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.
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.
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
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
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
