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.
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
- Endangered Species Project
Physics
- Electricity in the home – Renewable Energy
- Link to Geography and Technology
- 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
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%
Alternative
GCSE Single Award Science – CEA
3 units – 1 Chemistry
1 Biology 75%
1 Physics
Practical Controlled Assessment 25%
CCEA GCSE Agriculture and Land Use
This course is aimed at pupils interested in the farming industry. Progression from this course would be our new OCR BTEC Agriculture, further progression to places such as Greenmont or Harper Adams.
We have an Occupational Studies Course 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)
CCEA AS and A2 Biology
CCEA AS and A2 Chemistry
CCEA AS and A2 Physics
OCR BTEC Agriculture
“A group of Year 13 and Year 12 Chemistry Students enjoyed a trip to Almac on Tuesday 29th January. It was a fantastic day providing the pupils with a valuable insight into many different STEM careers followed by a tour of the laboratory. Thanks to the team at Almac for their hospitality. It’s great to see a local company embracing and inspiring the next generation of young scientists.
Here is what the students had to say about today’s trip:
What did you enjoy most about today?
Sarah Hall “I enjoyed visiting the laboratories and seeing first-hand the work that they do.”
Rebekah Minnis “I enjoyed learning about all the different career pathways that Almac offer. In particular, it made me realise how my combination of A level subjects link to possible careers.”
Ellen Graham “This experience gave me a valuable insight into the different career paths which link to Chemistry and my other AS level subjects.”
Rebecca Girvin “I enjoyed learning about all the different sectors that Almac has. It was interesting to see how closely STEM subjects relate to the different career options”.
Sarah Hughes “I enjoyed learning about how what we do in class relates to industrial Chemistry”.
Was there a career option that interested you today?
Sarah Hall “I like the sound of marketing within Almac and would like to further investigate this option”
Rebekah Minnis “Bioinformatics is a career option I learnt about today which combines my A-levels of Software Systems Development, Biology and Chemistry”
Ellen Graham “The sense of unity within the Almac company is something that attracts me to a career within the company. I like the thought of the opportunity to travel, as they have 17 global branches.”
Rebecca Girvin. “Chemical Synthesis and manufacturing is something that interests me. I will definitely look into this further.”
Sarah Hughes “Process development, I think that sounds interesting. Although I am looking into other career options too such as Medicine”.
