Biology

Biology is taught as a separate subject from Year 9. This is an option subject and enables pupils to gain a GCSE in each of the three separate Science subjects, graded independently of each other.

AIMS

  • To provide a worthwhile educational experience for all pupils at all levels.
  • To stimulate curiosity, interest, and enjoyment of Biology and to equip all students for further studies requiring a scientific background.
  • Develop safe experimental and investigative abilities.
  • Encourage effective communication and social skills in working with others.
  • To acquire a systematic body of Biological knowledge, including the uses and limitations of Biology.
  • Develop an understanding of technological, economic, environmental, social, and ethical applications/implications of chemical processes as well-prepared citizens in a scientific and technological world.

OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

  • Make use of existing scientific knowledge and ideas where appropriate (e.g. on transitioning from KS3).
  • Understand, recall and apply the knowledge set out in the syllabus for each year group and be well prepared to meet the demands of external examination boards.
  • Communicate chemical, physical, and biological observations, ideas, and arguments, using a range of scientific terms and vocabulary, both orally and in writing.
  • Solve qualitative and quantitative problems where appropriate.
  • Demonstrate a range of practical skills including:
    • following a detailed set of instructions
    • selection and use of apparatus with confidence
    • devising fair tests when working with several variables
    • observation, recording, and manipulation of results
    • concluding and evaluating including suggesting improvements.
  • Develop a degree of responsibility for their learning.
  • Be aware of Health and Safety implications for themselves and others.
  • Have the opportunity for the use of ICT as a source of information and as a tool in the collection and processing of results.

CURRICULUM

Key Stage 4

From Year 9, GCSE (AQA 8461 ) work is covered in line with school policy.

Year 9

Topic Title
1 Cell Biology
2 Organisation
3 Infection and response

 Year 10

4 Bioenergetics
5 Homeostasis and response

Year 11

6 Inheritance, variation, and evolution
7 Ecology

 FACILITIES & RESOURCES

Text Books

Course BOOK AUTHOR PUBLISHER
GCSE Biology AQA Biology Third Edition (online Kerboodle access) Fullick and Coates Oxford
A level Biology AQA Biology A-Level Year 1 online Kerboodle access

AQA Biology A-Level Year 2 online Kerboodle access

Essential Maths Skills for A-Level Biology

AQA Revision and Study Guides are available to order at cost price through Scopay

  

 

 

 

 

 Oxford University Press

 

CGP

CGP

A selection of textbooks is also available for the pupils in the school library. A selection of reference books are available for staff in the Head of Faculty office.

A class set of Learning by Questions tablets is available to be booked by teachers.

Rooms

B4 is a small laboratory and is mainly used for 6th form groups or small groups in other years

Laboratories B1, B2, and B3 are larger and can be used with any year group.

All Biology labs were refurbished in 2008.

A general ICT suite (ICT1), is also available (but this is a whole-school resource and requires booking in advance).

2 preparation rooms (one for Years 10/11 & A level and one for years 7 – 9).

1 Subject lead office.

1 flammable liquids store.

1 equipment storage area.

TRIPS & VISITS

  • GCSE Science in Action Conference
  • STEM challenge
  • Olympiads
  • Big Bang NEC
  • A-Level Ecology Field Trip

EXTRA CURRICULAR

  • Year 11 Revision (Wednesday’s Week B after school in B3)
  • Year 12 Drop in Clinic (Wednesday’s Week A after school in B2)
  • Year 13 Revision (Wednesday’s Week A after school in B3)
  • Biology Olympiad and Challenge
  • Nancy Rothwell Award for Biological illustration
  • KS3 Science Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information please contact:

Mr. DM Moriarty Eames
Subject Leader of Biology