Science

• S1 Science - Includes 3 periods per week with the option of one additional period of Personalisation and Choice. The core S1 Science course introduces learners to 'Becoming a Scientist' in quadrant 1, before moving through a thematic approach for the ramaining three quadrants with Desert island survival, Thriving island and  Island of the future. Knowledge organisers for S1 Science can be found below;

S1 Science Q1

• S2 Science - Includes 3 periods per week with the option of one additional period of Personalisation and Choice. The core S2 course introduces learners to Science skills in quadrant 1 before progressing through three thematic topics across the remaining three quadrants including Rosehill hospital, Music festival and Apocalypse. Knowledge organisers for S2 Science can be found below;

S2 Science Q1

• S3 Science - Includes 4 periods per week with the option of two additional periods of STEM Science. The S3 course covers more breadth and depth from the three Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), preparing learners for the senior phase. Learners choosing STEM Science can be awarded digital badges, YSL certificates or SCQF credit points through Young STEM leader from session 27/28 onwards. Knowledge organisers for S3 Science can be found below;

S3 Science Q1

Technology

• S1 Technology - Includes 1 period per week with the option of one additional period of Personalisation and Choice. The S1 course covers two thematic units across the session. Quadrant 1 and 2 takes learners through a thematic project based on a computer game character called Quack, learning about colour, manual graphics, materials, hand/machine tools, safety, sustainability, assembly and finishing, amongst otherrelevant areas. Quadrants 3 and 4 take learners through a thematic project based on a storage box, learning about CAD/CAM, plastics and consolidating learning from quadrant 2 in the workshop. Knowledge organisers for S1 Technology can be found below;

S1 Technology Q1

• S2 Technology - Includes 1 period per week with the option of one additional period  of Personalisation and Choice. The S2 course covers two thematic units across the session. Quadrant 1 and 2 takes learners through a thematic project based on a passive speaker, learning about sketching, marker pen rendering, plastic forming, manufactured boards, hand/machine tools, safety, sustainability, power tools and assembly, amongst others. Quadrants 3 and 4 takes learners through a thematic project based on a retro sweet dispenser, learning about CAD/CAM and consolidating learning from quadrant 2 in the workshop. Learners choosing Personalisation and Choice in S2 can be awarded units or the full course award from National 3 Practical Craft Skills. Knowledge organisers for S2 Technology can be found below;

S2 Technology Q1

• S3 Technology- Includes 1 period per week with the option of one additional period of STEM Technology. The S3 course curriculum begins to narrow as we focus on our two senior phase pathways. Quadrants 1 and 3 take learners through the manufacture of a flat frame and carcase, consolidating previous knowledge and learning new content in Woodworking.  Quadrants 2 and 4 take learners through two units, with a focus on Creative and Critical Thinking Skills. Content covered in quadrant 2 and 4 includes The retreat, an architecture based unit involving design and modelling. Quadrant 4 will cover manual and CAD graphics (2D and 3D) and the design and manufacture of a product through the design process. Learners who complete the carcase construction unit to National 4/5 standards can be awarded Carcase Construction from National 4/5 Practical Woodworking. Learners choosing STEM Technology can be awarded digital badges, YSL certificates or SCQF credit points through Young STEM leader from session 27/28 onwards. Knowledge organisers for S3 Technology can be found below;

S3 Technology Q1

Science

Learners will have the choice of four Science pathways in the senior phase, details of which can be found below.

Biology (Level 4-6) -  Includes 5 periods per week. The Senior phase Biology curriculum equips learners with a deep understanding of living organisms, scientific inquiry, and the role of biological science in modern society. Across all levels, pupils develop practical laboratory skills, data handling, and critical problem-solving. Summary slides for Biology can be found below;

1. National 4 (SCQF Level 4)
   A foundation in core biology covering cells, multicellular organisms, and ecosystems. Assessed internally through unit tests and a practical project (no final exam).

2. National 5 (SCQF Level 5)
   A deeper look at cell membranes, genetics, body systems, and biodiversity. Assessed via an SQA exam and a practical research assignment.

3. Higher (SCQF Level 6)
   An advanced study of DNA & genomics, metabolism, and food security/sustainability. Prepares students for science and healthcare pathways at university or college; assessed via SQA exams and an independent research assignment.

N4/5 Biology Q1

H Biology Q1

Chemistry (Level 4-6) - Includes 5 periods per week. Our Chemistry courses develop analytical thinking, practical laboratory skills, and an understanding of the chemical processes that shape our world—from atomic structures to industrial applications. Summary slides for Chemistry can be found below;

1. National 4 (SCQF Level 4)
   A practical foundation covering reaction rates, atomic structure, acids, hydrocarbons, and everyday materials. Assessed internally through unit tests and a practical project (no final exam).

2. National 5 (SCQF Level 5)
   A deeper exploration of chemical bonding, mole calculations, organic chemistry (fuels and consumer products), and chemical analysis. Assessed via an SQA written exam and a practical research assignment.

