainment publication is designed for practitioners and will cover:

• Teaching and learning for motivation and understanding
• Assessment and use of data
• Examination techniques for students
• Underpinning school policies and strategies
• Advice on examinations and assessment for teachers

Triple Science GCSEs - collaborative approaches
TSSP will provide advice and guidance on models of effective delivery of collaboration between providers in the form of a booklet that deals with science at Key Stage 4. It is aimed at all who have an interest developing and sustaining partnerships.

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Triple Science Networks

TSSP aims to establish up to 40 local Triple Science Networks that will provide a national matrix of coverage and meet the needs of practitioners who are either delivering or interested in delivering the Triple Science GCSEs in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Each network will have access to funds to undertake development and/or dissemination activities from Autumn 2007. Network members will also have access to the Triple Science Learning Community – an electronic facility to encourage the up and download of developed materials – as well as communications amongst practitioners. The TS publications will be distributed to members. Details of the networks will be available on the website from September.

Triple Science Website

www.triplescience.org.uk is the dedicated programme website. It will have a variety of functions that include: hosting the Learning Community, portal and hosting materials on:

• Triple Science Content
• How Science works
• Teaching and Learning
• Managing Triple Science
• LSN Support

Triple Science Newsletter

LSN will produce and disseminate an upbeat and attractive newsletter for all schools covering interesting policy and practical issues for GCSE TS practitioners and will draw on a range of sources for articles. This termly newsletter will first appear autumn 2007 and be distributed to all maintained secondary schools.

Training and Consultancy for Targeted Schools

Besides the materials and support available to all schools, LSN will also be making an offer of free training and consultancy to 300 schools that seem particularly suited to offering the full Triple Science but currently do not. This approach has been used effectively on other schools programmes and is intended to create an impetus within the system - helping to shift the sector towards meeting the entitlement.

The Offer

Participating schools will have the choice of either taking one day, in-school face to face training around the programme themes (in biology, chemistry and physics as well as raising attainment, collaboration and curriculum modelling) or they may negotiate a bespoke consultancy project to help tackle issues particular to their schools' needs.

Identification of Target Schools

LSN and partners have undertaken detailed research based on DCSF data into current attainment in science GCSEs and KS3 science to identify the targeted schools. The criteria for selection include having a critical mass of students attaining Level 6 science and offering one or more of the science subjects at present but not all three. LSN will consult with other bodies such as National Strategies, Science Learning Centres and Local Authorities to fine-tune the targeting strategy to ensure those centres that are likely to want training and consultancy are included.

Process

LSN's regional team will approach managers in the targeted schools to discuss their workforce development needs, undertake a training needs analysis and agree on suitable provision. A team of experienced consultants drawn from Local Authorities, independent consultants, learned society colleagues, practising teachers/SMT, Science Learning Centres and the LSN will then provide the training and other support.

For further details about LSN's TSSP contact:

Enquiries: 0870 872 8080
Email: triplescience@lsneducation.org.uk
Website: www.triplescience.org.uk

Write to:

Triple Science Support Programme
Learning and Skills Network
5th Floor
Holborn Centre
120 Holborn
London
EC1N 2AD

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About LSN

The Learning and Skills Network is an independent, not for profit organisation committed to making a difference in post-14 education and training.  LSN supports schools, colleges and other learning providers. It does this through delivering government funded quality improvement and staff development programmes; through research, training and consultancy; and through providing high-quality resources for teachers and lecturers.

TSSP partners

In addition to LSN the following are partners in TSSP:

Science Learning Centres
SLC provides high-quality professional development for everyone involved in science education, teachers, technicians and classroom assistants, from primary to post-16.

Institute of Physics
Scientific membership organisation devoted to increasing the understanding and application of physics. It has an extensive membership and is a leading communicator of physics with all audiences from specialists through government to the general public.

Royal Society of Chemistry
The largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences, RSC is supported by a worldwide network of members and an international publishing business, activities span education, conferences, science policy and the promotion of chemistry to the public.

Institute of Biology
The professional body for UK biologists was founded in 1950, obtained a Royal Charter in 1979 and is a registered charity. Its 14,000 members work in industry, research, education and healthcare, amongst other areas.

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