Hodder science pupil’s books A and B (2nd edn)
Nigel Hislop, David Brodie and James Williams
London: Hodder Murray 2004 | PpPp160 each | £9.99 each | ISBN0 340 88671 4; 0 340 88679 X
Reviewed by Ian Bellamy

These two pupil books have been written to match the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority’s (QCA) scheme of work, with pupil book A and B designed for use in Years 7 and 8 respectively. Both books are structured in exactly the same format, covering aspects of all three science disciplines in a clear and user-friendly way. They also boast an extensive glossary along with a more than useful ‘confused words’ section, which gives pupils the common English and scientific meaning of key words. There are 12 main topics covered in each book, giving equal weighting to biology, chemistry and physics, both in terms of chapters and pages. 

Each topic is split into several sub-sections, each of which occupies a double-page spread. These contain various colourful photographs, diagrams and cartoon-style pictures, which are both eye-catching and relevant. Each spread is heavy with information, and in some cases overladen with unnecessary text, which some pupils will undoubtedly find hard going. Nearly all the double-page spreads end with key questions and a useful ‘remember box’, where information on a topic is summarised – the pupils have to use key words to complete the boxes. Each topic finishes with a ‘closer’ focusing on a 21st century case study, though again these tend to be text heavy. Unfortunately, both books lack variety in task, the layout of each double-page spread being almost identical. One can imagine pupils finding the repetitiveness of task a little tedious over two years. 

Overall, both books would be most suitable for classes of above average ability. The pair of texts represent good value for money at £9.99 each. However, teachers will need to invest in supplementary materials to provide pupils with a more varied learning experience.