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2 weeks ago

Stromness Academy

Duke of EdinburghWe’ve had word of a few pupils dropping DofE before we have started, stating that they are advised to focus on exams. DofE is a commitment, but pupils can choose an activity in each of the 3 sections (Physical, Volunteering and Skills) that they already do. For example:Physical – a pupil might already go to netball and the physical skill they can work is improving their passing or shootingVolunteering – they may already help with a sport at a primary school, or help a neighbour by cleaning, or cutting their grass. Skill – they already play a musical instrument or want to work on improving their drawing or painting. There are so many options and we can be flexible with things they already do. Other than keeping a quick log of what they do each week, and attending after school on a Monday, DofE doesn’t need to be a massive undertaking. Pupils can develop other skills, learn to work with others and get out and enjoy the landscapes around us. Exams are important, but DofE is seen as a very respectable qualification by many employers and further education institutes. It’s not too late to sign up! Send your child to Mr Grieve for more information, or a sign up sheet!

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Biology

Staff

  • Mrs A. Kilpatrick (PT)
  • Mrs S. Ferguson
  • Mrs A. Houston

Department

The Biology department offers a range of courses from Nat 5 to Advanced Higher. We support the delivery of the S1 and S2 BGE science curriculum through specialist biology units, and also deliver the N4 course to senior students. The department offers a range of extra curricular opportunities, from study support to field trips, the CREST award and various STEM competitions run by the Royal Society of Biology, Royal Microbiological Society and the Scottish Rural College.

We have 2 fully resourced labs, and place a high priority on using practical work to illustrate biological processes, as well as allowing our students to develop essential practical skills which will help them progress through BGE to National 4, 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses.

We use a range of teaching and learning styles in the delivery of our courses, with a strong emphasis on group and practical work to develop problem solving and analytical skills.


Courses

BGE S1 – 3

S1 Biology Units

  • Understanding Cells – structure and function of cells; microscopes; microorganisms and how they grow
  • Diversity of Life – classification of plants and animals; how to sample plants and animals in our environment; food webs and feeding relationships

S2 Biology Units

  • Body Systems – understanding our major organ systems (circulation/digestion/reproduction)
  • Plants – anatomy of plants, how they grow and reproduce; importance of plants for food, crops, materials and medicines

S3 Biology Units

  • Behaviour and Adaptations
  • Variation and Genetics
  • Cells and Microbiology
  • Human Biology

Biology BGE
Science N4

Senior Phase S4-6

National 5

Students will have completed the S3 biology course, and literacy/numeracy skills at National 5 level are needed to complete this course successfully.

  • Unit 1- Cell Biology
  • Unit 2- Multicellular Organisms
  • Unit 3- Life on Earth

Assessment is via a 2.5 hour exam and a structured practical assignment which is 20% of the final grade.

Biology N5

Higher Biology

Students will be expected to have achieved A-C in Nat 5 biology, and literacy/numeracy skills at higher level are essential.

  • Unit 1- DNA and The Genome
  • Unit 2-Metabolism and Survival
  • Unit 3- Sustainability and Development

Assessment is via a 1.5 hour multiple choice exam, a 2.5 hour structured exam and a structured practical assignment.

Advanced Higher Biology

Students will be expected to have achieved A-C at Higher level, with the equivalent advanced higher level skills in literacy/numeracy.

  • Unit 1- Cells and Proteins
  • Unit 2- Organisms and Evolution
  • Investigative Biology

Assessment is via a 3 hour exam and a practical project of the students’ choice.

Biology Higher

Biology AH

Senior Phase S4-6 (SQA)

National 4 Higher
National 5 Advanced Higher

Extra Curricular


Links

Gallery

School logo of a Viking longship

Stromness Academy Young Reporter 2024

Mental Health Resources & Support

Disclaimer

Stromness Academy seeks to ensure that the information published on its website is up-to-date and accurate. However, the information on the website does not constitute legal or professional advice and Stromness Academy cannot accept any liability for actions or consequences arising from its use. Stromness Academy cannot be held responsible for the contents of any other website accessed through a link on our site. Stromness Academy provides these links as a convenience and inclusion of a link does not imply endorsement by Stromness Academy of an external site.