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Science

Department Staff

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Mrs D. Gartland (Head of Department) 

Mrs S. Molloy-Preedy

Miss A. Malone

Miss C. Kozlowski (Science Technician)

Mrs Z. Morgan (Science Technician)

Subject Information

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Science is the study of the world around us and investigates how it works. All students study Science at St. Patrick’s College at both Key Stage 3 and 4 with the potential to also continue their studies to A Level. 

Curriculum Information

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Key Stage 3 (GCSE)

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Students study three 50 minute periods of Science at Key Stage 3. The three disciplines of Science are covered, which include Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  Students learn to develop their investigative skills through practical work in each of these areas. Topics studied include, Safety and skills in Science, Earth and Space, Human anatomy, The Periodic table, Light and Sound, Disease, Energy, Forces and electricity, the World around us and many more. The aim of the Key Stage 3 programme is to interest and inspire students through engaging, hands-on learning and build the foundations for Key Stage 4.

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Key Stage 4 (GCSE/OCN)

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Science at St. Patrick’s College is a compulsory subject and students have three pathways:

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  • CCEA Single Award Science

  • CCEA Double Award Science

  • OCN Science 

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For those students who wish to continue to study a Science subject at A Level, Double Award Science must be chosen.

Each of the Science subjects consist of modular examinations and have weightings as follows:

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Single Award:

Unit

Assessment

Weighting

When

Biology Unit 1

External written examination Foundation and Higher Tiers: 1 hour Students answer compulsory structured questions that include short responses, extended writing and calculations.

25%

February of Year 11

Chemistry Unit 2

External written examination Foundation and Higher Tiers: 1 hour Students answer compulsory structured questions that include short responses, extended writing and calculations.

25%

November of Year 12

Physics Unit 3

External written examination Foundation and Higher Tiers: 1 hour Students answer compulsory structured questions that include short responses, extended writing and calculations.

25%

June of Year 12

Practical Skills Unit 4

Two practical booklets (A and B)

Booklet A assesses practical skills.

Booklet B is an external written examination 

Booklet A: 7.5%

Booklet B: 17.5%

June of Year 12

Double Award

Unit

Assessment

Weighting

When

Year 11: 

Biology B1, Chemistry C1 and Physics P1

Each of B1, C1 and P1 consist of external written examinations

Each modular examination is 11%

 

Year 11 exam total: 33%

Biology: November 

Chemistry: February

Physics: May

Year 12: 

Biology B2, Chemistry C2, Physics P2

External written examinations.

Each modular examination is 14%

 

Year 12 exam total: 44%

June of Year 12 only

Unit 7 Practical Skills

Three booklet A Prescribed Practical Activities

Three Externally Assessed booklet B examinations

Booklet A total: 7.5%

Booklet B total: 17.5%

 

Unit 7 total: 25%

OCN Science 

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The OCN NI Level 2 Certificate and Level 2 Extended Certificate in Applied Science qualifications will provide learners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in a range of key concepts within Biology, Chemistry and Physics and builds upon the Key Stage 3 science curriculum. This is a portfolio based vocational pathway with no final written examination.

Key Stage 5 (GCE/A-Level)

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Students who study Double Award Science at KS4 may choose to study Biology at A Level.

The Aims of the Biology A Level is to develop interest in and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in the subject, to develop competence and confidence in a number of skills, including independent learning, creative thinking, practical, mathematical and problem-solving.

Content

Assessment

Weighting

AS (Year 13)

AS1

AS2


 

AS3

External written examination 1 hour 30 mins Students answer six to eight structured questions and write an essay.

 

External written examination assessing practical skills

15% 

15%

 

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10%

A2 (Year 14)

A2 1

A2 2


 

A2 3

External written examination 2 hours 15 mins Students answer six to nine structured questions and write an essay.

 

External written examination assessing practical skills 1 hour 15 mins

24%

24%


 

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12%

Careers

Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Research Scientist, Dietician, Physiotherapist, Radiographer, Midwifery, Nursing, Engineering, Pharmacist, Forensic Scientist, Microbiologist, Environmental Scientist.

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