Science is an important part of our heritage and we use its applications every day in our lives at work, at leisure and in the home. Science and the application of science are central to our economic future and to our health and wellbeing as individuals and as a society. Scotland has a long tradition of scientific discovery, of innovation in the application of scientific discovery, and of the application of science in the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment. Children and young people are fascinated by new discoveries and technologies and become increasingly aware of, and passionate about, the impact of science on their own health and wellbeing, the health of society and the health of the environment.
Staff
Elaine Boyce – Teacher of Chemistry / Principle Teacher
Dr. Mark Allison – Teacher of Chemistry
Emmerson Lowe – Teacher of Chemistry / Teacher of Biology
Briana Nelis – Teacher of Chemistry / Teacher of Biology
Laura Campbell – Teacher of Biology
Antony Ledsom – Teacher of Biology
Steven Mercer – Teacher of Biology
Gavin Crawford – Teacher of Physics
Robert MacNeilage – Teacher of Physics
Simon MacVicar – Science Technician
Vision Statement
The Faculty seeks to provide a nurturing, engaging and inspiring environment where all learners achieve their full potential in a wide range of Science subjects.
As a Faculty we are committed to:
- Offering the highest quality learning and teaching in a safe and stimulating environment
- Facilitate learning experiences that are within the spirit of Curriculum for Excellence and include co-operative, active and experiential learning in real and relevant contexts
- Ensure learners are fully prepared for national examinations
- Encourage self-reliance and self-discipline in learners
- Provide a range of learning opportunities out with the classroom to deepen understanding and further develop skills and knowledge
- Provide support mechanisms to enable each pupil to achieve his/her potential
- Acknowledge pupils’ achievements, celebrate their success and showcase talents
- Nurture a close working partnership with parents and the wider community
- Foster a mutual respect of individuals
- Develop in pupils the disposition of skills which will enable them to respond to their current responsibilities while preparing them for the challenges of adult life
- Engage staff, student and parents in the decision making process
- Forge closer working relationships with partner primaries and other Science departments within the authority
- Be committed to quality assurance, self-evaluation and strategies for continuous improvement
- Offer a wide portfolio of Science courses for pupils of varying academic abilities and practical skills
The Faculty’s overarching vision, values and aims are embodied in our aspirational motto ‘Never Stop Questioning’.
Course Information
BGE
In S1 and S2 all pupils follow an integrated science course with elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which offers a broad and balanced curriculum designed to challenge their learning. Practical units are used to introduce our learners to the sciences, with stimulating and exciting lessons throughout. Pupils receive regular homework involving a range of activities and they are assessed by the use of end of unit tests. The information gathered from the tests is used to monitor and track pupils progress and set targets to ensure development. Science is taught in purpose built laboratories.
The topics studied in S1 are BECOMING A SCIENTIST, A HEALTHIER SCOTLAND, ACIDS AND ALKALIS, FORCES, ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS, LIFE ON EARTH
In S3 pupils can choose up to three Sciences as part of their Broad General Education. The Broad General Education is designed to prepare pupils for the Senior Phase. In addition to knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics pupils will learn investigative skills and be encouraged to critically assess the advances made in science and their impact on the world at large. Problem solving skills are also an important part of scientific enquiry and many opportunities are provided to enhance these skills. This course continues the Broad General Education experiences & outcomes as detailed in the Curriculum for Excellence framework for the Sciences up to and including the fourth level. The enhanced level 4 will also cover aspects of National 3, 4 and 5 Biology, Chemistry or Physics and beyond.
The National 4 Biology Course enables learners to develop the ability to solve problems and establish relationships in Biology by acquiring a broad knowledge base and practical skills.
The National 5 Biology Course enables learners to develop a deeper understanding of Biology concepts and the ability to describe and interpret biological phenomena
National 4 and 5 Biology is split into 3 units that builds on Knowledge gained from S1-3:
- Life on Earth – How is all life on the Earth interconnected, and what are the current threats to life on earth? This will include: Factors affecting Biodiversity and distribution of life on Earth, how energy moves in the ecosystem, how nutrients (e.g. nitrogen) are recycled in the ecosystem, sampling and measuring of environmental factors, natural selection and evolution, and the human impact on the environment.
- Cell Biology – What happens inside the tiny cells which make up our bodies, and the all other living things, which help to keep us alive? This will include: study of cell structure and function, transport in cells, production of new cells, DNA and protein production, enzymes and their role in cells, genetic engineering, photosynthesis, and respiration.
- Multi-cellular Organisms – How do plants and animals control their bodies and behaviour to survive? This will include: Specialisation of cells and tissues, the role of stem cells, controlling the body (role of the brain, nerves and hormones), reproduction and inheritance, transport systems in animals (heart and blood) and plants, and effect of lifestyle on health and wellbeing.