3. Higher (SCQF Level 6)
   An advanced study of periodicity, industrial chemistry (reaction yields and equilibria), organic chemistry (esters, proteins, and skin care), and chemical analysis. Prepares students for STEM and healthcare pathways at university or college; assessed via SQA exams and an independent research assignment.

N4/5 Chemistry Q1

H Chemistry Q1

Physics (Level 4-6) - Includes 5 periods per week. Our Physics courses develop critical problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and practical inquiry skills—exploring how the universe works, from subatomic particles to deep space mechanics. Summary slides for Physics can be found below;

1. National 4 (SCQF Level 4)
   A practical introduction covering dynamics, space exploration, electricity, energy, waves, and radiation. Assessed internally through unit tests and a practical project (no final exam).

2. National 5 (SCQF Level 5)
   A deeper investigation into vector mechanics, space physics, electrical circuits, gas laws, wave properties, and nuclear radiation. Assessed via an SQA written exam and a practical research assignment.

3. Higher (SCQF Level 6)
   An advanced study of kinematics, special relativity, expanding universe cosmology, particles and waves, and electrical semiconductor theory. Prepares students for STEM and engineering pathways at university or college; assessed via SQA exams and an independent research assignment.

N4/5 Physics Q1

H Physics Q1

Health Sector (Level 4-5) - Includes 5 periods per week. Our Health Sector courses develop practical skills, workplace attitudes, and knowledge of the varied roles across the NHS, Life Sciences, and care services. Designed to prepare learners for vocational pathways and further education, these courses are assessed internally through practical activities and portfolio work (no final SQA exam). Summary slides for Health sector can be found below;

1. National 4 (SCQF Level 4)
   An introduction to the health sector. Covers basic care values, infection control, human body systems, taking basic physiological measurements, and exploring entry-level job roles.

2. National 5 (SCQF Level 5)
   A deeper focus on workplace skills, cardiovascular physiology, emergency life support (CPR), health promotion campaigns, and the role of the Life Sciences industry. Includes practical job application and interview preparation.

Technology

Learners will have the choice of two Technology pathways in the senior phase, details of which can be found below.

• Practical Woodworking (L4-5) - Includes 5 periods per week. Learners will cover three units including Carcase construction, Flat frame construction and Machining and finishing before attempting the National 4 or 5 assignment. Factors influencing final presentation levels include; Tolerance, independence, quality of work, safety, and attendance. Summary slides for Practical Woodworking can be found below;

1. National 4 - Three units and a practical assignment is included at level 4

2. National 5 - Three units, a practical assignment and case study is includes at level 5

Woodworking Q1

• Creative and Critical Thinking Skills (L5-7) - Includes 5 periods per week. This course is delivered in conjunction with Edinburgh College and empowers S4-6 learners to become more effective by developing essential creative and critical thinking skills. Through hands-on, project-based learning, learners build the "soft skills" needed for success in school, further education, and the workplace.  Summary slides for Creative and critical thinking can be found below;

1. Metacognition: Students learn how they learn, leading to improved study habits and academic performance

2. Real-World Skills: Builds problem-solving, resilience, collaboration, and effective communication

3. Structured Process: Students work through a five-stage journey—from exploring and refining ideas to presenting their work and reflecting on their progress

4. Highly Transferable: The skills developed are directly applicable to all subjects and future career paths

Assessment in this course is focused on the process of creative thinking throughout the five stages of the project, rather than just the final outcome. Because the course is designed to be flexible, assessment methods are adaptable to suit different projects and individual learner needs. Summary slides for Creative and critical thinking can be found below;

C&CTS Q1

Study support and catch - up sessions 

Science - Study support sessions run from the September break onwards for senior phase learners. Details of days, location, subject and teacher can be found on the faculty display screen, located in the break-out space within the Science department. 

Technology - After school catch - up sessions take place on a Wednesday from 3:30pm running to approximately 4:15pm for all year groups. 

Bike club runs on Fridays from 1:00pm after the October break, however this is based on interest levels from learners. Bike club sessions are either workshop based for bike maintenance lessons or local cycles, led by Phil (outdoor learning) and Mr R. Thomson.

Learners are encouraged to access Google classroom slides for Science and the department website for Technology as well as knowledge organisers/summary slides for recall and consolidation of learning. No home learning is issued in the BGE however there is an expectation that senior phase learners will be expected to engage with home learning for attainment purposes.

Mr R. Thomson - Curriculum Leader and Technology teacher

Mr R. Watson - PT Pathways and Technology teacher

Mr J. Hogarth - Art and Design/Technology teacher

Mr G. Hawthorne - Technology Technician

Mrs C. Kroeske - Biology Teacher

Miss E. Duncan - Biology Teacher

Mrs S. Bedford - Biology NQT

Mr J. Spence - Chemistry and Biology teacher

Mr S. McLaughlin - Chemistry teacher

Mr T. Noakes - Physics teacher

Mr H. Gaughan - Physics teacher

Mr A. Randieri - Science technician

Faculty Improvement Plan

TBC