Science

Course Overview

S1 - S2 Course Structure
Science (CfE level 3) in S1 and S2 is divided into 16 topics after an initial Introductory Skills module. Pupils are grouped into blocks of 3-4 which include Physics, Chemistry and Biology topics.

To see the topics covered please click on the S1 - S2 course outline document below.

HOMEWORK
Pupils will be set homework on a weekly basis. A deadline will be set by the class teacher which pupils are expected to meet. Homework is a valuable part of the learning experience.

In the science faculty is used to: Provide structured opportunities to consolidate learning Encourage independent working Provide breadth/depth or challenge to the curriculum Pupils may experience a range of different sorts of tasks to include: Learning key facts Carrying out research Answering exam style questions Trying out different revision techniques Practice key skills Pupils are expected to ensure that their class notes are up to date and complete. It is the responsibility of the pupil to act on any feedback to improve the quality of the work in their jotter which is their primary learning record.

IMPORTANT
Every student should come to science lessons with a pen, pencil, ruler and rubber. Additionally, they could find a calculator, colouring pencils and a sharpener useful.

Assessments
Regular assessments are carried out within modules throughout the year and may be based on practical work, knowledge and understanding or problem solving skills. These are tailored to individual classes by the class teacher. At the end of each block, there is a more formal assessment common to all classes. Pupils are issued with Pupil Progress Checks during each topic, to allow them to monitor their own progress.

To see the content of individual topics please click on the Pupil Progress links below.
Literacy, Numeracy, Health and Well Being

Literacy - Writing
Throughout the course in each topic key words are introduced. Pupils are encouraged to highlight or underline them and learn their spellings. They are reinforced throughout the topic and their use is encouraged in written/oral descriptions and explanations.
Literacy outcome - LIT 3-21a
I can use a range of strategies and resources and spell most of the words I need to use, including specialist vocabulary, and ensure that my spelling is accurate.
Pupils will have regular opportunities to develop their ability to read for understanding. They will read topical science articles and paraphrase them before discussing them.
Literacy outcome - LIT 3-28a
I can convey information, describe events, explain processes or concepts, and combine ideas in different ways.
Pupils may also have opportunities to create stories/story boards to apply their understanding.

Literacy – Listening and Talking
Pupils will engage in class and group discussion work throughout the course. They are encouraged to listen to and question others in order to further their own understanding and come to conclusions/opinions.
Literacy outcome - LIT 3-02a
When I engage with others, I can make a relevant contribution, encourage others to contribute and acknowledge that they have the right to hold a different opinion.
I can respond in ways appropriate to my role and use contributions to reflect on, clarify or adapt thinking.
Pupils carry out research tasks where they select appropriate information and process it in order to present it to their peers. They consider the factors that make a presentation engaging and informative for their audience.

They view a number of video clips throughout the course where they pick out the key information in their own notes, formulate questions about what they see and review key learning ideas.
Literacy outcome - LIT 3-05a
As I listen or watch, I can make notes and organise these to develop thinking, help retain and recall information, explore issues and create new texts, using my own words as appropriate.
 
Literacy outcome - LIT 3-06a
I can independently select ideas and relevant information for different purposes, organise essential information or ideas and any supporting detail in a logical order, and use suitable vocabulary to communicate effectively with my audience.
Numeracy Across Learning
Pupils take measurements throughout the course using appropriate equipment. They record their measurements using appropriate units and levels of accuracy. Pupils learn how to present data in tables with appropriate headings and units. They calculate averages and identify anomalous results. Data is processed in the form of bar graphs, line graphs and pie charts. They state the patterns shown on graphs and identify simple relationships between variables. They use these relationships to make predictions. They compare numbers and carry out calculations using simple formulae.
Numeracy outcome - MNU 3-11a
I can solve practical problems by applying my knowledge of measure, choosing the appropriate units and degree of accuracy for the task and using a formula to calculate area or volume when required.
 
MNU 3-08a - Fractions, Decimal Fractions and Percentages
I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact.
Health and Wellbeing
Throughout the course pupils are given opportunities to improve their own learning through the use of formative feedback. They are expected to make use of this feedback to make further progress. They will support the learning of others through the sharing of explanations and ideas and posing questions. Consequently they become more confident learners.

Through the study of the Human Body, Microbes and related topics they develop an understanding of how their bodies work and the causes, prevention and treatments of some adverse issues affecting them.
Health and wellbeing outcome - HWB 3-11a
I make full use of and value the opportunities I am given to improve and manage my learning and, in turn, I can help to encourage learning and confidence in others.
 
Health and wellbeing outcome - HWB 3-15a
I am developing my understanding of the human body and can use this knowledge to maintain and improve my wellbeing and health.
Investigative Skills
Practical work is an integral component of the science course. Pupils will develop the skills to competently manipulate basic laboratory equipment to carry out experiments. They will learn how to write up laboratory reports to include an aim, prediction, diagram(s), equipment list, method, results table, graphs, conclusion and evaluation.
S3 Sciences Course Structure
Pupils in S3 study the discrete sciences at CfE level 4 on a rotation basis. They are taught by subject specialists. Pupils in S3 will study a single period a week of Biology, Chemistry and Physics all through the year.

During the course pupils develop research and investigative skills necessary for further study at the National 4/5 level.

The content covered within each subject can be accessed in the Pupil Progress Check documents.

Pupils will use a Level 4 data book to access key information. This will be available to them during assessments. Click on link to go to data book.

IMPORTANT
Every student should come to science lessons with a pen, pencil, ruler and rubber.
Additionally, they could find a calculator, colouring pencils and a sharpener useful.
HOMEWORK
Pupils will be set homework on a weekly basis. A deadline will be set by the class teacher which pupils are expected to meet. Homework is a valuable part of the learning experience. In the science faculty is used to:
  • Provide structured opportunities to consolidate learning
  • Encourage independent working
  • Provide breadth/depth or challenge to the curriculum
Pupils may experience a range of different sorts of tasks to include:
  • Learning key facts
  • Carrying out research
  • Answering exam style questions
  • Trying out different revision techniques
  • Practice key skills
Pupils are expected to ensure that their class notes are up to date and complete. It is the responsibility of the pupil to act on any feedback to improve the quality of the work in their jotter which is their primary learning record.

Assessment
The S3 course provides a foundation for further study at either the National 4 level or the National 5 level. Pupils are assessed at the end of the year. These assessments are used to determine the most appropriate level of study in the senior phase.