S1 BGE (Science) – The S1 science curriculum consists of topics which encompass CfE science outcomes at level 3.
S2 BGE (Biology rotation) - S2 students engage in a rotation between Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In Biology, students learn about the systems of the Human Body and Cellular Processes at CfE level 3 and 4.
S3 BGE Biology – In S3, we offer a blended curriculum in which students will learn level 4 CfE outcomes which will be developed into related National 3, 4 or 5 outcomes as appropriate.
National 4 Biology- based on performance in S3, some pupils will be recommended to continue with National 4 Biology in S4. The National 4 Biology course is comprised of 3 units: Cell Biology, Multicellular Biology and Life on Earth and an Added Value Unit which are internally assessed.
National 4/5 Skills for Work: Health Sector (new for session 2018-19)- This course is aimed at pupils who have successfully completed National 4 Biology or above and are interested in a career in the Health Sector. It provides an alternative progression to National 5 Biology in S5. The emphasis of this course is to prepare candidates for working in the health sector and to develop employability skills valued by employers. Candidates will develop a range of knowledge and skills required in this vocational area and investigate a range of job roles and career opportunities as well as participating in a job interview. Candidates will also develop a wide range of skills, including research and self-evaluation skills. Emphasis is on the employability skills and attitudes which will help prepare candidates for the workplace. The course is internally assessed by the class teacher and relies heavily on the maintenance of a personal portfolio of work. Presentation level will be at the discretion of the class teacher and Principal Teacher.
National 5 Biology - based on performance in S3, some pupils will be recommended to continue with National 5 Biology in S4. Alternatively, students who have completed National 4 Biology may progress in S5 to National 5 biology. The National 5 Biology course is comprised of 3 units: Cell Biology, Multicellular Biology and Life on Earth which are externally assessed in an assignment and final exam.
Higher Biology – In S4, students will begin to develop their National 5 knowledge to Higher level. Students with an A-C grade pass in National 5 biology may progress to Higher Biology in S5/6. The Higher Biology course is comprised of 3 units: DNA and the Genome, Metabolism and Survival, and Sustainability and Interdependence which are internally assessed unit by unit and externally assessed in an assignment and final exam.
Higher Human Biology - In S4, students will begin to develop their National 5 knowledge to Higher level. Students with an A-C grade pass in National 5 biology may progress to Higher Biology in S5/6. The Higher Human Biology course is comprised of 4 units: Human Cells, Physiology and Health, Neurobiology and Communication, and Immunology and Public Health which are internally assessed unit by unit and externally assessed in an assignment and final exam.
Advanced Higher Biology
Students with an A-C grade pass at Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology can progress to Advanced Higher Biology in S6. The Advanced Higher course is comprised of 3 units: Cells and Proteins, Organisms and Evolution and Investigative Biology including an independent research project worth 30 marks.
