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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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– 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.

7. 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

8. 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