Sciences

 For full syllabus information please click here

Chemistry
In the Chemistry Department we enable pupils to: see chemistry in the context of a wider body of knowledge and skills; understand and use scientific method, with safety being a major consideration; develop an awareness of the implications of chemistry (past and present) for the individual, the community and the environment; and allow pupils to develop informed opinions and to be able to support them by reasonable arguments.

Outwith the curriculum there are various extra-curricular chemistry activities including the J7 Chemistry Club, Forensic Science S6 short course* and annual workshops at St Andrew's University and Strathclyde University for the Advanced Higher class.
 
Pupils also participate in a variety of competitions including the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Chemistry Olympiad, Top of the Bench and Salters Festival of Chemistry.

STAFF: Mr I Morrison (Head of Department) & Miss L McLaren (Teacher)
*This unit is offered, subject to a minimum demand.

Biology
Raising awareness of current biological issues such as DNA technology, fostering an interest in living things and encouraging respect for other forms of life and improving pupils' understanding of their role in the maintenance of the biosphere are key aims of the biology curriculum at Craigholme. In addition, teaching provides a general knowledge of science and biology to all pupils, irrespective of whether they intend to follow a career in science.

Standard Grade Biology is taught with as much hands-on practical work as possible, and staff are always looking out for new and innovative ways of presenting biological concepts.

At Higher level, we offer Human Biology, rather than Biology. Human Biology has a modern approach and is particularly well suited to pupils interested in the biomedical sciences and professions allied to medicine.

As part of the Advanced Higher course pupils conduct field work at Lochranza Field Station on the Isle of Arran. They investigate the seashore and the fresh water loch and examine how organisms adapt to different habitats.

STAFF: Mrs D Hoyle (Head of Department) & Mrs L Sweeney (Teacher)

Physics
The Physics curriculum aims to develop pupils' scientific skills and knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Pupils can then use appropriate problem-solving skills to handle results critically, and draw sensible conclusions from them.

Physics students provide sound and lighting support for school shows, assemblies, musical events and prizegiving. Team members are trained how to operate the school's sound and lighting desks and other equipment, including pyrotechnics.

In addition, the department has strong links with Glasgow University and Strathclyde Universities physics departments. As a result, PHD students visit the school to help pupils with projects. Pupils also visit Glasgow University's Physics and Astronomy Department's lectures.

To supplement their classroom studies, trips are organised to Glasgow Science Centre and the London Science Museum at appropriate stages in the curriculum.

Physics students provide sound and lighting support for shows, assemblies, musical events and prizegiving. Team members are trained how to operate the school’s sound and lighting desks and other equipment, including pyrotechnics.

Maths
The study of mathematics enables pupils to: make reasoned judgements from information presented or gathered; appreciate the role and importance of mathematics in the world and around them; develop skills in manipulating, comprehending and communicating quantifiable information with and without the use of a calculator; and utilise modern technology while continuing to develop skills in mental arithmetic and non-calculator work.

Pupils also have the opportunity to study Statistics units in S6 which will help develop useful skills applicable to many areas of study at university level and beyond.

In S1 Puzzle Club, logical thinking and spatial awareness are developed using games, puzzles and fun activities which vary each week.

Pupils also enjoy participating in national and international competitions including UK Maths Challenge, Scottish Maths Challenge and Mathematiques sans Frontieres.

The department has Membership of the Glasgow Mathematical Association (University of Glasgow), The Mathematical Association (UK) and The Royal Statistical Society.The school also has links with the Scottish Maths Council.

STAFF: Mrs T Hussain (Head of Department), Mrs B MacKenzie, Miss C Mathieson, Mrs S Ratcliffe, Mrs E Brunton (Teachers)