Science (Saidheans)

Welcome to the Science Department, where curiosity meets discovery.

Our goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and scientifically informed citizens.

Whether pupils aim for a specialised career in Technology and Science or simply want to understand the physical world around them, our department is dedicated to supporting their journey.

Science is fundamentally practical. Pupils regularly conduct experiments and complete investigations. We actively link classroom learning to Scotland's growing STEM sector giving pupils clear insight into modern careers.

Science Department and Staff

Our department is staffed by a dedicated team of specialist teachers and highly skilled technicians who are passionate about their subjects.

Faculty of Biology

• Miss V. Muir (Faculty Head of Biology and Science)
• Miss Aitchison (Head of House (Lewis))
• Miss G. Ross
• Mrs T. Cocozza
• Mrs D. Russell
• Miss L. Reade

Faculty of Chemistry

• Mrs S. Casey (Faculty Head of Chemistry and Physics)
• Mr C. Docherty
• Miss K. Murdoch (Chemistry and Physics)

Faculty of Physics

• Mr. A. Edgar 
• Mr S. Connochie 
• Mrs K. Phillips
• Mr J. Woodall 

Technicians

• Mr D. Greer
• Mr D. Anderson 

Supporting Learning at Home!

Parents and carers play a vital role in pupil achievement. You can support your young person's progress by:

• Checking Google Classroom or Achieve regularly for assignments and homework, as well as revision resources.
• Encouraging structured revision using Qualification Scotland (QS) past papers and marking schemes as assessments approach.
• Ensuring that pupils attend supported study sessions that are on offer by the Science Department. 
• Ensure they arrive at science lessons with their materials, stationery and a calculator. Encourage your child to bring their scientific calculator to every science lesson—relying on mobile phones is not permitted in class or exams.

BGE Science (Broad General Education)

During the Broad General Education (BGE) phase, pupils explore key concepts across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics through hands-on experiments. Aligned with Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, learning focuses on scientific inquiry, evidence evaluation, and practical problem-solving.

Secondary 1 and 2:

Pupils are exposed to a broad range of topics from the discrete sciences:

• Introduction to Science
• Energy
• Cells and the Human Body
• Heat and Matter
• Elements and Chemical Reactions
• Planet Earth
• Forces
• Solutions, Acids and Alkalis
• Light 
• Microbiology 

Secondary 3:

In S3, Broad General Education (BGE) reaches its final phase, acting as a vital bridge between the foundational science of S1–S2 and the formal QS qualifications in S4.

S3 allows pupils to begin personalising their learning and focus on one or two discrete sciences, working through CfE Fourth Level outcomes:

• Biology: Focuses on cellular biology, DNA and genetics, human physiology, and ecosystem dynamics.

• Chemistry: Covers atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, reaction rates, and the periodic table.

• Physics: Examines forces, dynamics, wave properties, electrical circuits, and energy transfer.

Throughout S3 pupils will complete the CfE Level 4 Experiences and Outcomes before then starting the National 4/National 5 courses

Senior Phase & QS Qualifications (S4–S6)

In S4 through S6, pupils work toward formal Qualifications Scotland (QS) qualifications designed to support university, college, and modern apprenticeship pathways:

• National 4 & National 5: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Laboratory Science, and Health Sector (focusing on core concepts, experimental design, and data analysis).

• Higher: Human Biology, Chemistry and Physics (Advanced problem-solving, complex calculations, and deep theoretical understanding).

• SCQF 6 STEM Leadership: Inspire others and lead practical initiatives across STEM subjects.

• Advanced Higher: Biology, Chemistry and Physics (S6 independent research projects and university-level laboratory techniques).

Useful Websites

Curriculum for Excellence: https://education.gov.scot/curriculum-for-excellence

Qualifications Scotland (QS): https://www.qualifications.gov.scot/

Contact us

If you have any questions about our curriculum, course pathways, or how you can support your child's scientific learning at home, please do not hesitate to contact us through the school office.