Students will engage in learning opportunities, accessing the full curriculum in an environment allowing curiosity to lead exploration while developing practical, academic and social skills.
At key stage 3 our students study science across a range of real life contexts. This allows the development of their curiosity and enthusiasm for science and to build a firm foundation for further study.
Students are encouraged to reach their full potential through a range of learning experiences, designed to develop their thinking skills and personal capabilities in line with the Northern Ireland curriculum in an inclusive and welcoming environment where students feel valued, respected and cared for.
All programmes of study have been developed for maximum impact by our specialist teachers and actively signpost to career opportunities in STEM subjects. Students are actively encouraged to engage in their own exploration of science outside of the classroom including attending STEM Club, science trips, guest speakers and taking part in our science School Fair at the end of Year 10.
All students study science at Key Stage 4.
There are a range of different routes available for students at Key Stage 4 Level.
Double Award Science
This course will provide students with two GCSEs in science.
Students study seven modules over two years including a practical exam. This course is designed to stretch and challenge students.
Students are taught by subject specific expert teachers at this stage and learning experiences are designed to stretch and challenge students to achieve at their full potential.
Single Award Science
This course provides students with one GCSE in science.
Students study four modules over two years, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Practical Skills.
This broad, practical course can help students appreciate the value of science while preparing them for related vocational studies or the world of work.
OCN Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science
This course provides an OCN Level 2 Certificate. This qualification offers UMS points equivalent to one grade B in GCSE.
This course offers students the opportunity to study three units which are assessed through coursework only.
Our students have the opportunity to study a tailored course suited to their needs which is heavily focussed on the application of the scientific method across the three disciplines of science. Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Students develop practical skills alongside critical thinking skills and personal capabilities.
At A Level, Parkhall Integrated College offers the CCEA: Life and Health Sciences Course at both Double and Single Award and also offer A Level Biology.
CCEA GCE Life and Health Sciences
The CCEA GCE Life and Health Sciences specification was developed with industry in response to the needs of the growing life and health sciences sector in Northern Ireland and provides access to a range of higher education and industry employment opportunities.
At AS Level students study:
Single Award
Double Award students also study
At A2 Level students study:
Single Award
Double Award Students also study
A-Level Biology
We also offer the opportunity to study A-level Biology. This is the study of life. Through studying Biology at this level, students can find out more about how organisms are built and how they function, as well as how they interact with each other and their surroundings. Students will develop skills that are valued in further and higher education, including an ability to understand complex processes, analysis, evaluation of practices, problem solving and research; as well as practical skills, such as, using a microscope, handling apparatus and fieldwork. The areas of study include:
At AS Level students study:
At A2 Level students study:
The Science department runs a STEM club for key stage 3 students.
The Science department also runs a regular year 8 trip to Belfast Zoo to strengthen students’ understanding of the curriculum in the summer term.
The Science department also avails of outreach opportunities from various stakeholders, such as University of Ulster and Queens University Science departments to support the learning and understand of our students.
Parkhall Integrated College Vision Statement
