Advanced Higher courses

Selecting the Advanced Higher Biology course will deepen your understanding of modern biological science, from molecular life science to whole organism biology and evolution. 

You’ll develop theoretical knowledge and practical experience in experimental work, enhancing your analytical, creative, and independent thinking. The course emphasizes the global dimension of life and the importance of biological issues in society. It includes three units: Cells and Proteins, Organisms and Evolution, and Investigative Biology. You’ll study laboratory techniques, protein roles, cell communication, cell division, and evolution. You’ll also explore sexual reproduction, animal behaviors, and parasitology. Independent investigative work will develop your scientific literacy, culminating in a final report contributing 25% to your final award. 

This course prepares you for further education in a science and careers in science or healthcare.

In Advanced Higher Chemistry, you’ll deepen your understanding of matter, from fundamental particles to macroscopic chemical interactions. You’ll develop analytical, creative, and independent thinking skills, applying critical thinking to solve problems in new contexts. The course emphasizes collaborative and independent learning, showing how chemistry principles apply in everyday life.

Course content includes:

• Inorganic chemistry: Electromagnetic radiation, atomic spectra, orbitals, electronic configurations, periodic table, and transition metals.

• Physical chemistry: Chemical equilibrium, reaction feasibility, and kinetics.

• Organic chemistry and instrumental analysis: Molecular orbitals, synthesis, stereochemistry, structure determination, and pharmaceutical chemistry.

• Researching chemistry: Experimental skills, stoichiometric calculations, gravimetric and volumetric analysis, practical techniques, and a personal investigation project contributing 25% to your final award.

This course prepares you for further education and careers in chemistry, engineering, and related fields.

Studying Advanced Higher French greatly broadens your horizons. Not only will you be able to communicate in this language in an elaborate way and access French-language media, but you will also have the opportunity to gain cultural knowledge and consider present-day issues relating to the French speaking world.  

You will practise reading, writing, listening, and speaking in French, focusing on complex topics and texts. You will study French literature, culture, and current events, and learn to analyse and discuss them in French. Lastly, the course includes a portfolio, consisting in an in-depth study of a chosen topic and the production of a detailed written essay in English. This course helps you become fluent in French and prepares you for further studies or careers involving the French language. It will greatly enhance your employability in the long-term. 

Besides, the research, organisational and analytical skills you will gain will be of considerable value to you, whichever direction you choose on leaving school. 

Advanced Higher History helps you understand complex historical events and their impacts.This course will cover Russia: From Tsarism to Stalinism, 1914-1945. This includes the February Revolution and October Revolution when the Bolsheviks seized power as well as the Civil War that followed it. It also covers Stalin’s Power Struggle and an in depth look at his time in power including the Purges. Finally you will study the Great Patriotic War against the Nazis. 

This course will allow you to develop your skills especially in being able to link key points of knowledge to developed analysis and evaluation. You will demonstrate challenge and application through independent research related to an appropriate historical issue. These skills will help prepare you for university and work outside of school especially for careers in history, law and other related fields.

The course is split into two components: 

Component 1 Question Paper 90 marks. Part A – Historical Issues , Part B – Historical Sources

Component 2 — Project-dissertation

In the Advanced Higher Mathematics of Mechanics course, you will learn about the mathematical principles behind physical movements and forces. 

You will study topics like vectors, kinematics (the study of motion), dynamics (the study of forces), and statics (the study of objects at rest). The course helps you understand how to model real-world situations using mathematics and solve complex problems related to motion and forces. You will also learn about energy, work, and power. 

This course is great for developing your problem-solving skills and understanding the mechanics behind everyday phenomena while preparing you for further study in areas such as Engineering or Physics. 

In the Advanced Higher Music course, you will enhance your musical skills through performing, composing, and understanding music. 

You will play and analyse complex pieces on your chosen instruments, create your own compositions, and study various musical styles and concepts. The course includes practical assessments, a written exam, and a project where you research and write about a music topic. You will also develop critical listening skills and learn to evaluate music effectively. This course prepares you for further studies or a career in music.

The Advanced Higher Music assignment involves composing or arranging a piece of music, reviewing the creative process, and analysing a chosen piece of music, showcasing your creativity and analytical skills.

Studying Advanced Higher Spanish greatly broadens your horizons.  Not only will you be able to communicate in this language in an elaborate way and access Spanish-language media, but you will also have the opportunity to gain cultural knowledge and consider present-day issues relating to the Spanish-speaking world.  

You will practise reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Spanish, focusing on complex topics and texts. You will study Spanish literature, culture, and current events, and learn to analyse and discuss them in Spanish. Lastly, the course includes a portfolio, consisting in an in-depth study of a chosen topic and the production of a detailed written essay in English. 

This course helps you become fluent in Spanish and prepares you for further studies or careers involving the Spanish language. It will greatly enhance your employability in the long-term. Besides, the research, organisational and analytical skills you will gain will be of considerable value to you, whichever direction you choose on leaving school.