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S1/S2 Science

This is a two-year course based on the National 5-14 Environmental Studies syllabus.

S1 Course

In S1, pupils are introduced to ‘Scientific Investigations’. Up to the October break, they carry out various activities and experiments to develop process skills such as : planning, carrying out experiments, reviewing and reporting on tasks.

For the remainder of S1, pupils study three integrated topics, each involving Physics, Chemistry and Biology :

Air
Energy
Building Blocks

Pupils will be involved in a variety of activities including investigations, book/library/internet research etc.

S2 Course

In S2, pupils will study three specialist units:

Biology Units
Chemistry Units
Physics Units

Throughout the two-year course, pupils will be carrying out ‘CASE’ activities.
These are designed to help pupils improve their scientific thinking and their ability to solve problems.

Homework

There are two formal homeworks per topic plus regular revision for tests. Pupils are also encouraged to take an interest in relevant TV programmes and news events.

Assessment

At the end of each topic there is a formal written assessment which provides information with respect to knowledge and various process skills attained at Levels D, E and F.

Further information re process skills is gleaned through the completion of Investigation Booklets, in which pupils write up experiments.

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S3/S4 Standard Grade Biology

Standard Grade Biology aims to help you understand yourself and the natural world that you live in. It is offered at two levels – General and Credit. The course will be a mixture of written and practical work and you will carry out a variety of activities – workbooks, experiments, videos, library/internet search, etc.

The course consists of 7 topics :

The Biosphere – an introduction to the world we live in

a) Investigating an Ecosystem
b) How it Works
c) Control and Management

Investigating Cells – the basic unit of life. You will find out how life works!

a) Investigating Living Cells
b) Investigating Diffusion
c) Investigating Cell Division
d) Investigating Enzymes

Animal Survival - you will look at some of the ways in which animals function

a) The Need for Food
b) Aerobic Respiration
c) Water and Waste
d) Reproduction
e) Responding to the Environment

World of Plants – how they grow, reproduce and how we make use of them

a) Introducing Plants
b) Growing Plant
c) Making food

The Body in Action - find out how your body works

a) Movement
b) Coordination
c) Changing Levels of Performance

Inheritance – Why do some family members look alike?

a) Variation
b) What is Inheritance?
c) Genetics and Society

Biotechnology – How does man use micro-organisms?

a) Living Factories
b) Problems and Profit with Waste
c) Reprogramming Microbes

What About Homework ?

Homework will be given once a week and will usually consist of past paper questions – the ideal practice for exams. You will also be expected to read through and learn your notes.

How Will I be Assessed?

You will be given regular tests to assess your progress at the end of each of the 7 topics, in May of S3 and at prelim time in S4.
You will also have to complete practical and investigation tasks throughout S3 and S4 as part of the final assessment.

If you need more information look at the Biology pages of the KHS website or come and see any member of the Biology staff

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S.Q.A Horticulture Units

This is a two-year course made up of four basic Horticulture modules which includes greenhouse
work and gardening. Although there is a theoretical aspect to the course, there is a strong practical element, where each pupil will be given charge of a garden plot and will grow common vegetables from seed to harvest.
The four units are:

Use of Hand Tools in Horticulture

The pupils will be expected to identify the common tools used in Horticulture and to demonstrate their safe use in practical situations. Pupils will be given a set of tools for the duration of the course. They will have to demonstrate routine cleaning and maintenance throughout the course.

Introduction to Gardening Skills

In this unit, activities such as sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings and routine grass care will be developed. Pupils will have to record all activities in a diary that they keep throughout the course.

Home and Allotment Gardening

There is a large theoretical component to this unit. Topics such as crop rotation, crop varieties, garden planning, fertilisers and weed control.
Practical items include basic gardening techniques with respect to crop cultivation, pruning and the growing of tomatoes.

Introduction to Growing Plants in Glasshouses

Here pupils produce plants from seed in the greenhouse, produce plants by various methods of artificial propagation (stem/leaf cuttings/layering), and maintain plants using safe and hygienic practices.
Environmental conditions are also monitored and recorded.

What About Homework ?

Homework is limited in this course as it has such a large practical element. Theory work occurs mainly during periods of inclement weather in the classroom. The main emphasis for homework is on completion of the pupil’s diary.

How Will I be Assessed ?

Practical elements will be assessed throughout the course. Theory will be assessed by short tests during S3 and S4

If you need more information look at the Biology pages of the KHS website or come and see any member of the Biology staff

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Intermediate 2 Biology

The Intermediate 2 Biology course has 3 units which will build on the knowledge and skills learned in Standard Grade Biology. To gain entry to this course your prelim results should predict that you will gain:
Standard Grade Biology – Grade 3 or 4 for both Knowledge & Understanding and
Problem Solving
OR
Standard Grade Chemistry or Physics – Grade 1 or 2 for both Knowledge &
Understanding and Problem Solving

The 3 units taught are:

Unit 1 – Living Cells

(a) Structure and function of a variety of cells
(b) Diffusion and osmosis in plant and animal cells
(c) Enzyme action
(d) Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
(e) Photosynthesis

Unit 2 – Environmental Biology & Genetics

(a) Ecosystems
(b) Factors affecting variety in a species
(c) Genetics
(d) Natural selection
(e) Selective breeding & genetic engineering

Unit 3 – Animal Physiology

(a) Mammalian nutrition
(b) Control of the internal environment
(c) Circulation and gas exchange
(d) Sensory mechanisms and processing of information

Homework

Homework will be given on a regular basis: reading over and learning the work covered in class together with questions to consolidate the information that you have learned.

