Staff Information
Miss. L. Morrison (Head of Department)
Dr. R. Watret (Technician)
Ms. C. Van Der Schyff
Mrs. K. Donnelly
Mr. M. McLean
Mr. H. Thompson
Miss. K. Murdoch
Miss. S. Anderson
Our vision
At our science department, we are dedicated to fostering a love for scientific inquiry and exploration in students aged 12-18. We recognize the profound impact of science on every aspect of our lives, from our physical movements and health to the food we consume, the medicines we rely on, and the infrastructure that shapes our daily existence. Our vision is to instil in our students a lifelong passion for questioning the world around them, driving their development and sparking their sense of wonder.
We believe that science is not just about understanding the natural world but also about acquiring essential life skills such as logical and critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptation, and ensuring personal safety. Our curriculum is designed to make science engaging and accessible, using interactive games and activities that encourage students to explore and discover without realising they are learning.
Our teachers are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our students, adapting their teaching methods and course content to keep learning fresh and interesting. We offer a variety of learning techniques and extended activities to challenge and inspire those who excel in science, ensuring that every student can reach their full potential.
We hold ourselves and our students to the highest standards of academic excellence and laboratory practice. Our goal is to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in science and beyond, empowering them to apply their scientific knowledge and abilities in all their future endeavours.
Key Stage 3
In Year 8, all students are immersed in the study of the three foundational sciences: biology, chemistry, and physics. Each student receives booklets and laboratory manuals that guide them through the tasks and experiments they will conduct throughout the year. The curriculum is structured to rotate every six weeks, allowing students to explore each scientific discipline in depth.
Each class is allocated four periods of science per week. The year begins with an introductory module focused on laboratory safety, where students learn about potential hazards and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. This foundational knowledge equips them to work confidently and safely in a laboratory setting.
Following the introductory module, students embark on a journey through various scientific topics, including the environment, energy, and the chemical properties of acids and alkalis. These topics are carefully selected to provide a broad understanding of scientific principles and their real-world applications.
By the conclusion of Year 8, students have developed essential laboratory skills, honed their ability to investigate scientific phenomena, and gained experience in formulating and asking scientific questions.
To foster a dynamic and engaging learning environment, a variety of educational tools and activities are employed. These include hands-on laboratory activities, such as caring for class pets, interactive learning sessions, and the integration of ICT skills through research assignments and educational videos. This multifaceted approach ensures that students remain engaged and enthusiastic about their scientific studies. This approach is used over all year groups.
In Year 9, students continue to build upon the scientific knowledge they acquired in Year 8. The curriculum is designed to delve deeper into topics previously introduced, such as science and space, energy transfer, the workings of plants, and the states of matter. This progression ensures that students develop a more nuanced understanding of these concepts.
Moreover, Year 9 provides students with the opportunity to explore their own scientific interests. Through various projects and assignments, students can investigate topics that captivate their curiosity, fostering a personalised learning experience that aligns with their individual passions and aspirations.
This approach not only enhances students' scientific literacy but also encourages them to pursue their own lines of inquiry, setting the stage for more advanced studies in the years to come.
In Year 10, students are introduced to more advanced and specialised topics that build on the foundations laid in previous years. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of key scientific concepts, setting students up for success in their chosen science courses in the future.
Key Stage 4
At our school, we offer a range of science courses to cater to the diverse abilities and interests of our students. We provide GCSE options including double award, single award, and separate sciences, following the CCEA specifications. This allows students to specialise in their areas of interest while ensuring a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
For students whose primary interests and abilities lie in other subjects, we offer OCN (Open College Network) qualifications. OCN allows these students to continue their science education, ensuring that they can still engage with scientific concepts and develop essential skills.
Key Stage 5
At Strangford Integrated College, we are proud to offer a range of CCEA A-Level courses in biology, chemistry, and life and health sciences to our 6th form students. These courses are designed to be intensive and challenging, aiming to foster independence and prepare our young scientists for university and their future careers. Our curriculum is tailored to adapt to the evolving interests and aspirations of our students, enabling them to pursue a wide variety of scientific fields.
Year 14 Life and Health Sciences Project
In Year 14, students undertake a comprehensive, student-designed investigation as part of their life and health sciences course. This project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world scientific research context. The project encompasses the entire scientific method, from designing the investigation and collecting data to analysing results and reporting findings. Throughout this process, students receive guidance and supervision from our science technician who has vast experience of developing scientific protocols during her Master and Doctorate qualifications, ensuring that the pupils develop the necessary skills to conduct independent scientific research.
Career Opportunities
Our A-Level science programs prepare students for a wide range of career paths, including but not limited to:
- Paramedic
- Psychologist
- Marine Biologist
- Climate Change Modeller
- Forensic Scientist
By offering these diverse and rigorous courses, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in their chosen scientific fields. Our commitment to fostering independence and critical thinking ensures that our students are well-prepared for the challenges of university and their future careers.
Extra-Curricular visits and trips
The department offer a range of extracurricular activities including our ‘Animal Magic’ and STEM clubs, our ‘drop – in’ sessions for examination queries and a range of after school revision sessions for modules and terminal examinations. We look forward to trips out this year to Armagh Planetarium, Strangford Lough Marine Biological station, Local areas of conservation and visits from industry experts. Activities are also planned to celebrate ‘NI Science Festival ‘ in February 2025.
