Science

Subject Spotlight

Welcome to the Science Department

Igniting a lifelong passion for discovery. We empower students to ask bold questions, test theories in our fully-equipped active laboratories, and build a deep, evidence-based understanding of the natural and physical world around them. Take our virtual tour to meet the science faculty, explore our specialised workspaces, and discover how we guide students from early Junior Cycle experiments right through to advanced Leaving Certificate investigations in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Agricultural Science.

The Davitt Standard

Cultivating rigorous scientific inquiry, analytical problem-solving, and hands-on empirical testing to help our students decode the physical world and approach modern challenges with evidence-based confidence.

Scientific Inquiry & Innovation

Science Curriculum & Pathways

Empowering students to gather evidence, evaluate concepts, and explore the natural world through structured laboratory investigation and advanced scientific inquiry.

Stage 1 • Years 1 to 3 Core Subject

Junior Cycle Science

Focusing on developing a student's evidence-based understanding of the natural world and their ability to gather and evaluate evidence through inquiry-based investigation.

✓
Five Core Strands

Physical World, Chemical World, Biological World, Earth & Space, and Nature of Science.

✓
Classroom-Based Assessments

CBA 1 (Extended Experimental Investigation) & CBA 2 (Science in Society Investigation).

Assessment Task
10%

Written task linked to CBA 2.

Final Examination
90%

Two-hour terminal SEC paper.

Stage 2 • Leaving Certificate Leaving Certificate Elective

Senior Cycle Biology

Investigating the living world through specialized concepts, active laboratory work, and contemporary biological issues.

✓
Core Units & Themes

Organisation of Life, Structures & Processes, Interactions, and Health & Sustainability.

✓
Practical Laboratory Work

Cellular physiology, ecosystem dynamics, metabolic pathways, and inheritance.

In-Practice Investigation
40%

Independent practical research project.

Terminal Paper
60%

Assessing core concepts & data application.

Stage 2 • Leaving Certificate Leaving Certificate Elective

Senior Cycle Chemistry

Evaluating chemical structures, properties, and sustainable materials through structured inquiry.

✓
Four Core Units

Nature of Matter, Behaviour of Matter, Interactions of Matter, and Matter in Our World.

✓
Practical & Industrial Focus

Stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, green solutions, and environmental chemistry.

In-Practice Investigation
40%

Experimental project on SEC brief.

Terminal Paper
60%

Theoretical models & problem-solving.

Stage 2 • Leaving Certificate Leaving Certificate Elective

Senior Cycle Physics

Exploring the mechanics of the physical universe through rigorous logic, advanced modeling, and experimentation.

✓
Four Core Units

Forces & Motion, Wave Motion & Energy, Fields & Interactions, and Modern Physics.

✓
Analytical & Technical Rigour

Mechanics, optics, electromagnetism, radioactivity, and quantum concepts.

In-Practice Investigation
40%

Experimental work & technical reporting.

Terminal Paper
60%

Written paper testing principles.

Visual Showcase

Department Gallery

Explore a snapshot of student investigations, hands-on laboratory experiments, and practical scientific discoveries from across our department.

Laboratory Experiments
Laboratory Experiments

Hands-on Lab Investigation

Laboratory Experiments
Laboratory Experiments

Hands-on Lab Investigation

Laboratory Experiments
Laboratory Experiments

Hands-on Lab Investigation

Laboratory Experiments
Laboratory Experiments

Hands-on Lab Investigation

CBA Projects
CBA Projects

Student Inquiry Project

CBA Projects
CBA Projects

Student Inquiry Project

CBA Projects
CBA Projects

Student Inquiry Project

CBA Projects
CBA Projects

Student Inquiry Project

CBA Projects
CBA Projects

Student Inquiry Project

Science & Technology Fair 2016 - Microscope
Science Week

Science & Technology Fair 2016

Science & Technology Fair 2016 - Static Electricity
Science Week

Science & Technology Fair 2016

Science Week 2012
Science Week

Science Week 2012

Student Spotlight: All-Ireland Winners

Watch "The Death of Paul Donovan"—the forensic science short film produced by our Transition Year students that claimed 1st prize nationally at the Science Foundation Ireland ReelLIFE SCIENCE competition.

This award-winning project highlights the incredible talent, critical thinking, and collaborative investigative skills cultivated within our science laboratories. We are immensely proud of our student filmmakers and scientists.

Beyond the Classroom

At Davitt College, science extends far beyond the laboratory through national competitions, digital media production, and hands-on engineering.

SciFest

Our students regularly showcase their inquiry-based research at regional and national SciFest competitions. Davitt College projects have earned major accolades, including the national Excellence in STEM award, the Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award, and top placements in both the Junior Technology and Life Sciences categories.

ReelLIFE SCIENCE Winners

We love merging creative digital media with scientific communication. Our Transition Year students claimed first prize at the national Science Foundation Ireland ReelLIFE SCIENCE competition, beating out hundreds of entries across the country with an original, award-winning short film focused on forensic science.

Sumo Robotics & Engineering

Running as a staple of our Transition Year programme, this hands-on engineering module introduces students to electronics and robotics. Students learn to build, code, and 3D-print their own custom-designed robots before putting their real-world STEM skills to the test at events such as the regional EA Robot Games.

Ready to Discover?

Whether you are building your foundations in Junior Cycle inquiry or mastering specialized disciplines for the Senior Cycle and beyond, your science journey starts here.

Junior Cycle Options Senior Cycle Pathways

Speak to the department team to get started.

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