Higher courses

In the Higher Applications of Maths course, you will learn how to use Maths in real-life situations. 

You will cover topics like finance, statistics, geometry, and measurement. The course helps you solve practical problems, understand data, and make informed decisions. You will learn how to use statistics to analyse data and carry out complex financial calculationsas well as learning about project planning and decision making. There is a project to complete as part of this course which involves analysing data along with interpreting and communicating findings using statistical skills. 

This course is great for understanding how Mathematics is used in the real world. 

Selecting the Higher Biology course, you’ll deepen your understanding of biology’s key themes. You’ll learn about molecular biology, DNA, evolution, and biodiversity. The course covers cellular metabolism and how organisms adapt to environmental changes. You’ll explore the interdependence of organisms and sustainable food production through photosynthesis. Experimental work will help you develop scientific inquiry and data analysis skills. The course is divided into three units:

1. DNA and the Genome: Focuses on DNA structure, replication, gene expression, cellular differentiation, mutations, evolution, and genomic sequencing.

2. Metabolism and Survival: Covers metabolic pathways, cellular respiration, metabolic rate, and environmental and genetic control of metabolism.

3. Sustainability and Interdependence: Discusses food supply, plant growth, crop protection, animal welfare, biodiversity, and threats to biodiversity.

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

In Higher Chemistry, you’ll deepen your understanding of key chemistry concepts and their role in everyday products. Through experiments and investigations, you’ll enhance your knowledge of chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, and functional groups. You’ll study energy, rates, equilibria, and how to optimize industrial processes. Analytical techniques like volumetric analysis and chromatography will be covered, preparing you for further education and careers in science, food, healthcare, or manufacturing.

Course content includes:

• Chemical changes and structure: Periodicity, bonding, oxidizing and reducing agents.

• Nature’s chemistry: Carbon chemistry, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, fats, oils, soaps, proteins, and more.

• Chemistry in society: Reactants, reaction rates, chemical energy, equilibria, and analysis.

• Researching chemistry: Practical techniques and experimental reporting.

This course builds a strong foundation for further studies and careers in science, but also to those intending to work in areas such as the food, healthcare or manufacturing industries.

The Higher Design and Manufacture provides a broad and practical experience in the designing and manufacture of products. It provides opportunities for learners to gain skills in communicating design proposals and opportunities for learners to refine and resolve their design ideas effectively.

Learners will be given opportunities to apply practical modelling skills and an understanding of the properties and uses of materials and manufacturing processes. It offers them opportunities to explore design alternatives and to consider the manufacturing practicalities that these design alternatives bring to light.

Higher Economics helps you understand how economies work and how decisions are made. 

You’ll study basic economic concepts, markets, national and global economies, and economic policies. The course covers how supply and demand affect prices, how governments influence the economy, and how global trade works. You’ll develop skills in analyzing data, evaluating economic issues, and making informed decisions. This knowledge prepares you for further education and careers in economics, business, and finance. 

The course is divided into three main units: Economics of the Market, UK Economic Activity, and Global Economic Activity. It aims to be interesting and applicable to real-world problems.

Higher Engineering Science helps you understand how engineers work and how engineering impacts on the world. 

You’ll study Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronic systems. The course covers how Structural Engineers use maths to ensure structures dont fall down; how mechanical engineers use pneumatics and gears to create and transfer motion and how electricity is made and controlled through analogue and digital circuits. You’ll use Maths skills to manipulate and solve equations and develop skills in designing, building, and testing engineering solutions. This knowledge prepares you for further education and careers in engineering and technology. 

The course is divided into three main units: Engineering Contexts and Challenges, Electronics and Control and Mechanisms and Structures. 

Higher Geography helps you understand the world and how people interact with it. 

You’ll study physical environments, for example, rivers and coasts, human environments such as cities and population, and global issues like climate change and River basin management. The course teaches you to use maps, gather data, and analyse information. You’ll also learn about geographical methods and techniques. This knowledge helps you understand current events and make informed decisions about the environment and society. 

The course is divided into three main units: Physical Environments, Human Environments, and Global Issues. It’s designed to be engaging and relevant to real-world problems.

Higher History helps you understand important events and changes in the past. 

You’ll study Scottish, British, and European World history, learning about key events, people, and ideas that shaped today’s world. The course covers the following topics Britain, 1851–1951 in which you will learn about how Britain became more democratic and the creation of the Welfare State, Germany, 1815–1939 in which you will learn about the growth of nationalism and the unification of Germany in 1871 and finally Migration and Empire 1830-1939 were you will learn about the Impact of Scots on the Empire and the Impact of Immigration on Scotland.  You’ll develop key skills in analysing sources, evaluating evidence, and constructing arguments. This knowledge helps you understand current events and think critically about the past. The course is split into three sections: an Assignment, a Source Paper and an Essay Paper. 

This course will help you develop a full range of skills of which are crucial for life after school from the workplace to university. It will prepare for further studies in other literacy based subjects like History or Law.

In the Higher Maths course, you will learn advanced mathematical skills that are useful for everyday life and further studies. 

You will cover topics like algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. The course helps you solve complex problems, understand mathematical concepts, and apply them in different situations. The course includes studying functions, differentiation, and integration, which are essential for understanding changes and areas under curves. You will also explore vectors and their applications in geometry and physics. 

This comprehensive approach ensures you develop a strong mathematical foundation.

The Higher Music course helps you improve your musical skills through performing, composing, and understanding music. 

You will play music on your chosen instruments, create your own compositions, and learn about different musical styles and concepts. The course includes practical assessments and written tasks, encouraging you to think critically and express your creativity. 

This course is perfect for those who love music and want to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Higher Physical Education combines practical and written work to help students improve physical skills and performance. Students learn how mental, emotional, social and physical factors impact performance and develop strategies to improve. They analyse and evaluate their own and others’ performances, building skills in problem-solving, planning, and reflection.

 The course covers movement skills, performance techniques, and decision-making strategies. It helps students understand how different factors interact to create success in physical activities. Through practical challenges and teamwork, students build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. 

Physics studies the fundamental laws of the universe, explaining interactions from tiny particles to vast galaxies. 

In Higher Physics, you’ll deepen your understanding of motion, electricity, radiation, waves, and cosmology, with introductions to subatomic particles and special relativity. Through experiments and calculations, you’ll explain everyday phenomena, modern inventions, and the universe.

Course content includes:

• Our dynamic Universe: Motion, forces, energy, power, collisions, gravitation, special relativity, and the expanding universe.

• Particles and waves: Charged particles, the Standard Model, nuclear reactions, wave-particle duality, interference, spectra, and light refraction.

• Electricity: AC monitoring, current, potential difference, power, resistance, electrical sources, capacitors, semiconductors, and p-n junctions.

This course prepares you for further education and careers in science and engineering.

In the Higher Spanish course, you will improve your Spanish language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). 

The course covers varied real-life themes such as education, holidays, employability and more. You will learn to understand and use Spanish in different situations, like conversations, writing essays, and understanding spoken / written Spanish. It will enable you to communicate with Spanish speakers and to access media in that language. In addition, you will practice translating and interpreting Spanish. This course will support you to gain a wider understanding of how language works (grammar) and will encompass aspects of the cultures the Spanish-speaking world. It is great for enhancing your language abilities and broadening your personal, academic and professional horizons.

It also equips you with the skills to learn other languages more easily, should you wish to do so.