Introduction and Ethos of Department
In the Science department we want all the students to become enthusiastic and confident scientists. This is a successful department where there are high levels of pupils choosing extra science courses both at Key Stage 4 and Post 16. We encourage all our students to share their achievements and see them increase in confidence.
We strive to make all of our lessons:
• Fun and practical – let the pupils enjoy it!
• Accessible and challenging – differentiating, no pupil getting lost or bored.
• Motivating and rewarding – ability-led goals, good feedback to pupils on progress.
There are also competitions, science visits and special science events that run in school on a frequent basis to further enrich the science experience of Ulidia pupils.
The Staff & Positions
There is an experienced team of four full time and one part time Science teachers ably supported by a very experienced full time technician. The teaching team’s experience encompasses the different specialist areas within Science ensuring that pupils benefit from a wide range of teacher expertise.
The team is:
Subject Leader – Dr Chambers
Subject Teachers – Mrs Doig, Mr Murphy , Mr Lyons, Mr Gillen, Mrs McCarthy
Science Technician – Dr Irvine
KS3
Overview
At Ulidia we follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum for Science. There is a great emphasis on active Learning. We continue to develop our students’ learning experience by blending many of our existing differentiated resources with new exciting learning resources and activities. This has produced a highly dynamic course. Throughout the first three years at Ulidia our students will receive a solid grounding in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, preparing them for GCSE.
Assessment throughout the year
Our students are assessed throughout the year so that they are able to see their progress and identify areas which require more attention in their studies. They will also sit an exam at the end of the year which consists of elements from all topics covered.
Homework
Homework will be set once a week. This could take the form of a written task, a learning activity or even an experiment at home!
KS4
Overview
We offer the following 3 courses:
Route 1: 2 GCSE Science route.
This route keeps open any post 16 Science course at Ulidia or through the C.L.C. (Carrickfergus Learning Community). Good preparation for related Post 16 courses.
Science (Double Award Unitised)
A qualification which counts as 2 GCSE Science grades; it is a mixture of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There are 2 levels of entry: Higher (Grades A*- D) and Foundation (Grades C –G)
The final grade is built up from 2 parts:
1. 6 Unit examinations worth 75%
• 3 written papers, each worth 11%, during the Year 11.
• 3 written papers, each worth 14%, during the Year 12.
2. Practical Skills Unit worth 25% involving 2 Controlled Assessment tasks.
Route 2: 1 GCSE Science route
Not suitable preparation for Post 16 Science at Ulidia. Adequate preparation for related Post 16 courses e.g. Health & Social Care, Sports Studies. This keeps the door open for numerous careers e.g. primary teaching, numerous armed forces positions.
Science (Single Award, Unitised)
A qualification which counts as 1 GCSE Science grade; it is a mixture of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There are 2 levels of entry: Higher (Grades A*- D) and Foundation (Grades C –G)
The final grade is built up from 2 parts:
1. 3 written papers, each worth 25%, during the Year 11.
2. Practical Skills Unit worth 25% involving 2 Controlled Assessment tasks.
Route 3: Horticulture (New in Year 11)
This is a Level 2 qualification (equivalent to a GCSE). There is lots of practical work with pupils using the Greenhouse and outside planting beds to grow and nurture both vegetables and flowers. The broad experience within this course will include weeding, composting, tool maintenance as well as handling and identifying plants. As this course is linked to work related situations the pupils will need to cost and sell display containers. The assessment is continuous throughout the course.
Assessment throughout the course
Students are assessed and monitored throughout the course by their teacher. This is done using homework, Progress Check Tests and End of Topic Tests.
GCSE Controlled Assessment (with dates / timings)
The Controlled Assessment will take place throughout the entire course. It is worth 25% of the overall GCSE.
Timings of GCSE modular exams
February
Wed 24th Feb (am) Year 11 Single Award Biology Unit 1 (1 class: 11S2)
Thurs 25th Feb (am) Year 11 Single Award Chemistry Unit 1 (1 class: 11S1)
Thurs 25th Feb (am) Year 11 Double Award Chemistry Unit 1
Fri 26th Feb (am) Year 11 Double Award Physics Unit 1
May
Tues. 17th May (pm) Year 11 CCEA Double Award Biology Unit 1
Tues. 17th May (pm) 2 Year 12 Core Sci. modules: Biology
Thurs. 19th May (am) 2 Year 12 Core Sci. modules: Chemistry
Wed. 25th May (pm) 2 Year 12 Core Sci. modules: Physics
June
Fri. 10th June (am) Year 12 Add. Sci. modules: Biology
Wed. 15th June (pm) Year 12 Add. Sci. modules: Chemistry
Fri. 17th June (am) Year 12 Add. Sci. modules: Physics
Horticulture is assessed continually over the 2 years – pupils have a diary of evidence to compile throughout the course.
KS5
Overview
In Year 13 & 14 we offer the A Level Applied Science course. This can be taken as either a Single A Level or a Double qualification which yields 2 A level grades. These qualifications include work in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The Applied Science course also delivers training in high level practical skills.
In recent years we have seen our students experience great success, many of whom have moved on to science based degree courses.
Assessment throughout the course
Assessment for this course comprises of 67% portfolio work and 33% exam.
Coursework / controlled assessment (with dates / timings)
Portfolio units are assessed throughout the year. Mini deadlines are issued as appropriate to each unit; final external portfolio deadline will be in early May.
Exam dates – May and June.
Wed. 18th May (pm) AS Applied Science: Monitoring human body module.
Tues. 24th May (am) AS Applied Science: Cells and Molecules module.
Tues. 14th June (pm) A2 Applied Sci: Sampling, testing & processing module.
Thurs. 16th June (pm) A2 Applied Sci.: Physics module (Working Waves)
