1. Effective Study Skills in Science
For National 5 and Higher
Dr McIntyre
Dr Marshall

2. Getting the basics right!
Being organised with notes.
Finding a quiet place to study without distractions
Attending lessons and catching-up when missing class.
Doing homework
Using resources e.g. textbooks, Scholar
Attending supported study after school.
Revising little and often over the year rather than all in one go 2-days before the exam!
Trying past paper questions throughout the year

3. Shared Drive on GLOW
Contains large number of resources to support pupils, e.g.
Course powerpoints
Homeworks
Glossaries
Past Paper Questions and marking instructions
Problem solving practice
Revision resources
Links: Nat5 Biology –
Higher Biology -
Pupils should have links and should not need glow password to access

4. SQA website has a lot of useful information.
For example National 5 Biology page:
Course specifications – what’s in the course.
Past papers + answers

5. Textbooks
We usually provide pupils with a course textbook/study guide through the library.
Also available are past paper books and web based resources:
National 5 biology online textbook -

6. Scholar – Higher Only

7. Supported Study – last years timetable

8. Percentage of Learners Gaining Higher 2017 Total Learners Progressing
Why is it important to study regularly?
Biology
Percentage of Learners Gaining Higher 2017
National
Result A B C D
No Award
Total
53%
27%
16% 2%
100% 4%
20%
36%
17%
22% 0%
19%
59%
13%
15%
72% -
Total Learners Progressing
5,691
In the sciences pupils who do well at National 5 (A or B grade) have a far greater chance of going on to pass in Higher (with continued hard work).