Mr J B Beedie BSc (Head of Science)
Mr M McKeever BSc (Subject Co-ordinator Chemistry)
Mr S Hill BEng, MSc (Subject Co-ordinator Physics)
Mrs A S Harper BSc, Dip. FBOMB (Junior Science Co-ordinator)
Mr F Black BSc
Ms S M MacGregor BSc

It is hard to think of any aspect of our everyday life which is not touched in some way by science. As the world we live in becomes ever more technology based, the impact and importance of science is likely to increase significantly. An appreciation and understanding of science is therefore a fundamental component of an education preparing young people to take their place in society today.

Many career opportunities exist for students who extend their study of science beyond school. In addition to the pure sciences, the study of science at school is highly relevant to all medically related careers including dentistry and veterinary medicine. Engineering, electronics, pharmacology and biotechnology are some examples of the many, many other areas where a good science education is essential.

The department occupies six spacious, well resourced laboratories each with internet access. Pass rates in National Qualification exams are consistently well above national averages. Recent pupil successes include the Institute of Biology award for top Advanced Higher Biology student in 2004. Many of our students go on to study science or science related subjects at University.

The broad aims of the department are to promote the teaching and learning of science at all levels within the school and to develop in pupils an interest in science and an appreciation of its relevance and importance to them as individuals, their environment and society in general.

Specifically, It is our aim that pupils will:

  • acquire good knowledge and understanding of science subjects studied and as a result perform well in national examinations.
  • gain the ability and confidence to tackle problems in a systematic way in both practical and theoretical situations.
  • develop effective work and study habits, both in and out of the classroom.
  • learn to handle results correctly and draw appropriate conclusions.
  • learn to present information neatly and accurately.
  • learn to carry out scientific experiments safely, while using correct apparatus.
  • become aware of the social, ecological and industrial impacts of science on our society.
  • lay the foundations for future successful study.
  • enjoy, and make the best use of, their time in the department.

It is regarded as implicit that the department aims at all times to provide, for all pupils, meaningful and stimulating courses.

Courses

Transitional /P7
Transitional /P7 study science in the Senior school for the first time. They follow a general science course based on aspects of the 5-14 curriculum. They have 2 periods of science per week.

S1
Pupils follow a general science course based on aspects of the 5-14 curriculum. They have 4 periods of science per week.

S2
Pupils now study separate sciences, biology, chemistry and physics and are taught by subject specialists. They will have 2 periods of each science per week, a total of six periods per week. This gives pupils a clearer indication of the differences between each of the disciplines before making their subject choices later in the year.

S3 & 4
Pupils must carry at least one science through to the end of S4. They can of course choose to study more than one - indeed all three sciences are available if they so desire. They will be following Intermediate 2 courses in all three sciences. Each science subject has a 4-period allocation at this level

S5
There is now no requirement to take a science at Higher level. However, students can opt for any or all of the Sciences at this stage. Biology differs from the other two sciences in that there are two courses available - Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology. Each science subject has a 7-period allocation at this level

S6
Students can then carry on to study Advanced Higher in sciences they studied in S5. They may also pick up science subjects they dropped at the end of S4 and mix and match a combination of Advanced Higher and Higher courses. Each science subject has a 7-period allocation at Advanced Higher plus two designated study periods.