Biology (National 4)

The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Quali3cations Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. www.parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org

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parentforumscot For more detailed course information: SQA: Biology National 4: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47422.html Education Scotland: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nationalqualifications/index.asp Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/CfEFactfileOverview_tcm4-665983.pdf NATIONALS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland Summary of Biology National 4 3 UNITS + ADDED VALUE UNIT HISTORY CELL BIOLOGY MULTICELLULAR ORGANISMS LIFE ON EARTH ADDED VALUE UNIT: BIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE? • Active and independent learning through self and peer evaluations, reflecting on learning, setting targets, evaluating progress, making independent decisions, using feedback • A blend of classroom approaches including experimental, hands-on, practical, investigative approaches, whole class discussions, interactive teaching • Collaborative learning: working with others in group or partner activities; cross-curricular learning eg with other sciences, mathematics, social studies, technologies or religious, moral and philosophical studies; with organisations such as STEMNET • Space for personalisation and choice: learners can choose what to observe or measure and their methodology; learners will choose the topic for their Added Value Unit (Assignment) • Applying learning • Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: researching, selecting, summarising and presenting information; evaluating; recording and displaying data; interpreting data; using technology.

ASSESSMENT • To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units • Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards) • Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) will ensure that learners can apply knowledge and understanding and scientific skills to an experiment or practical investigation. This may be evidenced in a portfolio of work • The Assignment will require learners to research a topic of their choice, in consultation with their teacher. The investigation will be undertaken in up to 8 hours of class time and the findings will be written up in no more than 2 hours. National 4 progresses onto National 5 BIOLOGY SCIENCES NATIONAL 4 What skills will my child develop? • knowledge and understanding of biology • an understanding of biology’s role in scientific issues • an understanding of biology in society and the environment • scientific inquiry skills to plan and carry out experiments • scientific analytical thinking skills in a biology context • the ability to use technology, equipment and materials, in scientific activities • problem-solving skills in a biology context • finding associations and investigating models in real-life contexts • use and understand scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues • information-handling skills (selecting, presenting, processing information) • the ability to review science-based claims in media reports • an understanding of the importance of accuracy • evaluating environmental and scientific issues • risk assessment and decision-making