Highers

Bryando

Has anybody here done higher chemistry or biology? I am thinking of doing these subjects at my local college.

I done general sciene at school and came away with a 3 in Standard Grade, never sat the credit paper. more the pitty!

Do you think these subjects would be a struggle with no knowledge of the subject matter?

singlestep

Your first port of call should be the college itself. Would they let you do Higher Chemistry/Biology with no previous knowlege? I did my own Highers at a local college and wouldn't have been allowed to sit the course without a Standard Grade 1 or 2. the only exception was Modern Studies, where they looked at my History grade as an indicator of potential ability.

In fact, years later when I went back to take Intermediate 2 Spanish (one step down) having had a degree in French and an in-depth knowledge of the course, they wouldn't have let me without Intermediate 1. I only ended up doing so as the Head of Department intervened, having taught me all of those years before. She knew I could get an A.

It may or may not be different with sciences and/or at your local college. If they do say no, though, might there be an alternative that they offer? Have they any open days coming up?

Dunroamin

Don't discount improving your written English, even if you want to study science.

Bailey101

I did both at school, although this was about 12 years ago so they may have changed. When I was in school you couldn't do credit level general science, so it sounds like you sat the highest paper for that subject - it would be worth you doing standard grades in chemistry and biology first if that's possible. Both subjects are a lot more in depth then general science and you'd get on a lot better with the highers if you have a good foundation of the subjects to begin with.

Xx

Eta I agree with singlestep that they may not let you sit those subjects with only a general science qualification, they might expect a more relevant education history.

quinechinoise

Bryando wrote: »

Has anybody here done higher chemistry or biology? I am thinking of doing these subjects at my local college.

I done general sciene at school and came away with a 3 in Standard Grade, never sat the credit paper. more the pitty!

Do you think these subjects would be a struggle with no knowledge of the subject matter?

My school days are many years behind me but, yes, I did study Higher Grade Chemistry. I think it would be challenging without having previously passed Standard Grade Chemistry.

I recall that several contemporaries did do "crash" Higher Grade Biology - and passed successfully. It was considered to be the easiest science and an easy subject. Mind you, the people who did crash Biology were... high achievers? Would you have passed the general sci credit paper, if you had sat it? (Tbh, I've never heard of this "general science" exam.) The usual expectation is that you either equal or drop one grade when you progress to the next exam level. A grade D at Biology isn't likely to help much...

OrkneyStar

I did Higher Chemistry at school (was also planning to do Biology but left after fifth yr and found out I could study biochemistry without it). At our school the general rule was that you needed a credit pass (1 or 2 overall) at standard grade to do the science higher. I got a 1 for the S grade (1's at all parts) but still only managed a B for higher grade, and it certainly wasn't the easiest of the 5 highers I did, it was one of the most interesting though! Considering you have done general science it might be better to perhaps try a standard or intermediate grade in Chem or Bio, before attempting the Higher? I do recall some folk doing 'crash' higher Bio, as it was considered easier, though most folk did think that a working knowledge of chemistry helped. It is a bit of a myth that it is easier at the higher level I think.

singlestep

quinechinoise wrote: »

I recall that several contemporaries did do "crash" Higher Grade Biology - and passed successfully. It was considered to be the easiest science and an easy subject. Mind you, the people who did crash Biology were... high achievers? Would you have passed the general sci credit paper, if you had sat it? (Tbh, I've never heard of this "general science" exam.) The usual expectation is that you either equal or drop one grade when you progress to the next exam level. A grade D at Biology isn't likely to help much...

There was no Credit paper for General Science. It was meant for people who may have found the single science subjects particularly challenging although may also have been taken by pupils who had little confidence in their academic ability. I felt all at sea with maths and science but my guidance teacher encouraged me not to take it - but people like me may have been told differently. A friend who arrived from abroad was also put in the class due to lack of prior knowledge and because there was absolutely no room in any other class.

OP, if they don't let you enrol in Higher, you may be able to take a pre-Higher (Int 1/Int 2) course and work your way up to it? If you're looking for something to get you in to Uni, they used to (and may still do) Access courses. There may be loads of options I'm not aware of. Good luck!

VK-2008

i wouldnt worry too much about standard grades, you may find that due to your age you qualify as a mature student, sitting highers now you may find them easier to complete
pop to your local college and speak with an adviser they should be able to help

good luck
continuing your studies is an excellent thing
i am back at uni part time in evenings going into my final year

Dunroamin

OP, it was less than two months ago that you were thinking about doing a degree in Business Studies or Law. I think it would be a really good idea for you to have a discussion with a Careers Adviser as your plans seem to be all over the place.

19lottie82

Bailey101 wrote: »

I did both at school, although this was about 12 years ago so they may have changed. When I was in school you couldn't do credit level general science, so it sounds like you sat the highest paper for that subject

Not true. I sat my highers 18 years ago too and did my SG's a year previously, inc general science. I sat the credit paper and got a "1" grade.

It seems a common Mis perception that the name "general" science refers to the grading system but it doesn't, it just means a general overview of all 3 sciences in one subject.

19lottie82

singlestep wrote: »

There was no Credit paper for General Science. It was meant for people who may have found the single science subjects particularly challenging although may also have been taken by pupils who had little confidence in their academic ability.
!

Not true, I sat the credit paper.

I was not un academic, just took general science as I really had no interest in science at all and would rather focus on other subjects, where I got an additional 7 credit grades.