Science

 Departmental  Staff

• • Head of Department: Mrs L.Taylor
  • Teacher in Charge of KS3 and BiologyMrs A.Kimbley
  • Teacher in Charge of PhysicsMr J.Murray
  • Teacher in Charge of STEMMrs M.Bradley
  • Teacher in Charge of BTEC ScienceMrs M.Mc Mahon
  • Teacher in Charge of ChemistryMiss T Mallon
  • Mrs B.Mc Conville
  • Mr J.Digney
  • Miss K.Traynor
  • Mrs C.Rafferty
  • Mr P.Hollywood
  • Mr B Lenagh
  • Mrs S Devlin
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  • • •  Technicians: Mr T Reidy, Mr C Teggart

      __Curriculum

      Key Stage 3 (Years 8,9 & 10) 

      Key Stage 3 Science aims to stimulate pupils’ curiosity and enthusiasm and to develop a sense of wonder in Science. Pupils are given the opportunity to develops skills in scientific methods of enquiry and develop understanding of the processes of Science with aspects of biology, chemistry and physics  being covered.

      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.

      The Active Learning strategies equip pupils with the skills to assume responsibility for their own learning and become independent learners. In each year pupils will complete three units of work covering topics in Biology Chemistry and Physics and will be assessed by Standardised Formative Assessments.

      GCSE (Years 11 & 12)

      GCSE:  2 GCSE options are available:
      GCSE Double Award Science: Examination Information Revised Specification 2017

      Year 11
      Three module exams are studied; B1, C1, P1, with February & May examination sittings.
      (3X11%) of GCSE

      Year 12
      Three Terminal exams in May/June; B2, C2, P2 each discipline (3 X 14%) of GCSE
      Practical Skills Assessments: This comprises of three (1hr) practical exams (3 x 2.5%) followed by 3 Terminal Practical theory papers (3 x 6.5%)

      Foundation and Higher Tier Courses are available:
      Grades:2 GCSE grades are awarded:
      Higher Tier: A*A* – DD Foundation Tier: C*C*-GG
      Intermediate:Grades can also be awarded e.g.  A*A & AB

      GCSE Single Award Science: Examination Information Revised Specification 2017

      Modular Course:

      3 module exams take place over the two year period with no terminal exam.

      Year 11
      Pupils take one module examination in February (25%)

      Year 12
      Pupils take two modules in November & May (2 x 25%)

      Practical Skills Assessments: This comprises of two (1hr) practical exams.(2 x 2.5%) followed by 3 Terminal Practical theory papers(2 x 6.5%)

      Foundation and Higher Tier Courses are available:
      Grades: 1 GCSE grade is awarded:
      Higher Tier: A* – D Foundation Tier: C*-G

      A Level (Years 13 & 14)

      Three traditional A level subjects are offered: Biology, Chemistry & Physics.
      It is essential to have studied at least a Double Award Higher Science course at GCSE in order to enrol for these A level subjects.

      Biology: The full Advanced GCE award is based on 40%AS and 60% A2.There are three written papers in both AS and A2. The weightings are outlined below:

      AS

      AS1 and AS2: 37.5%AS or 15% A2.
      AS3: Practical exam with an internal component. 25%AS or 10% A2

      A2
      A21 and A22: 24% of A2
      A23: Practical exam with an internal component. 12% of A2.

      Chemistry: The full Advanced GCE award is based on 40%AS and 60% A2. Each year there are 3 written papers and practical exam.

      AS

      AS1: Weighting 40% AS or 16 %A2 AS2: 40% AS or 16 %A2
      AS3: Practical exam and Practical Theory paper. 20% AS or 8 % A2

      A2

      AS1: Weighting 40% AS or 16 %A2 AS2: 40% AS or 16 %A2
      AS3: Practical exam and Practical Theory paper. 20% AS or 8 % A2

      A2

      A21: Weighting 40% A2 or 24 %A Level A22: 40% A2 or 24 %A Level
      A23: Practical exam and Practical Theory paper. 20% AS or 12 % A Level

      Physics: A level consists of a two year course, AS & A2. Each year there are 3 written papers and practical exam.

      AS
      AS1: Weighting 40% AS or 16 %A2 AS2: 40% AS or 16 %A2

      AS3: Practical exam and Practical Theory paper. 20% AS or 8 % A2
      A2
      A21: Weighting 40% A2 or 24 % A Level A22: 40% A2 or 24 % A Level
      A23: Practical exam and Practical Theory paper. 20% AS or 12 % A Level

      All of the A level science subjects will equip students for any Third Level Science course.

      • 1. Biology is essential/ useful for medicine, veterinary, dentistry & other medical degrees, physiotherapy, pharmacy, food science, environmental health and other biological studies eg medical biology, biochemistry, etc
      • 2. Chemistry is essential/useful for medicine, veterinary, pharmacy, dentistry, forensics, food science, environmental health, chemical engineering and other chemistry degrees eg biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology etc
      • 3. Physics is essential/useful for physics degrees eg geophysics, medical physics, astronomy, all engineering degrees, radiotherapy, forensics etc
        The Science department offers three separate A level subjects; Biology, Chemistry, Physics.A Level Biology, Chemistry & Physics are offered to students who have a Higher Double Award GCSE background with a minimum grade of AB.

       

      _Below is a video that shows you around science in St Paul’s: