Le Dicheall Thig Eòlas - Knowledge comes from Diligence

Sciences

Welcome

Welcome to the sciences, part of the Faculty of Science and HE.  Under the umbrella of the sciences come the individual disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

All pupils will gain a foundation in the sciences across their S1 and S2 years, and may choose to study general science, or to study one or more of the discrete sciences, in their S3-S6 years.

Broadly speaking, biology is the scientific study of life and living things, chemistry concerns itself with the materials and substances we have around us, whilst physics investigates the nature of the universe and how it works.

The sciences foster critical thinking, logical analysis and problem solving, as applied to real world situations.

Careers

The career opportunities opened up through the study of science are almost infinite.  The technical, thinking and analytical skills which are gained through their study gives pupils possibilities in:

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Computing and Technology
  • Engineering of all kinds
  • Finance
  • Technical
  • Aviation
  • Materials Science
  • Geotechnical Industries

And many, many more.

Biology Careers
Chemistry Careers
Physics Careers

Our Staff

Mr Phil Kitching (Physics)
Mrs Nicola Evans (Chemistry)
Mrs Nicola Moran (Biology)

Broad General Education

In S1 and S2, all pupils follow the curriculum for excellence course, mostly at level 3.  This includes a grounding in:

  • Biology – Cells, microscopes, body systems, disease and genetics in S1, followed by the plant lifecycle, photosynthesis and ecology in S2.
  • Chemistry – most of the content for chemistry is in S2, and includes acids and alkalis, the hydrocarbons, chemical reactions and physical changes.
  • Physics – electricity, forces and waves in S1, followed by conduction, convection and radiation, and energy efficiency in S2.
  • In addition, all pupils participate in topical studies, investigative work and practical assignments, and build their literacy and numeracy skills through holistic assessment tasks.

Senior Subjects

National 4 General Science

This is our entry level course, and incorporates presentation at National 3 if required.  There is no entry requirement, and the course is particularly popular with S3 pupils wishing to consolidate their S1 and S2 studies.  There are two classes of National 4 science each year.

 There is no final exam in N4 Science, with assessment carried out internally.  To be successful, all pupils must pass unit assessments and submit an added value unit of practical investigation work to a satisfactory standard.  National 4 is assessed on a pass/fail basis, with no grades issued.

 

Advance Higher Availability

On pupil demand, the department delivers Advanced Higher Courses in biology, chemistry and physics.  Each of these courses has an entry requirement of an A or B pass in the relevant subject at Higher level, and Higher maths is strongly recommended as a minimum, in order to cope with the demands of the problem solving inherent in the courses.

Candidates are encouraged to choose their option column so as to fit in with the Higher course timetable of the specialist teacher, to maximise available support.  It is advisable for pupils to discuss their plans with staff at an early stage, before any firm arrangements are made.  A very high degree of self-motivation and independent working is essential for success, but staff freely give their time to support Advanced Higher pupils.

The courses have a significant independent project element which contributes around a quarter of the final marks, the remainder being based on the final exam.  The course is graded A-D.

Course Content