Staff

  • Mr R McClelland - Head of Department

  • Mr S Stewart

  • Mr R Mullan

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

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