Science
Teachers will now place a new focus on the Nature of science which aims to promote greater engagement and thinking amongst our young scientists about how science works; carrying out investigations, communicating in science, and the role and contribution of science and scientists to society. Incoming first year students are encouraged to develop an interest in science from an early stage outside of the classroom. Whether it be from planning titles for BT Young Scientist and Scifest to carrying out different science projects at home, all student interest is greatly nurtured in an extremely positive and inclusive learning environment.
All Junior Cycle students spend at least two class periods each week in the brand-new science lab getting up to speed with the wide variety of lab equipment and learning the safety procedures used during their time in the school. Students carry out their practical investigations during their double science class. From an early stage, our students develop a great appreciation for the different investigations, and show brilliant enthusiasm and responsibility while getting down and dirty in the wondering wide world of science.
Science subjects in Roscommon Community College are taught in a student-centred, multi-modal way with an inquiry based and collaborative approach taken. A wide range of teaching and learning methodologies are utilised in order to meet the needs and abilities of all our learners. The wellbeing of our students is paramount to us in Roscommon Community College and we ensure that the wellbeing indicators are promoted in science. Digital technologies are used extensively in science. The Global Goals are promoted with a link to the local community and wider society. Cross-curricular links are developed with other subjects, and literacy and numeracy are deeply embedded in science. Assessment takes the form of both formative and summative assessment. Assessment for learning and feedback are used extensively to indicate to our learners; where they are, where they have to go to and how they can get there. Students conduct a Classroom Based Assessment (CBA) in second year and in third year (10%) and a final exam at the end of their three years in Junior Cycle (90%). There are many progression avenues available to students after studying JC science as Roscommon Community College Community College offers all the senior level science subjects; biology, physics, chemistry and agricultural science.
Click here to view: Junior Cycle Science Learning Outcomes
View Science Photos Here
