STRUCTURE OF THE CURRICULUM

All Biology courses have always had a breadth and balance between Knowledge and Understanding; Problem Solving and Practical Abilities. However, there have been major changes in the content of courses, how they are assessed e.g. the balance between Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving and Practical Assessments and the time allocation for each course.

As part of the Broad General Education (S1-S3), S1 and S2 pupils will study science topics based on Experiences and Outcomes relating to Curriculum for Excellence. They will study Science three periods a week. In S3 pupils are given the opportunity to choose two of the three discrete sciences i.e. Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This will give them a solid foundation of scientific knowledege and skills as they enter the upper school. Pupils will study each chosen science for two periods per week.

National 3, 4 & 5 courses in Biology are offered in S4-6. Entry to these courses will be based on previous Science courses undertaken and progress achieved in these courses. Pupils study National 3-5 level courses for four periods of the school week.

In addition, S5 & 6 pupils have the opportunity to study Biology at Higher and Advanced Higher levels. These courses will involve five periods of study per week.

The curriculum includes cross-curricular aspects including extensive use of ICT resources and personal / social development. Many of the topics undertaken by tutors e.g. alcohol awareness, anti-drug education have strong links to the Biology course content.

A range of resources, teaching methods and learning activities are employed.