Biology
Within the Biology courses throughout the School we encourage pupils to view living organisms, how they work and how their lives impact on the world environment. This is approached through learning the appropriate knowledge and the development of skills involved in problem solving and practical abilities. Pupils are encouraged to consider the ethical and moral nature of the subject and our responsibilities as citizens of the living world.
SI
The SI course is the second part of Biology in the lower school. The course develops the understanding and skills introduced in Transitus. Pupils extend their knowledge of living organisms through the key topics of Respiration and Reproduction. The assessment consists of a unit test at the end of the Respiration topic and an exam in May which assesses both topics.
SII
In SII we embark on the Standard Grade course with the introduction to The Need for Food. This looks at the chemical nature of food, the digestive system and allows pupils to explore the diets of other living organisms. The second topic studied is the Biosphere in which pupils take a look at living organisms and factors that affect them in their living environment.
SIII–SIV Standard Grade
The Biology course develops the knowledge of the living world in the context of our own lives. It challenges and develops problem solving and practical skills through exciting activities related to the living body in action, the environment, genetics, biotechnology, plants and animal survival. In Biology the overall grade is determined by giving Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving double the weighting of Practical Ability.
SV/SVI Higher
In Higher Biology pupils extend their knowledge of Biology in a most interesting and challenging study of the following units: Cell Biology; Genetics and Adaptation; and Control and Regulation.
The content of these units explores current issues of our modern world and enables pupils to discuss some moral issues raised by new technology and developments in Biology. Pupils have the opportunity to develop their data analysis skills and increase their confidence in problem solving.
SVI Advanced Higher
Pupils in SVI have the opportunity to experience a taste of what it might be like at university through an independent Biological Investigation. This gives them the opportunity to use the practical skills, analysis of data and problem solving skills that have been gained throughout their time in Biology. The challenging content is an excellent preparation for university and explores current issues and recent developments in Biology.
Pupils study the following units: Cells and Molecular Biology; The Environment; Physiology and Exercise; and Biological Investigation.
SVI Higher (Psychology)
It is the School’s intention to offer a one-year Psychology course to SVI pupils (commencing autumn 2009). Students who go on to study Psychology and related subjects at university will particularly benefit from choosing this option. On a wider note, the study of Psychology gives all pupils greater insight into human behaviour and decision making in everyday situations.
The course is divided into three modules: Understanding the Individual; Investigating Behaviour; and The Individual in the Social Context. Students study topics from each module e.g. memory, stress and prejudice. They also undertake an individual research project which incorporates learning research skills, data collection and ethical issues.