Biology

In the Biology Department we aim to nurture the student‘s interest in all areas of biology using a thorough ‘hands on‘ approach for pupil's throughout the school. The department is located in a purpose-built science building located on the school grounds.

It has extensive laboratory facilities and we have recently embarked on a refurbishment programme with two of the four larger labs now complete. We incorporate a wide variety of teaching methods including the use of powerpoint lectures, video-linked microscopy, first hand experience of biological techniques using gene technology, culturing of microorganisms and optional dissection.

The school grounds are used for ecological fieldwork and the nearby Edinburgh Botanical Gardens are accessible for the study of plant communities in different biomes. The Department also has an animal room and a greenhouse to enable students to study organisms from various groups including mammals (including Gerald the Ferret), reptiles, fish and variety of invertebrates. Fettes Biologists choose a wide range of courses in their further education and have gone on to pursue a variety of careers.