Why Study Science?

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In the Science Department we aim to embrace a sense of wonder and inquiry, as well as to cultivate the knowledge and practical skills required for a range of scientific pathways at GCSE.

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In Years 8 and 9 we study General Science, while in Year 10 the separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are taught to all pupils in 10A1-10.

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We begin Year 8 with ‘Learning to be a Scientist’ a booklet which broadly covers the key skills needed to support most science learning at Key Stage 3 and then move on to teach key topics throughout Years 8 and 9 from across the Science disciplines, such as Energy; Living Things; Building Blocks (behaviour of atoms and molecules); Earth and Space; Acids and Alkalis; Food, Diet and Teeth; Electricity.

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Year 10 sets a firm foundation for GCSE with the teaching of separate sciences facilitating students’ ability to make informed future subject choices.

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Outside the classroom, pupils have visits from various agencies, such as Belfast Zoo and NI Water, as well as being informed regarding the potential effects of lifestyle choices, such as vaping, by health experts.  Over the past few years, we have participated in the Craigavon Area Learning Community’s ‘Big Science Quiz’ in local post-primary schools and our teams have acquitted themselves well.

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