Science Department
KS3
In Science, pupils are given the opportunity to explore a range of topics, while developing whole curriculum skills and capabilities through a range of scientific methods and enquiry.
Our Science department encourages our pupils to develop their scientific knowledge through creative and critical thinking, while also developing their practical skills by carrying out experiments within the Science laboratory.
Through our Key Stage 3 curriculum, pupils learn about:
-
Organisms and Health
-
Chemical and Material Behavior
-
Forces and Energy
-
Earth and Universe
Key Stage 3 Science Curriculum in Drumglass High School:
Year 8:
-
Introducing Science/Safety in the Laboratory
-
Teeth
-
Air and Breathing
-
States of Matter
-
Dissolving
-
Classification
Year 9
-
Energy
-
Heat Transfer
-
Magnets/Electromagnets
-
Electricity
-
Materials and their Properties
-
Acids and Alkalis
-
Separation Techniques
Year 10
-
Forces
-
Waves
-
Light
-
Sound
-
Circulatory System
-
Earth and Space
-
Digestion
-
Reproduction
-
Cells
GCSE Single Award Science
CCEA award grades to students. Through studying this specification, students:
-
gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the material, physical and living worlds; gain understanding of the nature of science and its applications and the interrelationships between science and society;
-
develop an understanding of the importance of scale in science;
-
develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the scientific process through
hypotheses, theories and concepts; develop their understanding of the relationships between hypotheses, evidence,
theories and explanations;
-
develop awareness of risk and the ability to assess potential risk in the context of potential benefits;
-
develop and apply their observational, practical, enquiry and problem-solving skills and understanding in laboratory, field and other learning environments;
-
develop their skills in communication, mathematics and the use of technology in
scientific contexts; and acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society.
This course provides opportunities to build on the skills and capabilities developed through the delivery of the Key Stage 3 curriculum in Northern Ireland.
This specification offers students the opportunity to be inspired, motivated and challenged by a broad, practical and worthwhile course of study. It encourages them to develop their curiosity about the living, material and physical worlds and provides insight into and experience of how science works.
The specification is divided into four units:
Units 1, 2 and 3 assess learning knowledge in Biology, Chemistry and Physics through written examinations, which each learner can resit once.
Unit 4 is set by CCEA, assessed by teachers and moderated by CCEA.
GCSE Double Award Science
CCEA award grades CC-&G to students entered for the Foundation Tier. Students entered for the Higher Tier can be awarded grades A*A*-DD. CCEA provide allowed grades DE and EE as a 'safety net' for Higher Tier candidates just failing to secure a grade DD.
Students of the Higher Tier study the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Units in more depth than students of the Foundation Tier.
Unit 1 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are normally examined in Year 11, with learners provided with opportunities to resit each unit once.
Unit 2 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are examined in the Summer series of Year 12 examinations.
Practical Skills Unit has topics set by CCEA, assessed by teachers and moderated by CCEA
This specification provides transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied in vocational and work settings. There is sufficient knowledge and skills in this course to facilitate students undertaking Level 3 Science subjects.
