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S1/S2 Science

This is a two-year course based on the National 5-14 Environmental Studies syllabus.

S1 Course

In S1, pupils are introduced to ‘Scientific Investigations’. Up to the October break, they carry out various activities and experiments to develop process skills such as : planning, carrying out experiments, reviewing and reporting on tasks.

For the remainder of S1, pupils study three integrated topics, each involving Physics, Chemistry and Biology :

Air
Energy
Building Blocks

Pupils will be involved in a variety of activities including investigations, book/library/internet research etc.

S2 Course

In S2, pupils will study three specialist units:

Physics: Energy and Electricity
Chemistry: Elements
Biology: Staying Alive

Throughout the two-year course, pupils will be carrying out ‘CASE’ activities.
These are designed to help pupils improve their scientific thinking and their ability to solve problems.

Homework

There are two formal homeworks per topic plus regular revision for tests. Pupils are also encouraged to take an interest in relevant TV programmes and news events.

Assessment

At the end of each topic there is a formal written assessment which provides information with respect to knowledge and various process skills attained at Levels D, E and F.

Further information re process skills is gleaned through the completion of Investigation Booklets, in which pupils write up experiments.

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Standard Grade Physics

Course Content

The course is made up of 7 units. Four units are taught in S3 :

Telecommunications
Using Electricity
Health Physics
Electronics

Three units are taught in S4

Transport
Energy Matters
Space Physics

Teaching Materials

A variety of methods and materials are used. Experiments, tutorials, videos, demonstrations, investigations, and research.

Each topic has its own worksheets and the pupil is issued with learning outcomes and summary notes.

Most topics have a background reading book and there are revision question books.

Assessment

Part A To inform on progress

Each unit has an end of topic test
There is a third year exam
There is a prelim in S4

Part B Final Assessment

Knowledge & Understanding and Problem Solving are tested by a final exam
consisting of two papers.

General Level exam 1 hour 30mins
Straightforward questions to obtain Grades 3,4 and 5

Credit Level exam 1 hour 45 mins
Questions more difficult, to obtain Grades 1 and 2

Practical work is assessed internally in two parts.

Practical Techniques - 8 tasks to perform correctly
eg. Measuring the speed of a moving car. These can be repeated if need be.

Investigation (usually in 4th year), to plan, carry out and write a Report on an
experiment. The best two Investigations will be used for assessment.

Homework

• Approximately 5 formal written homeworks per topic
• Regular reading of summary notes
• Learning of equations
• Revision for tests

Further information from Physics Department Mr Farrell Room 21 or Miss Easton Room 23

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Intermediate 2 Physics

Entry Requirements

In order to attempt the Intermediate 2 course, candidates will normally be expected to have obtained either a grade 3 or 4 in Standard Grade Physics or a grade 1-3 in Standard Grade Biology or Chemistry (K&U and PS). Also, Standard Grade Mathematics at grade 3 or 4.

Course Content

The course consists of two 40-hour units and two 20-hour units. An additional 40 hours will be used for induction, consolidation, remediation and practice at answering exam type questions.

The content of the four units are as follows :

Mechanics & Heat (40 Hrs)
Electricity & Electronics (40 Hrs)
Waves & Optics (20 Hrs)
Radioactivity (20 Hrs)

Unit Assessments

Each unit assessment consists of two parts :

1. A written test
2. The completion of one written report on an experiment

The written test at the end of each unit will last 45 mins and will consist of short questions to test K&U and PS (26 marks). Candidates who fail the first written test will be given a further two chances to resit.

Each candidate individually completes their written report, in classtime, and this can be redrafted up to two times in order to achieve a satisfactory submission (one written report per unit).

Course Assessment

The course exam is designed to assess the candidates understanding of the links between the component units. The course exam will also include questions about experimental work completed.

Prelim Exam There will be a prelim exam around March. This will provide good practice for the actual exam and is also required as evidence for an appeal.

Course Exam The course exam will be in May/June and will last 2 hours. It will consist of one written paper totalling 115 marks.

Homework

Homework is an essential part of the course which allows the student to review and consolidate work covered in class. It is also an important indicator (to teacher and student) of the student’s progress and it helps identify weaknesses in understanding of content areas. Homework will be issued on a regular basis. No homework will be given during prelim exams.

Further information from Mr Farrell Rm 21 or Miss Easton Rm 23

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Higher Physics

Entry Requirements

In order to attempt the Higher Grade Physics course, students will normally be expected to have attained a credit grade in Standard Grade Physics for both K&U and PS OR a pass at Intermediate 2 Physics.

Course Content

The course consists of three 40-hour units and will also include a short unit which will provide students with the ability to deal with experimental errors and uncertainties.

An additional 40 hours will be used for induction, consolidation, remediation and practice at answering exam type questions.

The content of the three units are as follows :

Mechanics & Properties of Matter
Electricity & Electronics
Radiation & Matter

Unit Assessment

Each unit assessment consists of two parts :

1. A written test
2. The completion of one written report on an experiment

The written test at the end of each unit will last 45mins and will consist of short questions to test K&U and PS (26 marks). Students who fail the first written test will be given a further two chances to resit.

There will be opportunities throughout each unit for students to complete several written reports about experiments they have completed. Each student individually completes their written report, in classtime and this can be redrafted up to two times in order to achieve a satisfactory submission (one written report per unit).

Course Assessment

Course type questions will be given after each unit assessment is completed.

Prelim Exam There will be a prelim exam around March. This will provide good practice for the actual exam and is also required as evidence for an appeal.

Course Exam The course exam will be in May/June and will last 2½ hours. It will consist of one written paper totalling 90 marks; 20 multiple choice questions and further long answer problem solving type questions.

Homework

Homework is an essential part of the course which allows the student to review and consolidate work covered in class. It is also an important indicator (to teacher and student) of the student’s progress and it helps identify weaknesses in understanding of content areas. Homework will be issued on a regular basis.

Further information from Mr Farrell Rm 21 or Miss Easton Rm 23

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Advanced Higher Physics

Entry Requirements

A or B at Higher Physics

Course Content

There are two 40-hour units and two 20-hour units. Plus additional time for induction learning about uncertainties, consolidation and preparation for the final exam.

The Course Units are :

Mechanics 40hr
Electrical Phenomena 40hr
Wave Phenomena 20hr
Physics Investigation 20hr

Teaching Methods

Students are encouraged to work more independently especially in their investigation unit where they have to design and carry out an investigation into a topic of their own choosing. The other units are taught through a mixture of discussion, experiment, tutorials, videos and computer software.

Unit Assessment

The first three units will be assessed by :

i) End of unit tests of 45 minutes
ii) Experiment report

The Physics Investigation unit will be assessed from :

i) Students day book - where they make notes each time they work on their
project
ii) A final report showing results and analysis

Course Assessment

Prelim Exam Which will provide practice for the actual exam

Course Exam In May/June which will consist of one written exam lasting 2½ hours, worth 130 marks

Homework

A lot of home/study time will be needed to do extra reading and tutorial questions as well as homework to be handed in.
The investigation will also require extra time spent on it.

Further information from Mr Farrell, Room 21 or Miss Easton, Room 23

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