Tab ContentTHE FOLLOWING LINKS PROVIDE DETAILED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS FROM THE SQA RELATING TO THE COURSES OFFERED IN THE SENIOR PHASE.
Chemistry in S4 builds on prior knowledge gained in S1-3 such as elements, compounds, The Periodic Table and the structure of the atom.
The National 4 Chemistry Course enables learners to develop the ability to solve problems and establish relationships in physics by acquiring a broad knowledge base and practical skills.
The National 5 Chemistry Course enables learners to develop a deeper understanding of Chemistry concepts and the ability to describe and interpret physical phenomena
National 4 and 5 Chemistry is split into 3 units that builds on Knowledge gained from S1-3:
Chemical Changes and Structure: In this Unit, learners will develop scientific skills and knowledge of the chemical reactions in our world. Through practical experience learners will investigate rates of reaction, energy changes of chemical reaction, and the reactions of acids and bases and their impact on the environment. Focusing on these reactions, learners will work towards the concept of chemical equations. Learners will research atomic structure and bonding related to properties of materials.
Nature’s Chemistry: In this Unit, learners will research the Earth’s rich supply of natural resources which are used by each and every one of us. Learners will investigate how fossil fuels are extracted and processed for use. They will investigate: the chemistry of using fuels, their effect on the environment and the impact that renewable energy sources can have on this; plants as a source of fuels, carbohydrates and consumer products; and how chemists use plants in the development of products associated with everyday life.
Chemistry in Society: In this Unit, learners will focus on the chemical reactions, properties and applications of met.
The course is an excellent balance of theory and practical (experiments) and by completing this course; learners will develop important and relevant skills, attitudes and attributes related to physics, including: scientific and analytical thinking skills; an understanding of the role of physics in industry and the environment and understanding of relevant applications of physics in society.
Course Content – Electricity and Energy
Conservation of Energy
Electric charge carriers and electric fields
Voltage
Practical electronic and electric circuits
Ohm’s Law
Electrical power
Specific heat capacity
Gas laws and the kinetic model
As well as developing specific scientific and investigative skills, learners will also gain valuable transferrable skills, for learning life and work.
Learners can progress to a wide range of certificated Science courses in S4 to S6.
Science pupils will be supplied with a wide range of resources and support to ensure they maximise their potential with us. This includes text books, electronic resources and opportunities for supported study. These resources are regularly updated and will be shared with students at the onset of courses.
Important Deadlines
Deadlines for each subject and level will be shared with pupils and parents via a range of media – including direct texts and email.
Any other information
Please follow the Dunoon Grammar twitter feed @dunoongrammar1 for the latest news from Science
Senior Phase Information
S4-6 pupils can continue with their discrete science subject(s) Biology, Chemistry and Physics which are available from National 3 through to Higher and Advanced Higher level.
These courses include a variety of assessment methods including practical experiments, research projects and internally assessed work. These courses are a continuation of the challenging and progressive learning of S1-3.
Our courses allow learners to understand and investigate the world in an engaging and enjoyable way. They develop learners’ ability to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. Our courses provide opportunities for learners to acquire and apply knowledge, to evaluate environmental and scientific issues, to consider risk, and to make informed decisions. This can lead to learners developing an informed and ethical view of topical issues. Learners will develop skills in communication, collaborative working and leadership, and apply critical thinking in new and unfamiliar contexts to solve problems.
We aim to help pupils become confident individuals in an increasingly technological world. We hope to provide thought provoking discussion about Science and its applications, and of the world in which we live. Finally we aim to inspire our young people to continue studying Science after they leave Dunoon Grammar School.
Higher and Nationals in a Nutshell are clear, concise guides which help parents and learners to understand the new qualifications and summarise the key skills learners can expect to gain.
Please see the dedicated Physics, Chemistry and Biology pages for more specific information.
Scientific Studies
Course Description Scientific Studies is one of the subjects delivered by the Science Faculty. The aim of this course is to provide pupils with a
Science
Science is an important part of our heritage and we use its applications every day in our lives at work, at leisure and in the
Environmental Science
Environmental Science is one of the subjects delivered by the Science Faculty. The aim of this course is to provide pupils with a broad experience
Physics
Physics is a subject which many people see as essential to understanding the world around us. It’s the how things work and why. It is
Chemistry
Chemical reactions occur almost everywhere. Inside your body, chemical reactions break down your food and give you the energy you need to live. In cooking,
Biology
Biology is the study of living organisms, including their structure, function, evolution, distribution and the relationships they have with each other. It is an exciting
