Biology

Biology encourages students to become interested in the natural world and develop skills of analysis, communication and enquiry. As students progress through the school their knowledge of biological processes and practical skills are enhanced to ensure they are as prepared as possible for their public exam, and have the option to continue to A level.

The department is committed to supporting the students in their learning, through being available to aide students in their work throughout, ensuring that all work set is returned within one week, and that feedback given is meaningful. Students’ progress is tracked and they are made aware of areas for improvement and where they are doing well to support both their learning and personal development. Cumulatively, this aims to ensure that students feel prepared for their formal examinations, and following A level, are ready for tertiary education.

 

Department Team

Mr D. McMahon - Head of Department
Ms E. Carvell - Teacher of Biology
Ms A. Di Mond - Teacher of Biology
Mr D. Hardy - Teacher of Biology

Curriculum at a glance

Key Stage 3

In Year 8, topics from KS3 national curriculum are taught with the aim to stretch students in subject knowledge and to develop their practical skills. Areas of study from the AQA Activate! course are ‘Health and Lifestyle’, ‘Biological Processes’, and ‘Reproduction and Inheritance.’

In Year 9, students embark on AQA GCSE Biology (9-1). Two topics are studied, ‘Cell Biology’ which explores cell structure, cell division and transport in a cell, and ‘Organisation’ which covers the digestive and cardiovascular systems in mammals and non-communicative diseases.

There is a one-hour lesson each week with various teaching styles adopted to help students progress. Skills of analysis, communication and enquiry are developed throughout the year.

Progression is assessed during class time, and formal assessments are conducted at the end of each topic of work.

Key Stage 4

In Year 10, the AQA course continues, with the following topics: ‘Plant organisation: plant transport and photosynthesis’, ‘Respiration and metabolism’, ‘Homeostasis’ which explores nerves, hormones and plant growth substances, and ‘Ecosystems’, in which food chains, population size and pollution are studied.

There are two one-hour lessons each week and practical work is undertaken in order to fulfil the GCSE requirements of the course. A 90-minute exam is conducted at the start of the summer term in to assess progress and this forms the basis for an end of year predicted grade.

The GCSE will be taken at the end of Year 11. It consists of two exam papers, so there is a strong emphasis on revision, especially after the first term. Two further topics are taught in this year: ‘Infection and response: diseases, drug development and vaccines’ and ‘Inheritance, variation and evolution’.

An intensive revision programme is followed preceding the exams. Throughout the year exam skills are further developed to ensure students feel fully prepared for the two exam papers.

A link to the AQA GCSE Biology syllabus is below:

GCSE Biology 8461 | Specification | AQA

 

Key Stage 5

A level Biology is often needed by potential medics, vets or dentists, although students do study the subject as their only A level science, or indeed with the aim of studying the subject at university. The subject is ever changing and thus class tasks will develop the skill of application alongside the deepening of the understanding of biological processes.

Students follow the AQA A level course. Topics are continued and developed from GCSE starting with biochemistry and cell biology. Throughout the course practical work aims to strengthen knowledge, develop communication skills and allow application skills to be practised. Exams are sat at the end of the second year and consist of three papers:

• Paper 1 (based on Year 12 work)
• Paper 2 (based on Year 13 work)
• Paper 3 (based on application and practical skills)

A link to the AQA A level Biology syllabus is below:

AS Level Biology 7401 | Specification | AQA

 

Enrichment and Support

There are opportunities to attend a lecture day and outside competitions are available throughout the academic year for students’ personal development and to complement classroom learning.