Science

Year 8 to 10 at Key Stage 3 (KS3) follow the new Northern Ireland Curriculum.  Schemes of work are thematic with links to everyday life, careers in Science and other subjects across the curriculum.

The Key Elements are addressed throughout the schemes and there is a strong emphasis on Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities in lessons and assessments. 

Opportunities in Communication, Using Maths and ICT are also addressed in lessons and assessed through challenge tasks.

 

Year 8

The scheme is made up of 3 thematic units

1)   Becoming a Scientist

Skills and Safety

Investigations

 

2)   Salt of the Earth

Investigating Road Grit

Linked with Technology Department, pupils make cars and test on different surfaces to investigate friction.

Katie Walsh from Graham Highway Management Maintenance visits the school annually with her 32 tonne lorry, to allow pupils to see a Road Gritter close up and ask questions about her job.

 

 

3)   Your Body Matters

Investigates Body Systems

Heart rate

Includes an ICT task

 

 

Year 9

3 modules of work:

Biology        

–          In the Garden     

-          Study plants

-          As part of entrepreneurship grow and sell spring flowers to raise money for Shine a Light Charity in Uganda

-          Endangered Species Project

 

Physics        

-          Electricity in the home    - Renewable Energy

-          Link to Geography and Technology

-          Visit Kilroot Power Station

-          Receive a visit from Graham Construction

-          Using Maths – Paying for Electricity

 

Chemistry     -  Science in the Kitchen – from freezer to the table

 

Year 10

Biology – Water Pollution Project including podcasting and using Audacity software to record a radio broadcast.

Chemistry – CSI Module with accompanying STEM Truck Visit

Physics – Practical Assessment    

 

GCSE

All pupils study GCSE Science at Key Stage 4 (KS4)

 

80% of pupils study

GCSE Double Award Science (Modular) – CEA

 

6 units,         2 Chemistry

                    2 Biology                         75%

                    2 Physics                                  

 

Controlled assessment                25%

(Link to spec page)

 

Alternative

GCSE Single Award Science – CEA

3 units –       1 Chemistry                    

                   1 Biology                75%

                   1 Physics

 

Practical Controlled Assessment   25%

 

We also offer GCSE Environmental and Land Based Science

This course is aimed at pupils interested in farming or considering progressing to Greenmount beyond GCSE.

We have two Occupational Studies Courses available:

Horticulture - This specification is designed to develop practical skills.  It is particularly suitable for those considering careers in horticultural industries eg floristry, organic/market gardening etc.

 

A Level

Key Stage 5 (KS5)

A Levels CEA AS/A2

Biology

Chemistry

Physics