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SCIENCE

OVERVIEW

The science courses at Kilkeel High aim to provide a broad, balanced science experience to all students. In Years 8 and 9, students follow a course related to Spotlight Science. In Year 10, sets one to four complete nine modules (three in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics) with some sets rotating teachers. These modules provide an accurate idea of the Key Stage 4 Science courses that are available in Kilkeel High School. At GCSE and ‘A’ level, students can study Physics, Chemistry and Biology to enable them access to higher education facilities at home and abroad. Single Award Science is also offered at GCSE level.

The Science Department at Kilkeel High aims to:

  • Provide a curriculum to meet the needs of all students;
  • Develop their knowledge and understanding of the concepts of science;
  • Make students aware that scientific concepts are subject to continual development and modification and;
  • Contribute to the development of all students’ key skills in Literacy, Numeracy and in the use of Information Technology.

MEET THE STAFF

Mr. G. Howard

Mr. M. Annett

Mrs. A. Graham-McMath

Mr. J. Hanna

Mr. S. Wilkinson

AIMS

  • Provide suitable, practically-based courses which will provide all students with a worthwhile and enriching experience;
  • Enable students to acquire an understanding and knowledge of the concepts, principles and applications of science and their relevance in a technological world;
  • Develop the abilities, skills and attitudes which are relevant to the safe practice and study of science and are useful in everyday life;
  • Stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in science and a caring and responsible attitude to its application both beneficial and detrimental, to the individual, the community and the environment;
  • Enable students to recognise the usefulness and limitations of the scientific method and its application in everyday life;
  • Create the realisation that scientific investigation is a cumulative process, influenced by social, moral and cultural factors and requiring co-operation, honesty, perseverance, open-mindedness and independence of thought;
  • Develop an awareness of mankind’s scientific heritage and achievements and their contributions to everyday life;
  • Dispel the stereotyping and mythology associated with science and scientists and;
  • Implement the aims of the Science Department using a range of teaching and learning approaches. These include individual and group work, the use of secondary sources to encourage research skills, brainstorming, teacher demonstration, student group discussion, utilising external expertise and having educational excursions.

KEY STAGE 3

Years 8, 9 and 10 follow a three year scheme of work based on a modular approach. In this way all classes will have a common core of knowledge and each person receives the same experiences. The depth of treatment given to each topic may differ from class to class, as reflected in the abilities of the pupils. Junior Science classes have five periods of Science each week.

Key Stage 3 Science report marks in January and June are based on examinations (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

YEAR 8

  • Becoming a Scientist
  • Materials and Matter
  • Energy
  • The Variety of Life
  • Forces
  • Acids and Alkalis
  • Growing Up

YEAR 9

  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Environment and Populations
  • Sight and Sound
  • Forces
  • Elements
  • Food and Digestion
  • Earth and Space
  • Staying Alive

YEAR 10

  • Circulatory System and First Aid (Biology)
  • Periodic Table of Elements (Chemistry)
  • Forces & Motion (Physics)
  • Microbes & Disease (Biology)
  • Chemical Reactions (Chemistry)
  • Heat (Physics)
  • DNA & Genetics (Biology)
  • Advanced Chemical Reactions (Chemistry)
  • Electricity (Physics)

KEY STAGE 4

GCSE Biology

Biology subject description at GCSE level.

GCSE Chemistry

Chemistry subject description at GCSE level.

GCSE Physics

Physics subject description at GCSE level.

GCSE Single Award Science

Single Award Science subject description at GCSE level.

KEY STAGE 5

AS / A Level Biology

AS / A Level Biology subject description at AS / A Level.

AS / A Level Chemistry

AS / A Level Chemistry subject description at AS / A Level.

AS / A Level Physics

AS / A Level Physics subject description at AS / A Level.