BIOLOGY

AIMS

Senior science education begins for Dollar Academy pupils in Junior 1 (Primary 6).

The Biology Department aims to

• provide pupils with a sound general scientific education
• develop in pupils an awareness of themselves and the living world
• provide pupils with suitable skills and qualifications
• enhance the future career prospects of all pupils
• achieve all of this in a positive and happy atmosphere.

COURSES AVAILABLE

Form II Biology. In Form II we complete the 5-14 National guidelines for Science, and prepare the ground for the Intermediate 2 Biology course. We concentrate, in particular, on developing practical investigative skills and cover the topics of Bones and Teeth, Diet and Digestion, the Senses and Bio-technology. Weekly homework of about thirty minutes is given.

Intermediate 2 Biology. The Intermediate 2 course has replaced the Standard Grade Biology course for Forms III and IV. The aim is to provide a better grounding for Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology so that there is a smoother transition from third and fourth years to Higher. Form III begins with a study of the environment and local ecosystems. Pupils are involved in fieldwork in the Academy grounds, Dollar Glen, and a rocky shore near St Andrews. Work continues with the study of Cell Processes and Human Physiology. Topics covered in Form IV include Reproduction, Genetics, Evolution and Biotechnology. Pupils have around one hour of homework weekly and are provided with a general Biology textbook. They also have the opportunity to purchase other booklets to help with preparation for the final examinations. There are two field trips organised in Form III to Kingsbarns and Loch Lomond.

Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology. Both courses are based on ring-bound booklets, which are provided for the pupils. Pupils purchase past-paper booklets to complete for homework, and have access to a variety of Biology textbooks. These two Highers have equal status as a University entrance qualification. Both courses cover a wide range of Biological topics including Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology, Regulation and Behaviour.

Pupils wishing to study Advanced Higher in Form VI can study Higher Biology or Higher Human Biology in Form V. Homework is given on a regular basis.

Biotechnology. We offer a full Scottish Higher in Bio-technology. The course familiarises pupils with this rapidly expanding area of industry, and provides them with an experience of some of the latest biological techniques, such as DNA isolation and gel electrophoresis. As an integral part of the course there are visits to a variety of industries and research institutions.

Human Biology for Medical Science. Pupils planning to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine at University have the opportunity to take this course, which includes two hours of study per week in Higher Human Biology. Pupils are taken beyond the syllabus to study physiology at a higher level in preparation for university.

Psychology. This introductory course, which takes two hours per week, includes topics such as motivation, learning, stress and the evolution of behaviour, and includes an SQA unit.

STAFF

Andrew Morton is Head of Biology. He has wide experience of the SQA exam system, is a writer of textbooks and is involved in National and International development work in assessment and learning. In 2008, he visited Mozambique and St Vincent & Grenadines to help these countries to develop their national examination systems.

Marjorie Smith is National Development Officer for a Biotechnology Project which aims to provide support for teachers in the teaching of Biotechnology both in Scottish schools and further afield. Mrs Smith is also involved in the training of teachers to deal with ethical issues in the classroom, and has published a number of training packs for use with pupils of all ages.

John Fraser runs the highly successful Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Well over one hundred senior pupils participate in this scheme each year.

Lucy Payne takes an active part in developments in Biotechnology. She also co-ordinates the European Comenius project on PSE and runs the Boarders’ Riding Club.

Charlie Ainge is Head of Year for Form II. In addition, he organises the annual school Triathlon event and runs the “Four Tunas” fishing club for pupils.

Frances McDonald is Assistant Head of Year for Form VI and coaches a Form II hockey team. She also assists with the French exchanges.

Pam Ferguson is in charge of J1 and J2 Science and runs the highly successful Crest Award Scheme for pupils studying science. She is also joint organiser of the Junior Science Fair.

Rosemary Jarvis is a highly experienced retired Biology teacher who has a small permanent teaching commitment and covers for absences when members of the department are out of school.

Jane Inglis is Biology Technician, who also assists with the teaching of Biotechnology in the school and, with Mrs Smith, in the training of teachers in the UK.

Mr Morton, Mrs Smith, Mrs Ferguson, Dr Payne and Mrs Jarvis all teach on part-time contracts.

FIELD TRIP TO MALAYSIA

Pupils studying Biology in Forms III to VI have an opportunity to go on a two-week expedition to Malaysia during the first two weeks of the summer holidays. The trip includes exploration of mangrove swamps, coral reefs and tropical jungle on the island of Tioman. The high point is four days of scuba diving in the tropical reefs, with PADI Open-Water certification. At the end of the trip, two days are spent in Singapore.

In preparation for the trip, pupils are trained in the Dollar Academy swimming pool by the Forth Valley Sub-Aqua Club. Full details are available on the school Website, and pupils may apply at any time by downloading and completing an application form.

The aim of the department is to continue to implement and develop the National Qualifications programme and to be involved in the new initiatives associated with the Curriculum for Excellence.

Currently, our prime objective is to make best use of the wide variety of IT support materials for the teaching of Biology. To this end, we have data projectors and digital microscopes installed in all five laboratories.