Case studies

Improving pupils' motivation with Year 9 science Booster

How we introduced the science Booster programme to pupils and parents

Chris Horbury, Key Stage 3 science coordinator at Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield, describes how the Year 9 science booster programme generated a more positive attitude to work amongst his pupils.

Kettlethorpe High School is a large 11–16 comprehensive with around 1600 pupils on roll. The catchment is mixed, with a significant number of ethnic minority pupils in each year group.

77 pupils from the year group were attaining around levels 4 to 5 and would benefit from booster support in science. These pupils were chosen using data that included Key Stage 2 science SATs results and predictors from CATs tests. Building confidence was identified as a key priority for any booster activity.

Letters were sent home to inform parents of the format of the classes and explanations were given to pupils in school, emphasising the purpose and benefit of the classes. 68 (36 boys and 32 girls) agreed to participate.