Biology

Hermitage Academy Biology department aims to inspire pupils and encourage an interest in science.  Each year pupils will progressively develop skills; including laboratory practical skills and numeracy and literacy skills, such as report writing, analysing data (by calculating averages and percentages) and presenting data (by producing bar charts and line graphs).  Pupils will also develop scientific knowledge, understanding and creativity through a variety of courses.  Our curriculum structure involves a Broad General Education from S1 to S3 (pupil choose discrete sciences in S3) followed by 1 year SQA courses from S4 to S6 (National 4/5 Biology, Higher Human Biology and Advanced Higher Biology).

The Biology department take an active approach in developing the curriculum and sharing good experiences from their practice. There is a strong commitment to improve the experience for the young people that pass through our doors so each individual can achieve their potential in a positive environment.

Courses

S3 Biology - In S3 Biology there are three units - The Biosphere, Multicellular Life and Cells - these are related to the level 4 science curriculum and National 4 Biology 

National 4 and National 5 Biology - In National 4 and 5 there are three Units, these have the same names but the difficulty increases from National 4 to National 5 - Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms and Life on Earth. Pupils also have to complete an added value unit (AVU) for National 4 and an assignment for National 5, on an area of Biology of their choosing.

Higher Human Biology - In HHB there are three units - Human Cells, Physiology and Health, and Neurobiology and Immunology. Pupils also have to complete an assignment on an area of Biology of their choosing.

Advanced Higher Biology - In Adv. Higher Biology there are three main units and pupil also have to complete a project on an area of Biology of their choosing. Units are Cells and Proteins, Organisms and Evolution, and Investigative Biology.

Department Teachers

Mr J. Kerr - PT Biology

Mrs K. Fraser DHT (Acting) Arran House (Mon/Tue)/PT Guidance & Raising Attainment (Arran – A1)

Mrs S. Keir

Mrs K. McCreery (Biology and Maths)

Miss L. McGrotty

Ms A. Sheen