Everything about Bitesize totally explained
BBC 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.
History
The BBC started the revision service in 1998. The name comes from the saying "easier to digest", which implies biting, or cutting down to smaller chunks and
digesting the important information. This is precisely what the BBC were aiming for with the support resource. The
mascot and
logo for the resource is an orange stylised
piranha.
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. 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
BBCi. The interactive service was recently taken off BBCi to make room for other content.
Subjects
English section
The Key Stage 1 website covers
numeracy and
literacy. The Key Stage 2 site covers
maths,
English and science, each of which have three subcategories. Key Stage 3 shares the same subjects as 2, but has more subcategories, including
Shakespeare,
algebra and the separated sciences -
biology,
chemistry and
physics. Underneath those are many other areas for revision. In the GCSE portion of the website, there are many more subjects for choosing.
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 obscure subjects such as
English literature,
DiDA and
Irish language.
The BBC have added videos and activities to compulsory subjects such as
English Literature,
Science and
Maths. They contain
acts and puzzles depending on each subject. The videos and activities explain in a more detailed and satisfying approach.
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. It should be noted that not all subjects on the curriculum are 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.
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.
Criticism
With such a simple system, there are not many areas to fault, however, the website does have flaws, that have been pointed out on numerous websites. For example, the Computing Studies section has been criticised for being out of date.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Bitesize'.
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