Boy set for high school science exam – at age 9

A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy who showed outstanding ability in science even before starting primary school is preparing to sit a Standard Grade exam in physics.

Marley Adair, a P5 pupil from James Gillespie’s Primary School in Edinburgh, is “well on track” and getting credit passes for the exam next May, according to his teacher.

For the past six months, Marley, who counts quantum mechanics and computer programming among his interests, has been attending Standard Grade physics classes three times a week with pupils up to six years older than him at nearby James Gillespie’s High School.

His talent was recognised during his first science lesson at primary school, when he went into a detailed explanation about hydrocarbons while the class was discussing the make-up of everyday materials.

Austin Newberry, his physics teacher, said: “He is a great person and a joy to have teach.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said it that it recognises that some learners needed additional support to make the most of their education, taking account of their abilities.