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Science

Welcome To The
Science Department

WHAT IS SCIENCE?

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At St Louis, we recognise the importance of studying science for developing critical thinking, problemsolving skills, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. Science fosters curiosity, enabling students to ask questions, test hypotheses, and make evidence-based decisions. Furthermore, it prepares students for future careers and helps them navigate a technology-driven world opening doors to numerous, rapidly evolving fields, including engineering, medicine, and research.

MEET THE STAFF

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Mr C Quail

Miss S Edgar

Mr J McDowell

Miss A Cromie

Mrs I Stokes

Miss S Bolton

Mrs J Annett

Mrs T McNeill – Senior Technician

KEY STAGE 3

Overview

In Years 8, 9 and 10 Science, pupils have opportunities to explore a range of topics and develop Whole Curriculum Skills and Capabilities using scientific methods of enquiry. 

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What students learn

 

  • Organisms and Health

    • Interdependence of plants and animals

    • Cells, genes and reproduction

    • Healthy body and mind

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  • Chemical and material behaviour

    • Atoms and chemical changes

    • Structures, properties, uses of materials

    • Elements, compounds and mixtures

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  • Forces and energy

    • Forces and energy transfer

    • Using electricity

    • Sound and light

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  • Earth and Universe

    • The environment and human influences

    • The solar system and universe

These subject strands encourage pupils to further their scientific knowledge and understanding through planning investigations, obtaining evidence, and presenting and interpreting results. Pupils have opportunities to develop creative and critical thinking in their approach to solving scientific problems. They also develop their practical skills by carrying out experiments and demonstrate self-management by working systematically.

KEY STAGE 4 – GCSE (Yr11-12)

Overview

 

We offer tailored qualifications aligned with the school pathways model to suit every learner's strength and career aspirations.

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This Includes:

 

Gold / Green Pathway: OCN Applied Science:

 

The aim of the OCN NI Level 2 Certificate is to 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 course is assessed via 100% coursework, making it an excellent choice for pupils who prefer practical assessment over examinations and provides learners with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that would support progression to further learning or to employment.

 

Green / Purple Pathway: Single Award Science:

 

The CCEA GCSE Single Award Science specification introduces key aspects of science and its methodology. It gives students an overview of topics such as cells, atomic structure and waves.

 

This broad, practical course runs over 2 years in year 11 and 12, and can help students appreciate the value of science while preparing them for related vocational studies or the world of work.

 

The specification has four units:

Unit 1: Biology

Unit 2: Chemistry

Unit 3: Physics

Unit 4: Practical Skills.

 

Green / Purple Pathway: Double Award Science:

 

The CCEA GCSE Double Award Science specification is a broad and coherent course that develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the material, physical and living worlds. Students gain two GCSEs for completing the course. Practical science is a key part of this specification where students carry out 18 prescribed practical tasks during the course, over the 2 years in year 11 and 12.

 

The specification has seven units:

  • Biology Unit B1: Cells, Living Processes and Biodiversity

  • Chemistry Unit C1: Structures, Trends, Chemical Reactions, Quantitative Chemistry and Analysis

  • Physics Unit P1: Motion, Force, Moments, Energy, Density, Kinetic Theory, Radioactivity, Nuclear Fission and Fusion

  • Biology Unit B2: Body Systems, Genetics, Microorganisms and Health

  • Chemistry Unit C2: Further Chemical Reactions, Rates and Equilibrium, Calculations and Organic Chemistry

  • Physics Unit P2: Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space Physics

  • Unit 7: Practical Skills.

KEY STAGE 5 (Post-16 / Sixth Form)

Overview

 

At Sixth Form, we offer AS and A2 levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.​

 

AS/A2 Level Biology:

 

This academic route is recommended for pupils who have previously studied GCSE Double Award science. The CCEA GCE Biology specification gives students a deeper knowledge of the organisms that share our planet. They learn about how organisms are built, how they function and how they interact with each other and their surroundings. This specification is available at two levels: AS and A2. Students look at contemporary developments in biology.

 

The specification has six units:

  • Unit AS 1: Molecules and Cells

  • Unit AS 2: Organisms and Biodiversity

  • Unit AS 3: Practical Skills in AS Biology

  • Unit A2 1: Physiology, Co-ordination and Control, and Ecosystems

  • Unit A2 2: Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary Trends

  • Unit A2 3: Practical Skills in Biology.

AS/A2 Level Chemistry:

 

The CCEA GCE Chemistry specification encourages students to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how chemistry contributes to the success of the economy and society. This academic route is recommended for pupils who have previously studied GCSE Double Award science.

 

The specification has six units:

  • Unit AS 1: Basic Concepts in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry

  • Unit AS 2: Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and an Introduction to Organic Chemistry

  • Unit AS 3: Basic Practical Chemistry

  • Unit A2 1: Further Physical and Organic Chemistry

  • Unit A2 2: Analytical, Transition Metals, Electrochemistry and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry

  • Unit A2 3: Further Practical Chemistry.

AS/A2 Level Physics:

 

The CCEA GCE Physics specification encourages students to develop their enthusiasm for the subject and an interest in further studies and careers in physics. This academic route is recommended for pupils who have previously studied GCSE Double Award science. The specification has six units:

 

The specification has six units:

  • Unit AS 1: Forces, Energy and Electricity

  • Unit AS 2: Waves, Photons and Astronomy

  • Unit AS 3: Practical Techniques and Data Analysis

  • Unit A2 1: Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics

  • Unit A2 2: Fields, Capacitors and Particle Physics

  • Unit A2 3: Practical Techniques and Data Analysis.

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