Thursday, February 15th, 2007...11:09 pm
SQA V’s Me
I have been meaning to write a post on this topic for quite a while.
Having taught Biology and Science at every level of the curriculum, I consider myself to be a pretty good judge of a pupil’s ability, commitment and general enthusiasm for my subject. I can sincerely say that all SQA Biology courses provide an exciting and informative curriculum for youngsters.
During the last five years I have taught both the Intermediate 1 and 2 SQA Biology courses extensively. I have always had evident success with Intermediate 1 (Intermediate 1 Biology has replace Standard Grade Science in my establishment). However, this is not so apparent with Intermediate 2. Results in this course have always been, somewhat, polarised. During many Departmental reviews, I have often found myself struggling with suggestions on how to improve attainment at this level.
More homework? More revision classes? Even more differentiated resources?
Too many a time, I find myself falling back on thoughts of inappropriate coursing.
“RECOMMENDED ENTRY
While entry is at the discretion of the centre, candidates would normally be expected to have attained one of the following:
Standard Grade Biology with Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving at grades 3 or 4
Intermediate 1 Biology or its component units.”
SQA Guidelines 2002
For those of you familiar with the Intermediate 1 and 2 Biology courses, you will be aware of the lack of progression. Following the SQA guidelines, pupils gaining a pass at Intermediate 1 are recommended to progress onto Intermediate 2. In my opinion, with relevance to Biology, this is absurd. The intermediate 1 course lacks much of the fundamental and elementary Biology that is required at Intermediate 2 level. At the end of a Standard Grade course, pupils who gain a Grade 4 will be recommended (under the SQA guidelines) to progress onto Intermediate 2. With evidence, I have found that this is rarely successful; though to ensure progression, a recommendation for such pupils to follow onto an Intermediate 1 course, would be invalid.
Many subjects are in the fortunate position where, due to course content, they can run bi-level classes. This is impractical and virtually impossible with Biology. The Learning Outcomes for all of the courses are very different. Therefore, to switch pupils between levels is really not an option
How can I improve Intermediate 2 results?
Your views and opinions on and off-blog will be greatly appreciated.
1 Comment
March 8th, 2007 at 10:38 am
I do agree with you, as I have had a similar experience with Int 1 and Int 2 results. Apprently the common denominator in “me”. I seem to get good results in all courses except Int2, and keep asking the question “Is it me?” There is obviously another factor in here which needs to be explained, and I think the Int 2 Biology course is too difficult. To say it is equivalent of credit grade is nonsense.
On the subject of bi-level classes and to make you feel really lucky - I had a class 2 years ago with Int 1, Int 2, Higher and Human Higher all at the same time. How does that sound? And yes, my Int2 results that year were again poor! I wonder why?
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