Junior Science
In our Science department we focus on the quality of learning which incorporates enabling them to actively participate in Science and become resourceful and confident learners. There are four strands in the new Junior Cycle Science and in addition The Nature of Science unifies the following strands.:
- Physical World
- Biological World
- Chemical World
- Earth and Space
Our Transition Year Program consists of all the senior science subjects [Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry & Physics). We focus on student engagement and independent learning. This includes participating in the BT Young Scientist and Scifest Competitions.
Senior science includes Biology, Agricultural Science, Chemistry and Physics. All students are given the opportunity to study all science subjects at higher level.
- All senior science subjects have mandatory experiments.
- Chemistry, Physics and Biology Leaving Certificate exam paper accounts for 100% of the grade.
Agricultural Science
Agricultural Science teaches students about agriculture, food and natural resources. It is a subject that is constantly changing and is available to all students from both farming and non-farming backgrounds. While all topics on the specification are covered, the latest relevant developments in agriculture are also introduced.
It is a two-year Leaving Certificate course during which students complete a project (Individual Investigative Study) based on a brief released by the State Examinations Commission annually. The other 75% is achievable through the written Leaving Certificate exam.
We are passionate about our students learning scientific method by completing Specified Practical Activities (experiments). We use the school garden to develop basic horticulture skills and an understanding of the importance of growing their own food. We want to empower them to make small changes that can reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive change towards climate change and global warming. The school garden is used to produced potatoes, cabbage, multispecies sward and grass.
Biology is the study of living things. While studying biology students will gain an insight into the diversity of life, the inter-relationships between organisms and the environment as well as gaining an insight into the uniqueness, function, and role of organisms, including themselves.
The leaving Certificate syllabus consists of three units:
– Unit One: The Study of Life
– Unit Two: The Cell
– Unit Three: The Organism
Throughout the two-year course students will undertake laboratory experiments and field work activities that are relevant to their lives and that spark an interest and excitement in biology. Students will develop an awareness of the benefits of a knowledge in biology to many aspects of life as well as its application to many different careers. Students will also develop scientific literacy and enquiry skills that will benefit students as they progress in life regardless of the career paths that they choose, as they will have developed necessary skills to problem solve and make informed decisions.