Assessment

At the end of each unit, the following assessments will be given:

- end of unit prelim (questions at a similar level to those of the final exam)
- end of unit assessment *
- practical assessment*

*both of these elements must be “passed” before an award will be given in the final exam.
The prelim in February will test Living Cells and Environmental Biology & Genetics

You should read the detailed information about the Intermediate 2 Biology course on the
Biology pages of the KHS website

All students thinking about enrolling for Intermediate 2 Biology should speak to Mrs Stewart before completing their choice of course form

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Higher Biology

The Higher Biology course has 3 units that build on the knowledge and skills you have gained from the Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 courses. It is essential that you are thoroughly familiar with the Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 knowledge and that from your prelim grades you are predicted to gain the following:

Standard Grade Biology - Grade 1 or 2 for both Knowledge & Understanding and Problem Solving
Intermediate 2 - Grade A

The course will consist of a mixture of taught, written and practical work covering the following topics:

Cell Biology (1 unit)

(a) Cell Structure in Relation to Function
(b) Photosynthesis
(c) Energy Release (Respiration)
(d) Synthesis and Release of Proteins
(e) Cellular Response in Defence, in Plants and Animals

Genetics and Adaptation (1 Unit)

(a) Variation
(b) Selection and Speciation
(c) Animal and Plant Adaptations

Control and Regulation (1 Unit)

(a) The Control of Growth and Development
(b) Physiological Homeostasis
(c) Population Dynamics

Learning Outcomes

Use the learning outcomes link hereas a revision aid. Remember to get
help with anything you don't understand.

Download Learning Outcomes
1.6Mb PDF file, opening in a new window

Homework

There will be regular, set homework such as Past Paper Questions, Multiple Choice-type Questions, Essays and Data Interpretations. In addition, you will be expected to read over and learn the work covered in class, as you go along.

Assessment

The following assessments will be given for each of the 3 units studied:

- end of unit prelim (testing levels A-C in a format similar to the final exam)
- end of unit assessment A “pass” must be achieved for both elements in each
- practical assessment of the 3 units before an award will be given in the final exam.

The prelim in February will test the Cell Biology and Genetics & Adaptation units.

You should read the detailed information about the Higher Biology course on the Biology pages of the KHS website.

All students thinking about enrolling for Higher Biology should speak to Mrs Stewart before completing their choice of course form

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Advanced Higher Biology

Advanced Higher Biology is an ideal introduction to university level study and as such is aimed at students who show a serious interest in the subject and who from their prelim results are predicted to gain the following: Higher Biology at Grade A or a Good Grade B
In addition you must have a:

High Degree of Commitment and Self-Motivation

The course will consist of a mixture of taught, written and practical work, but in addition students will be expected to enhance and extend their knowledge in serious private study.
The AH Biology course consists of the following units, all of which build on the knowledge and skills you have gained from Higher Biology.

Environmental Biology (1 unit)

a) Circulation in Ecosystems
b) Interactions in Ecosystems
c) Human Impact on the Environment

Cell and Molecular Biology (1 unit)

a) Structure, Function, and Growth of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
b) Structure and Function of Cell Components
c) Molecular Interactions in Cell Events
d) Applications of DNA Technology

Animal Behaviour (0.5 unit)

a) Measuring Behaviour
b) Development of Behaviour
c) Behavioural Interactions

Biology Investigation (0.5 unit)

The Biology investigation half unit gives you the opportunity to study a biology topic of your choice in depth. It will be your responsibility to plan, organise, carry out the procedures and to analyse and report on your findings. Much of the investigation is likely to completed in your own time.

Homework

There will be regular, set homework, but in addition you will be expected read up on the subject as stated above.

Assessment

The following assessments will be given for the Environmental Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology and Animal Behaviour units:

- end of unit assessment,*
- end of unit prelim (testing levels A-C in a format similar to the final exam),
- practical assessment*

*both these elements must be passed before an award will be given in the final exam
The prelim in February will test the Environmental Biology and Cell and Molecular Biology units.

The Biology Investigation unit is assessed on your ability to do the following:

- keep a regularly maintained lab record detailing the planning stage,
- collecting and analysing information for the investigation
- write a full scientific report of your findings. This last section will be assessed by an external examiner who will visit the school and interview you about your investigation

You should read the detailed information on the AH Biology course on the
Biology pages of the KHS website

All students thinking about enrolling for Advanced Higher Biology should speak to Mrs Stewart before completing their choice of course form

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