Science

Teaching Staff:
Mrs S.Devlin
Mrs K.O’Lone
Mrs C.McCarroll
Miss L.Casey
Miss S.Flannaghan
Mr R.Curry

Laboratory Technician:
Miss M.Kowalska

Our Department is inclusive and takes a holistic approach for each student to reach their full potential.

• To develop, maintain and stimulate student’s curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Science.
• To develop the students understanding of science with appropriate scientific concepts, methods and vocabulary.
• To develop in students a knowledge and understanding of themselves and mankind in general
• To encourage in students, the development of an open mind, practical and social skills so all students can work independently and in groups.

Key Stage 3

Year 8
Units of work

• Introduction to Science 
• Investigating Science
• Acids and Alkalis 
• Cells & Microscopes
• Dissolving & Separating Techniques
• States of Matter
• Reproduction in animals
• Earth and Space

Students will also link their learning with other subjects through the Year 8 Murder Mystery cross curricular project and students will develop numeracy skills to include measure and data handling, alongside various opportunities to develop their oracy skills. 

Year 9
Units of Work

• Materials
• Magnets 
• Energy
• Electricity 
• Periodic Table & Atomic Structure
• Photosynthesis
• Breathing & Respiration
• Heart, Circulation and Exercise

Year 10
Units of Work

• Ecology and Food Chains 
• Food and Energy 
• Chemical Reactions 
• Light and Sound 
• Forces 
• Genetics 

All Key Stage 3 students will have the opportunity to complete an investigate project to mark Science Week with an opportunity for the best projects to be entered to the BT Young Scientist Competition and SciFest Competition. 

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, pupils can study Double Award Science, Single Award Science or the OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Science 

All science courses contain elements of Physics, Chemistry and Biology and practical skills. 

The OCN NI Level 2 Certificate (OCN)

This course will provide learners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in a range of key concepts within Biology, Chemistry and Physics and builds upon the Key Stage 3 science curriculum. It offers an applied approach to science. Students are awarded credit based on evidence produced in portfolios. There are no exams.

Single Award Science (CCEA)
Single Award modular has 4 units tested over two years, each worth 25% Students can achieve Grades A*-G. Pupils have the option to resit modules if required.

Double Award Science (CCEA)
There are 3 units, B1, C1 and P1 that are all worth 11%. There are another 3 units, C2, B2 and P2 with a combined worth of 42%. Finally, the practical skills unit is worth 25 % which is to be taken in Year 12

Students can resist each examination once.

Revision

Revision classes for all GCSE Science examinations occur regularly throughout the year.

Key Stage 5

Pupils have the option to study A’ Level Life and Health Sciences. This course gives students the opportunity to study a diverse range of topics from all three Science disciplines, and complete assignments to develop their practical skills.

Year 13

AS1: Experimental techniques (33% internally assessed)

AS2: Human Body Systems (33% externally assessed)

AS3: Aspects of Physical Chemistry in Industrial Processes (33% externally assessed)

Year 14

A21: Scientific Method, Investigation, Analysis and Evaluation

A22: Organic Chemistry

A2 5: Genetics, Stem Cell Research and Cloning

Extracurricular

The Science department is involved in the delivery of various activities throughout the year. The Science Club will run on a rotational basis for different year groups which provide opportunities to take part in practical opportunities to link Science to everyday events.  We are also involved in the BT Young Scientist and SciFest competitions in which our students choose an interesting project to work on and develop. Our pupils have had great success in these competitions.