Science
Staff: Mrs C Cunningham (HoD), Mrs R O’Brien, Mr M Douglas, Mr O Catney, Mrs R Finlay, Mr C McCullough (Technician)
Aims
Science has a significant role in helping pupils prepare for life and work as individuals, contributors to society, the economy and environment.
At Malone College, we aim:
- To stimulate and sustain curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Science
- To encourage pupils to think logically, independently and critically
- To develop a sense of wonder about the world
- To use practical activities to increase motivation, support collaborative working and connect learning about Science to the real world
- To ensure pupils implement and understand the need for safe working practices
- To develop qualities such as perseverance, resilience, respect for evidence, honesty and open-mindedness.
- To encourage pupils to apply their knowledge and understanding beyond the classroom
Key Stage 3
In Years 8 – 10, pupils study a range of topics from the three Science disciplines, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. The Key Stage 3 curriculum has been designed to allow pupils to experience a wide range of practical work and group activity.
Year 8
Topics include Being a Scientist, Variety of Life, States of matter, Kinetic theory, Water cycle & density, Forces, Cells, Variation & Genetic Inheritance.
Year 9
Topics include Human reproduction, Elements & the Periodic Table, Planets and Solar System, Dissolving & Separating Techniques, Teeth, Food & Digestion and Energy.
Year 10
Topics include The Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Sound, Light, Periodic Table, Atomic Structure, Gas Chemistry, Chemical Reactions, Electricity and Magnetism.
Key Stage 4
There are three available courses of study at Key Stage 4.
Double Award Science
https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-science-double-award-2017
Through studying this specification, students:
- gain a broad knowledge and understanding of science, biology, chemistry and physics;
- gain scientific, investigation and problem-solving skills;
- develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods; and
- acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and its essential role in society.
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.
This course prepares students for the study of science-related subjects at a more advanced level, for example A Level Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Life and Health Science. This course allows students to gain 2 GCSEs in Science.
Assessment:
Pupils complete three modular examinations (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in Year 11 worth 33% of the overall grade. A further three examinations (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are taken in Year 12. These account for 42% of the overall grade. Unit 7 practical skills is worth 25% and requires students to carry out three practical tasks followed by an externally marked written examination.
Grades awarded A*A*- GG.
Single Award Science
https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-science-single-award-2017
- This specification encourages students to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying 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.
- It enables students to engage with science and to make informed decisions both about further study in science and related subjects and about their careers.
- Students achieving a GCSE in Single Award Science can progress to further education, training or employment.
Assessment:
Pupils complete 3 modular examinations each worth 25% and a practical skills unit comprising two practical tasks and an externally assessed written examination, also worth 25%. Grades awarded A* - G
OCN NI Level 2 certificate in Applied Science
https://www.ocnni.org.uk/qualifications/ocn-ni-level-2-certificate-in-applied-science
The OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in a range of scientific concepts within Biology, Chemistry and Physics, building upon the Key Stage 3 science curriculum. This qualification is intended to give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that will enable them to progress to further learning or training in a science related area.
Assessment
Learners must complete three mandatory units:
- Physical Processes
- Life Processes and Living Things
- Materials and their Chemical Properties
All units are internally assessed and the grading for this qualification is Pass/Fail
Key Stage 5
There are two available courses of study at Key Stage 5:
CCEA GCE Life and Health Sciences
https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-life-and-health-sciences-2016
This course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in GCSE Single Award Science, GCSE Double Award science and GCSE Sciences.
This course aims to encourage students to:
- Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for science, including developing an interest in further study and careers in research science;
- Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society;
- Develop competence in a range of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills;
- Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works;
- Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other;
- Develop advanced study skills that help them prepare for higher education.
Key Features:
AS level
3 units equally weighted 13.33% each of A level
AS1: Experimental techniques - Internal Assessment
AS2: Human Body Systems – External examination
AS3: Aspects of Physical Chemistry in Industrial Processes – External examination
A2 Level
3 units equally weighted 20% each of A level
A2 1: Scientific method, Investigation, Analysis and Evaluation – Internal assessment
A2 2: Organic Chemistry – External examination
A2 3: Medical Physics– External examination
CCEA GCE A Level Biology
https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-biology-2016
This specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in GCSE Double Award science and GCSE Biology.
The course aims to encourage students to:
- Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in the subject; develop and draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and understanding of different aspects of the subject;
- Develop confidence and competence in a number of skills, including independent learning, creative thinking, practical, mathematical and problem-solving;
- Carry out practical tasks and present their findings in different formats;
- Develop and appreciation and understanding of scientific methods;
- Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
Key features:
AS level
3 externally assessed units
AS1: Molecules and cells 15% of A Level
AS2 Organisms and Biodiversity 15% of A level
AS3 Practical skills in AS Biology 10% of A level
A2 Level
3 externally assed units
A2 1: Physiology, Co-ordination and control, and ecosystems 24% of A level
A2 2: Biochemistry, genetics and evolutionary trends 24% of A level
A2 3: Practical skills in Biology 12% of A level
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