Science Department

Science

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General Aims

The Science Department aims to stimulate and excite pupils' curiosity and their interest in, and knowledge of, phenomena and events of the world around them. Through investigative work and effective teaching methods pupils will be helped to understand major scientific ideas.

Specific Aims

The Science department aims to:

  • provide a worthwhile educational experience for all pupils so that they can become confident citizens in a technological and scientific world.
  • stimulate and sustain an informed interest and enjoyment in scientific matters and their applications.
  • provide an appropriate body of scientific knowledge, understanding and investigative skills for all students.
  • stimulate an interest in, and care for, the environment and an awareness of environmental issues.

Curriculum


KS3

Years 8 -10
All pupils in Years 8 - 10 follow a taught Science program with a provision of six 50 minute periods per fortnight. Topics will be taught in a rotation of Biology, Chemistry and Physics with an introductory 'Investigating Science' topic at the start of Year 8. Each year group will be given a 'Big Picture' of topics and assessments for each term. Each topic will start with a clear set of Learning Outcomes and consist of range of activities and investigations. Pupils will be given opportunities to set targets and evaluate their own progress. All Year 10 students are entered for CCEA Key Stage 3 Examination.

KS4

All students will choose between Triple Award Science - Biology, Chemistry and Physics (see Science subjects) or Double Award Science. Double Award Science students will follow a taught program with a provision of twelve 50 minute periods per fortnight. Each class will have 4 periods of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each taught by subject specialists.

At the end of Year 12 students will sit 3 papers, one in each Science subject. Each paper will make up 25% of the final mark. Coursework also constitutes 25% of the final mark and is made up of two investigations which include Planning, Carrying out and Interpreting. A double grade will be awarded eg AA on completion of the assessments.

The content covered will be a continuation of topics covered at Key Stage 3. The course will follow a similar pattern with 'Big Picture' of topics and assessments each term, Learning Outcomes for each topic, range of activities and investigation, pupil self evaluation and target setting. 

Resources

The Science Dept. has 10 fully equipped science laboratories and one classroom. Each room has a PC and a data projector. Six of the laboratories have interactive white boards. In addition we have a computer suite with 22 PCs for use by science classes. There are 3 fully trained technicians and five preparation rooms and one greenhouse.