Williamwood High School Information Evening for Parents of Pupils Sitting Highers Higher Biology Welcome! Louise McFadzean (PT biology) Claire Haxton

Course Structure Unit 1: The Exam: 2.5 Hours DNA and the Genome Metabolism and Survival Unit 3: Sustainability and Interdependence Research Assignment: 20 marks, marked externally by SQA and contributes to 17% of the final grade. The Exam: 2.5 Hours Section 1 Multiple Choice 20 marks Section 2 Short answer questions 80 marks The final exam contributes to 83% of their grade.

What do students need to be successful in higher biology? commitment and motivation to learn daily homework tasks reflecting on feedback to improve independent home study using all available resources

What support is offered in school? Weekly testing – multiple choice, short answer questions and extended response practice. Homework – tasks are given daily Supported study – every Thursday from 3.35pm ‘Open door policy’ - help and advice available from biology teachers. Assessment- regular and meaningful summative assessments across all 3 units. Tracking – rigorous and regular monitoring of progress. Biology website – learning and teaching resources, timelines, practice papers.

How can parents offer support? For details of homework and test dates consult students’ planner or biology website. Encourage students to attend supported study sessions and to seek help from their teacher. Ensure that students regularly review the learning outcomes for all units and where possible, you can test their knowledge. Promote the use of past papers and the resources provided by the department that will allow for effective independent home study.

Home Learning Resources Higher Biology Glossaries Unit 2 Metabolic Pathways and their Control HOMEWORK BOOKLET Higher Biology Unit 2 Metabolic Pathways and their Control Higher Biology Learning Outcomes   Unit 2 Metabolism and Survival Key Area 2.1 Metabolic Pathways and their control CfE Higher Biology Unit 1 UASP Key Area 1.1–1.8 Evaluation   Introduction to metabolic pathways Describe what is meant by a metabolic pathway and how this relates to cell metabolism. State what is meant by catabolism and a anabolism and given examples of each.

Independent Learning Study Skills There are many methods that pupils can use which include: Mind mapping Creating questions Study cards Teaching someone else Reading notes Making summaries of notes in a variety of formats SQA past paper practice, using official marking schemes Study groups with peers

Assessment Dates Unit 1 assessments now complete Assignment assessment now complete Mid Unit 2 Test now complete End of Unit 2 Tests: W/B 9 January 2017 Prelim: Tuesday 7 February 2017 End of Unit 3 Tests: W/B 28th March 2017 SQA Exam: Tuesday 23 May 2017 The timeline of the higher biology course is detailed in the biology website https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/er/WWHDepartmentBiology/