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Summaries of Contents of Courses

Full and detailed contents of Science and Chemistry courses are to be found in Scottish Qualifications Authority Syllabuses i.e. 'Standard Grade Chemistry', 'Higher Still Chemistry' and 'Advanced Higher Chemistry'.

S1/S2 Integrated Science

The Chemistry content of the first two years builds on the varied experience of studies in the primary schools and in S1 is contained in an integrated science course, in S2 on a Chemistry course, both based on the content of 5-14 Environmental Studies. The primary aims of the courses at this stage are to build on the young pupils thirst for knowledge and to develop their scientific skills. The courses are based upon practical activities and build up to an understanding of concepts and development of skills.

The topics covered are listed below:

S1
Introduction to the Sciences
Solids, Liquids and Gases
Compounds and Mixtures
Living and Growing
Our Bodies and Energy
Energy Changers
Space
S2 Chemistry
Metals and Acids

The day-to-day running and methodology for S1 lies with the PT Science for S1 (Ms K Douglas, Biology) and with the Principal Teachers of the three Sciences in close and regular contact with her.

S2 day to day lies with T McLaughlin in conjunction with PT.

The pupil-centred mixed ability course including differentiation is being taught in class 1. It contains problem solving, handling information practical, and differentiation and built in homework and self-assessment. It was written in the light of 5-14 developments; Chemistry is presented as part of an integrated course along with Physics and Biology.

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S3/4 Standard Grade Chemistry

The Chemistry Standard Grade course is designed to make pupils aware of the applications of chemistry to everyday life including social, economic and industrial aspects. Problem-solving is a central part of chemistry and this course allows pupils to develop the skills needed to find solutions to chemical problems.

The course consists of fifteen topics:

  • Chemical Reactions
  • Speed of Reactions
  • Atoms and the Periodic Table
  • How Atoms Combine
  • Fuels
  • Structures and Reactions of Hydrocarbons
  • Properties of Substances
  • Reactions of Acids
  • Making Electricity
  • Metals
  • Corrosion
  • Plastics and Synthetics Fibres
  • Fertilisers
  • Carbohydrates

The course is designed to facilitate short-term self-pacing. However each lesson provides opportunities to enhance learning through direct teaching. Teachers are encouraged to adapt the course content to meet the needs of their class. Practical work is an integral part of the course.

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S5/6 Higher Still Courses

At present there are three courses offered in the department: Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher.

Intermediate 2

The aims of this course are:

  1. To acquire knowledge and understanding of chemical facts and theories and how these can be applied in society
  2. To enhance problem solving skills and provide opportunities to practice and develop practical skills
  3. To promote positive attitudes towards the environment and the impact of Chemistry upon it

This course has three mandatory units:

D06611
Building Blocks - 1 credit
D06711
Carbon Compounds - 1 credit
D06811
Acids, bases and metals - 1 credit

Intermediate 2 is set-up as a pupil centred approach to accommodate the different chemical backgrounds of the pupils in the course. However, it is expected that direct teaching form the backbone of methodology for the teaching of this course.

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Higher

The aims of this course are:

  1. To acquire knowledge and understanding of chemical facts, ideas and theories and their application in society.
  2. To enhance skills of analysis and problem solving and also those skills associated with experimental work
  3. To develop informed attitudes towards all aspects of Chemistry

The three mandatory units are:

D06912
Energy Matters - 1 credit
D07012
The World of Carbon - 1 credit
D07112
Chemical Reactions - 1 credit

Higher Chemistry is taught using direct teaching. There are opportunities for individual work, group activities, practical work discussion and exposition. See Higher Teacher Guide for further details.

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SCE Advanced Higher

This course treats Chemistry to a greater depth and consists of a theory course, a practical course and a project. The practical work is done individually.

There are 3 broad theory topics:

  • Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table
  • Principles of Chemical Reactions
  • Organic Chemistry

In addition each pupil carries out a Chemical Investigation.

One teacher is involved in the teaching of S6. Practical work is carried out within the school.

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