The first and second year science course is divided into topics which cover all three sciences: chemistry, biology and physics. Throughout the topics students cover the level 3 outcomes of the develop their scientific literacy, problem solving skills and their practical skills.

 

In S1 pupils study:

  • Safety and Lab Skills
  • Forces
  • Space
  • Health and Technology
  • The Periodic Table
  • Energy and renewables
  • Planet Earth and Biodiversity
  • Chemical Reactions

In S2 pupils study:

  • Electricity
  • Microbes and Diseases
  • Chemistry of the environment
  • Light
  • Genetics and reproduction
  • Acids and Alkalis

Amongst these topic will be projects and a range of everyday contexts will be covered.

The third year science course is formally split into the three areas of science in order to allow students to continue to develop their practical skills and improve their knowledge of the basics in each science stream in preparation for moving into the senior phase.

In S3 pupils study:

Biology

  • Cells
  • Enzymes
  • Micro-organisma
  • Photosynthesis
  • Respiration
  • Reproduction
  • Growth
  • DNA and inheritance
  • Interdependence
  • Populations
  • Adaptation

 Chemistry

  • Chemical reactions
  • Atomic structure
  • Chemical formulae and equations
  • Fuels and chemicals from oil
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Carbohydrates
  • Metals and the reactivity series
  • Chemical cells
  • SMART materials
  • Plastics and polymers
  • Fertilisers

 Physics

  • Speed, acceleration and motion
  • Balanced and unbalanced Forces
  • Newton’s Laws
  • Space
  • Circuits
  • Ohm’s law and resistance
  • Magnetism and electromagnets
  • Electronic systems
  • Energy sources and renewable energy
  • Waves and their properties
  • Sound waves
  • Electromagnetic radiation
  • Nuclear radiation