Science

Teaching Staff

• Mrs M Grant - Head of Department
• Mr R Bell
• Mrs A Graham-McMath
• Miss L Matthews
• Miss J Watt

Teaching Time

Year 8                        4 periods a week
Year 9                        4 periods a week
Year 10                      4 periods a week
GCSE:
                                  3 periods a week of Biology
                                  3 periods a week Chemistry
                                  3 periods of Physics
AS/A-Level:
                                   Biology:           7 periods a week
                                   Chemistry:       7 periods a week
                                   Physics:           7 periods a week

Content includes:

Key Stage 3:

During this key stage, pupils will have the will have the opportunity to apply scientific knowledge and ideas, and to develop their awareness of the role and importance of science in everyday life. Building on their experiences in science, their growing scientific knowledge and understanding and their increasing maturity. Pupils have the opportunity to study how science is applied in a variety of contexts. Pupils have the opportunity to be involved in individual, group and whole class activities.

GCSE:

In GCSE Science (Single Award), students take part in activities that stimulate their interest in, and enthusiasm for, science. We set activities in context so that students can relate them to their everyday lives, evaluate evidence collected or researched, and understand the implications of science on society.

Through studying GCSE Science (Single Award), students acquire knowledge and understanding of:

• how science works;
• how it benefits mankind; and
• the drawbacks of science and scientific and technological advances.

Students learn about environmental issues of local, national and international concern. They develop research skills as they use electronic and traditional sources of information to research topics of scientific interest. Students also make use of ICT to analyse data and present the findings of their investigations.

GCSE Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms. It is concerned with studying microbes, classifying organisms and investigating different species and their interactions with each other and the natural environment.

The 21st century offers biologists many challenges. Today's biologists are involved in researching and understanding some of the most controversial advances in human knowledge including the cloning of embryos, designer babies and genetically modified food.

Biologists are also involved in finding solutions to worldwide problems such as:

• global warming;
• the extinction of species;
• AIDS and other epidemic diseases; and
• MRSA and superbugs.

Biology is a fascinating subject that allows us to make a difference to tomorrow's world by helping us understand the world we live in today

GCSE Chemistry

Learning about chemistry is both stimulating and fun. Not only does it help us make sense of the world around us, but chemistry also touches upon the main social, ethical and cultural issues affecting our lives today.

We all experience chemical reactions daily: whether it is breathing, baking a cake or driving a car. Studying chemistry helps explain these and many other interactions, enabling us to analyse all the associated elements and the compounds they form.

Given its close links with physics, biology and maths, chemistry also provides a wide-reaching base of scientific knowledge and brings with it great career opportunities in science, industry and commerce.

GCSE Physics

Studying physics is about finding out what the universe is made of and how things work and interact with each other. It is concerned with the most basic building blocks of all things - from ants to antennas, from quarks to quasars.

Physics gives students a new understanding of the world around them. They can look at a rainbow and not just marvel at its beauty but also understand how it is formed. Physics also teaches students to question the way things are.

Through studying physics, students develop new ways of looking at the world and new thinking skills. These thinking skills can be applied to other disciplines such as chemistry, biology, medicine, earth and planetary sciences, are useful in the world of work and help students cope with everyday life.

Students who study physics have great job prospects and end up in all sorts of interesting jobs because of their broad training and adaptability. Many students with physics qualifications go on to have successful careers in the space and/or aerospace industries, medicine, technology, engineering, research and development, the stock market, teaching and/or IT and software industries.

Studying physics is also fun! Students get the chance to use a lot of really great pieces of equipment.

AS/A-Level:

AS and A-level Biology:
Students of A-level Biology learn about living organisms, biological concepts and the value and responsible use of biology in society. Students get to study organisms in their home environment through fieldwork and also have opportunities to test biological concepts by carrying out experiments in the laboratory.

Through studying A-level Biology, students develop communication, IT, numeric and problem-solving skills. They learn how to work in teams, and through designing and carrying out investigations they play an active part in improving their own and others' learning.

AS and A-level Chemistry:
From atoms to metals, the content covered in the A-level Chemistry course continuously challenges and rewards. Building upon the depth of knowledge and practical experience previously gained at GCSE, students continue to use their investigative and experimental skills while also enhancing their IT and presentation abilities.

The CCEA A-level Chemistry course offers students a range of activities that capture their interest throughout its duration as well as develop and encourage their critical and creative thought. Students also advance their understanding of chemistry's important role in environmental education and global responsibility.

AS and A-level Physics:
A-level Physics reveals the link between theory and experiment and informs students about how physics has developed and is used in present-day society. Through the CCEA course, students:

• develop essential knowledge and understanding of physics and its applications (where appropriate);
• discover, develop and implement the skills needed to use physics in new and changing situations;
• discover the ways in which different areas of physics relate to each other;
• study how scientific models develop;
• appreciate the importance of physics and how it interacts with social, philosophical, economic and industrial matters;
• sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, physics; and
• recognise the quantitative nature of physics and understand how mathematical expressions relate to physical principles.

Trips

Year 9 - Ecology Field Trip to Rostrevor
On Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 October, Year 9 carried out a field study looking at plant and animal life in a variety of habitats. This took place at Warrenpoint beach and in the deciduous and coniferous forests in Kilbroney. The weather was quite pleasant and a very valuable experience was had by all.

Year 10 - Space Odyssey at Queens University Belfast
In early October, Year 10, along with Mr Bell and Miss Matthews, attended a "Space Odyssey" programme at Queens University. The pupils enjoyed the experience and found the exhibition interesting.

Year 12 - Chemistry at Work
12A attended the annual "Chemistry at Work" exhibition in the Whitla Hall at Queens University. This gave the pupils some ideas of the application of Chemistry in everyday life and industry. Hopefully some will be encouraged to follow such a career path.

Useful Links:

	Website	Content
AS/A2:
	Rod's Pages	topic information, laboratory tips, and examination tips
	S-Cool	topic guides, questions, and revision summaries
	Greener Industry	for sustainable industry
	WebElements™	chemistry information relating to the periodic table
	Revision Resources for A-Level Chemistry	revision
	Timberlake's Chemistry	revision