Bitesize

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A screenshot of the Bitesize homepage
Web address bbc.co.uk/bitesize/
Slogan Making revision easier to digest
Type of site Free study resource
Available language(s) English, parts in Welsh and Gaelic
Owner BBC
Created by BBC
Launched 1998
Alexa rank 46 (BBC rank) as of 11/11/2010
Current status Active

Bitesize is the name given to the BBC's free online study support resource for school-age students in the United Kingdom. It is designed to aid students in both school work and, for older students, exams. Bitesize is available on a variety of platforms including the web and mobile phones.[1]

History

The original subjects, which included English, mathematics and the sciences, were originally selected from the curriculum for Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, and GCSE in England.[2] Eventually, Scottish subjects used in Standard Grades and Highers were added to the website, and recently the Welsh TGAU learning system. This portion of the website is in Welsh, and features a section for those learning Welsh as a second language.[3] Also included over the years have been revision guides, flash games involving problem solving, course notes, quizzes and performing actors. Bitesize course notes explain the key facts and concepts supported by illustrations and diagrams. The BBC also produces books, video cassettes and an interactive TV service, a subproduct of BBC Red Button.[4]

Subjects

English section

The Key Stage 1 website covers numeracy and literacy.[5] The Key Stage 2 site covers maths, English and science, each of which have three subcategories.[6] Key Stage 3 shares the same subjects as 2, but has more subcategories, including Shakespeare and algebra. It has also recently added subjects for History, Geography and ICT.[7] Underneath those are many other areas for revision. In the GCSE section of the website, there are more subjects to choose from. Art and design, business studies, design and technology, drama, English, French, German, geography, history, ICT, maths, music, physical education, religious studies, science and Spanish are all covered, as well as English literature, DiDA and Irish language.[8] The BBC have added videos and activities to compulsory subjects such as English Literature, Science and Maths.

Scottish section

The Standard Grades portion of the site has 12 subjects to choose from. Biology, history, chemistry, computing studies, maths, English, modern studies, French, physical education, geography and physics are all covered by the website.[9] Some subjects on the curriculum are not covered by the website; administration, business management and economics are all excluded. In the Highers section, biology, English, Geography, Maths, Chemistry, History, Modern Studies, Physics and the Scotland-only subject Scottish Gaelic are available for revising. Also included is Gàidhlig, a section for Gaelic students to study with.[10]

Welsh section

The sole TGAU section is in Welsh, and covers biology, chemistry, Welsh language, physics, maths, and additionally a section for non Welsh students to learn Welsh as a second language.[3]

Criticism

The Computing Studies section has been criticised for being inaccurate and dated.[11]

Another issue is that some tests have marking flaws, occasionally giving the user a correct answer despite them incorrectly answering the question, as seen in the Of Mice and Men test section.[citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Williams, Peter John (October 2007). "Valid Knowledge: The Economy and the Academy". Higher Education 54 (4): 511–23. doi:10.1007/s10734-007-9051-y. JSTOR 29735128. 
  2. ↑ "Revision service shows results". BBC News. February 9, 1999. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "TGAU Bitesize". Bbc.co.uk. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2012-06-28. 
  4. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/teachers/books_and_vids.shtml BBC Bitesize catalogue
  5. ↑ "Key Stage 1 website". Bbc.co.uk. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2012-06-28. 
  6. ↑ "Key Stage 2 website". Bbc.co.uk. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2012-06-28. 
  7. ↑ "Key Stage 3 website". Bbc.co.uk. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2012-06-28. 
  8. ↑ "GCSE Bitsize". Bbc.co.uk. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2012-06-28. 
  9. ↑ "Standard Grade Bitesize". Bbc.co.uk. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2012-06-28. 
  10. ↑ "Higher Bitesize". Bbc.co.uk. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2012-06-28. 
  11. ↑ Stob, Verity (2006-02-06). "The Register: Good enough for Kids!". Regdeveloper.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-06-28. 

External links

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