History of the Science Department

Science, along with Technology and Design, was taught by Mr Mulholland for the first two years before Mrs Mullin was appointed in 1997.

During Mr Mulholland’s ‘reign’ there were excellent opportunities for practical work in Biology - ‘water sampling’, ‘pond dipping’ and the like. Early experiences also include the Traffic Branch allowing Year 8 students to use radar equipment to check traffic speeds outside the school gates.

After Mrs Mullin’s appointment, the department expanded to include Mrs Suitor and Mrs Clarke and then Mrs Hall and Mr Luke. Mrs Mullin was made Head of Science in September 2000.

Mrs R Stewart was originally appointed to cover Mrs Hall’s career break and in April 2005 was offered a permanent post due to the school’s expanding 6th form. Two further teachers havejoined the department -Mrs McShane and Mr Keeley.

Mrs Clarke, is our Senior Science Technician and Mrs Bell also works as a part-time Science Technician.

During the ten years, various customary activities have taken place:

• Year 8 had their field trips at the Millennium Environmental Centre (ECOS) in Ballymena and Oxford Island.
• Year 9 visited a ‘Science, Surgery and the Spectacular Roadshow’ at the Palace Stables Heritage Centre, Armagh, W5 Odyssey Arena in Belfast, The Armagh Planetarium and also dental visits.
• Year 10 went to the University of Ulster at Coleraine to take part in a course in ‘Technology, Engineering and Science’ and W5 Odyssey Arena in Belfast.
• Year 11 visited Greenmount Campus ‘Making Science Work’ (part of National Science Week).
• Year 12 visited Norbrook Pharmaceutical Factory in Newry and Loughry College.

As usual, the students behaved excellently and were very excited whilst attending courses or visiting any of the above.