Welcome to the Science Department

Teachers:

Mr R McClelland - Head of Department

Mr S Stewart 

Mr R Mullan

Mr S Forrest

Mrs S Doran

Miss C McCartney

Aims

The overall aims of the Science department are:

• To contribute to the overall development of the pupil

• To make Science relevant for everyday life allowing the use of scientific skills and the ability to make informed decisions surrounding science issues

• To prepare pupils for external examinations and for further study or career development

• Promote links within the school, other school communities, home and the wider community

• To provide a balanced curriculum using a range of teaching strategies

Key Stage 3

The science department delivers the Northern Ireland Revised Curriculum through co-operative learning activities, practical experimental work and theory based learning. The department takes account of the individual learning needs and styles of every pupil. Modules covered in KS3 Science include:

• Separating Techniques

• Energy

• Electricity

• Magnetism

• Living Things

• Food

• Using Science to solve crimes

• Materials

• Sound

• Our Habitats

• Healthy Lifestyle

• Space

• Reactions

• Plants

• Reproduction and Genetics

• Light

Key Stage 4

The science department offers three choices of study at KS4

• GCSE Single Award Science CCEA

• GCSE Double Award Science CCEA

• OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science

• Entry Level Science

GCSE Single Award Science

In Year 11 and 12, subject modules are studied and examined in February, November and may.

• Biology: 25%

• Chemistry: 25%

• Physics: 25%

• Practical Skills Unit: 25% (completed in Year 12)

GCSE Double Award Science

Seven units are examined over two years. There are two tiers of entry:

• Higher: A* - D

• Foundation: C* - G

Year 11 modules, worth 33% are examined in Year 11:

• Biology: 11%

• Chemistry: 11%

• Physics: 11%

Year 12 modules, worth 42% are examined in Year 12:

• Biology: 14%

• Chemistry: 14%

• Physics: 11%

• Practical Units: 25% (completed in Year 12)

OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science

This qualification is for learners interested in applied science but who are not studying for or have achieved a GCSE in this area already. It is intended to give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that will enable them to progress to further learning or training in a science related area. It builds upon the Northern Ireland Curriculum and meets the requirements of the Key Stage 4 Entitlement Framework.

The following assessment method may be used to ensure all learning outcomes and assessment criteria are fully covered.

• Assessment - Internally set, internally marked, externally moderated (100% coverage).

• Assessment Method - Portfolio of evidence

Possible Content

• Learner notes/written work

• Learner log/diary

• Peer notes

• Record of observation

• Record of discussion

Entry Level Science

This course prepares learners for further studies in science or science-related vocational courses.

Through studying Entry Level Science, learners develop an understanding of the social and economic contributions of science. They become aware that science can be used in ways that are both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment. Learners learn about the:

• Human body and the importance of looking after our health
• Structure and lifecycle of plants and requirements for their healthy growth
• Hazards of using materials/equipment at home, in the workplace and in the laboratory
• Classification of materials, using raw materials sustainably and the importance of recycling.
• Construction of electrical circuits and the dangers associated with electricity, and how electricity is produced and the need for it.
• Properties and uses of light and sound through practical investigations.