Leaving Certificate Biology
Aims
Biology is a fascinating, popular and useful subject. In Portumna Community School we aim to enthuse, inform and raise awareness about all aspects of the living world – and about the functioning of our own bodies. In so doing we also aim to prepare students for their certificate exams to as high a level as possible, and to prepare them for their roles as decision-making, responsible and interested members of society.
Objectives
Biology is centered around a dedicated, purpose-built Science Laboratory which includes two other dedicated laboratories and associated preparation rooms. Each laboratory is fully equipped for practical work and has digital projection facilities and internet access.
Most students choose the science course leading to the Junior Certificate examination at the end of third year. In Transition Year all student Biology, and the TY course aims to enthuse and inform pupils about the living world as well as to provide a context for, and solid grounding in, the concepts and skills needed for the Leaving Certificate course.
There is provision of double classes to allow for practical work. In the Transition Year there is a double Biology class per week (1 double class). In Fifth and Sixth year there are five Biology classes per week (1 double class and 3 single classes.
Aims
Biology is a fascinating, popular and useful subject. In Portumna Community School we aim to enthuse, inform and raise awareness about all aspects of the living world – and about the functioning of our own bodies. In so doing we also aim to prepare students for their certificate exams to as high a level as possible, and to prepare them for their roles as decision-making, responsible and interested members of society.
Objectives
- 1. To give an insight into the nature of science in general, and into the processes and history of scientific investigation and biological enquiry.
- 2. To develop an appreciation of the diversity of organisms, and of the integral role humans have in maintaining the delicate balance of nature.
- 3. To understand the basics of human physiology.
- 4. To gain an awareness of the value judgements made in relation to contemporary biological issues, and of the applications of biological knowledge in society.
- 5. To provide a thorough grounding for continuation to third level education
- 6. To prepare each student comprehensively, and to as high a level as possible, for their leaving certificate examination.
Biology is centered around a dedicated, purpose-built Science Laboratory which includes two other dedicated laboratories and associated preparation rooms. Each laboratory is fully equipped for practical work and has digital projection facilities and internet access.
Most students choose the science course leading to the Junior Certificate examination at the end of third year. In Transition Year all student Biology, and the TY course aims to enthuse and inform pupils about the living world as well as to provide a context for, and solid grounding in, the concepts and skills needed for the Leaving Certificate course.
There is provision of double classes to allow for practical work. In the Transition Year there is a double Biology class per week (1 double class). In Fifth and Sixth year there are five Biology classes per week (1 double class and 3 single classes.
