Science

Course Outline

The Key Stage 3 Science curriculum is an integrated Science course which includes elements of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Investigative Science.

Science is a key part of the curriculum in Years 8, 9 and 10. Our Key Stage 3 Science programmes are designed for our pupils:

• to have a well-informed awareness of the role and importance of science in everyday life.
• to develop practical skills, including the ability to plan and carry out investigations
• to develop an appreciation of the beauty and fascination of the world around them
• to develop methodical and analytical approaches to problem solving
• to develop the ability to investigate new situations and ask appropriate questions (also available through Science/STEM Club)

Assessment

Pupils will sit end of topic tests after each small section covered. A further, more comprehensive test in each science subject at the end of a ten week teaching block will also be completed. These results will form part of the overall summer grade.

Assessment scores will form decisions on GCSE Single/Double Award for Science.

Course Outline

Students study Science at either CCEA Single or Double Award, gaining a balanced knowledge and understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and their powers and limitations.

Double Award Science Topics

In this course, students:

• learn about scientific ideas, how they develop and the factors that may affect their development
• learn about the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments (including those related to the individual, the community and the environment)
• consider science in relation to personal health, quality of life and ethical issues where appropriate
• gain experimental, investigative, problem-solving and team-working skills as they plan and carry out a range of investigations
• have opportunities to develop numeric, communication and ICT skills as they critically evaluate data gained from investigations and present their results.

Single Award Science Topics

In this course, students learn:

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

Assessment

Double Award Science

Pupils complete three modular examinations (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in Year 11 worth 33% of the total GCSE. A further three examinations (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are taken in Year 12. These account for 42% of the total GCSE.

25% of the marks are awarded for three in-school Practical Assessments in each of the disciplines, plus three written practical assessments in the Summer of Year 12.

Grades awarded A*A*to GG.

Single Award Science

Year 11 students must sit three modules worth 25% of the total GCSE. A practical assessment plus a written practical exam will be carried out in Year 12. This is worth 25% of the total GCSE.

Grades Awarded: A* to G.

Study/Homework Requirements:

Pupils should complete all homework provided. Homework will consist of both learning and written work. In addition pupils should spend at least 15 minutes per day per science subject going back over content covered that day.

Key Points To Success:

• Excellent attendance;
• Listen attentively in class;
• Review notes from each class at home;
• Prepare summaries from your notes;
• Practice using Past Papers.
• Practice recall questions from each booklet

Course Outline

In Year 13 students complete three modules and take an examination in each module. This is equivalent to an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) in Biology/Chemistry and/or Physics.

In Year 14 students will take a further three modules to complete an A Level in Biology/Chemistry and/or Physics.

Pupils complete a practical assessment through Internal assessment in Biology and a practical examination in both Chemistry and Physics in both AS and A2.

Biology:

AS 1: Molecules and Cells and AS 2: Organisms and Biodiversity.
A2 1: Physiology and Ecosystems and A2 2: Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary trends.

Chemistry:

AS 1: Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and AS 2: Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and Introduction to Organic Chemistry
A2 1: Periodic Trends and Further Organic, Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and A2 2: Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Further Organic Chemistry

Physics:

AS 1: Forces, Energy and Electricity and AS 2: Waves, Photons and Astronomy
A2 1: Deformation of solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics and A2 2: Fields, capacitors and Particle Physics

Life and Health Science:

This a new course to St Marys Science Department.

The CCEA GCE Life and Health Sciences specification was developed with industry in response to the needs of the growing life and health sciences sector in Northern Ireland.

Life and health science related industries make up over 25% of Northern Ireland’s total economic output and include a diverse range of public and private businesses and employment opportunities, including pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural, dental, nursing, environmental and allied health professions.

Students can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification. They can also choose to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification.

For a full GCE Single Award qualification students must complete six units: three at AS level and three at A2.

The specification has 16 available units. For details on compulsory and optional units, please see the specification.

• 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 4: Sound and Light
• Unit A2 5: Genetics, Stem Cell Research and Cloning
• Unit A2 6: Microbiology
• Unit A2 7: Oral Health and Dentistry
• Unit A2 8: Histology and Pathology
• Unit A2 9: Analytical Chemistry Techniques
• Unit A2 10: Enabling Technology.

Study/Homework Requirements:

Students will also undertake practical scientific work and write up their findings. Students will develop research skills and techniques in all units. They should spend 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes per day going over or expanding on notes, completing homework and/or revising.

Key Points To Success:

• Excellent attendance;
• Make summary notes for examinations;
• Practise using past paper questions.