Science

Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.      Rosalind Franklin

Introduction

The Science Department aim to create a caring, positive learning environment where pupils can actively engage in the classroom to improve their scientific knowledge. We have 5 science labs including 3 in a ‘classroom 21’ style giving a more flexible approach to teaching science in the 21st Century.

Science is a compulsory subject from Year 8 – Year 12 with all pupils having the opportunity to attain at least one GCSE qualification or equivalent at the end of Year 12.





Key Stage 3

KS3 pupils follow a broad and balanced combined science programme providing opportunity for the development of scientific knowledge, skill, and pupil experience through independent, practical and group work.

Each Topic Booklet includes a set of key terms, common homework, and revision material. Pupils complete a short end of unit test. The Science Department encourage pupils to make use of retrieval practice techniques such as flashcards and mind maps to help them learn the theory to the best of their ability.

Year 8 Topics

• Safety, Apparatus and Numeracy (General Science)
• Cells, Tissues and Organs (Biology)
• Energy (Physics)
• Acids and Alkalis (Chemistry)
• Sound (Physics)

Year 9 Topics

• Elements, Compounds & Mixtures (Chemistry)
• Food and Digestion (Biology)
• Light (Physics)
• Reproduction and Health (Biology)
• Solar System (Physics)

Year 10 Topics

• Organ Systems (Biology)
• Forces (Physics)
• Atoms and the Periodic Table (Chemistry)
• Electricity (Physics)




Key Stage 4

Through their study of science at KS4 pupils further their understanding of key scientific ideas and how these develop and contribute to the world today.

Practical activities allow them to link scientific theory to actual experience and pupils are encouraged to think critically and creatively through investigating, questioning and discussion.

The courses on offer in Key Stage 4 are:

GCSE Double Award Science – two GCSE Grades
This qualification has 7 units:
Biology Unit B1: Cells, Living Processes and Biodiversity
Biology Unit B2: Body Systems, Genetics, Microorganisms and Health
Chemistry Unit C1: Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis
Chemistry Unit C2: Further Chemical Reactions, Rates and Equilibrium, Calculations and Organic Chemistry
Physics Unit P1: Motion, Force, Moments, Energy, Density, Kinetic Theory, Radioactivity, Nuclear Fission and Fusion
Physics Unit P2: Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space Physics
Unit 7: Practical Skills

GCSE Single Award Science

The specification has 4 units:
Unit 1: Biology
Unit 2: Chemistry
Unit 3: Physics
Unit 4: Practical Skills

OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science
The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in a range of key concepts within Biology, Chemistry and Physics. It is an applied approach to science with 100% coursework.




Key Stage 5

GCE Life and Health Sciences (Single and Double Award)
This qualification was developed with industry in response to the needs of the growing life and health sciences sector in Northern Ireland.

This specification builds on learning from KS4 and allows pupils to develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the application of science in everyday life.

It is made up of a range of Biology, Chemistry and Physics examined and externally assessed coursework units.
Unit AS 1: Experimental Techniques
Unit AS 2: Human Body Systems
Unit AS 3: Aspects of Physical Chemistry in Industrial Processes
Unit AS 4: Brain Science
Unit AS 5: Material Science
Unit AS 6: Medicine, Drugs and Clinical Trials


Unit A2 1: Scientific Method, Investigation, Analysis and Evaluation
Unit A2 2: Organic Chemistry
Unit A2 3: Medical Physics
Unit A2 5: Genetics, Stem Cell Research and Cloning
Unit A2 7: Oral Health and Dentistry
Unit A2 9: Analytical Chemistry Techniques




Visits / Trips / Extra-curricular offerings

Science Club including a trip to the Armagh Planetarium.

Pupils have the opportunity to engage in a number of STEM related activities each year including STEM Robotics and QUB Junior Academy.