Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 science aims to stimulate pupils’ curiosity and enthusiasm to develop a sense of wonder in Science. The new Northern Ireland Curriculum is a skills based scheme that develops skills in scientific methods of enquiry that will engage pupils and develop understanding of the processes of science as well as content of scientific knowledge. It is a balanced science with basic aspects of biology, chemistry and physics.

Using investigations and practical experiments to increase motivation, support collaborative working and connecting Science to the real world, pupils develop their Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. Using problem solving and enquiry based exercises pupils are encouraged to become more creative and critical thinkers. They will ask more questions about the world around them and learn how to evaluate explanations.

The Northern Ireland Curriculum places a greater emphasis on taking time to learn with understanding. The Active Learning strategies equip pupils with the skills to assume responsibility for their own learning and become independent learners.

GCSE

GCSE – Two GCSE options are available;

Double Award Science for Band A and Single award Science for Band B.
New for 2009 we are trialing BTec First certificate in Applied Science with 11.018

A Level

The Science department offers four separate A level subjects; Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Applied Science.

The traditional sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Physics) are offered to students who have a Higher Double Award GCSE background and the Applied Science has been introduced for those who have a good interest in science but a more limited GCSE background. Each year in the Applied science course consists of two portfolio investigations and one exam unit.

Department Staff

Mrs. B Mc Conville

Mrs. U Mc Nulty

Mr. J Digney

Mrs. A Kimbley

Mr. P Hollywood

Miss. K Traynor

Mrs. C Rafferty

Mr. N Mc Kevitt

Mr. B Lenagh

Mr. J Murray

Mrs. M Bradley

Mrs. S Devlin

Mrs. L Taylor

Mrs. S McCabe

Miss M McNamee