Biology
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Department Staff
- Miss Nicole Allcott (Acting Head of Department)
- Dr Chris Anderson
- Mrs Helen Arnold
- Miss Danielle Creese
- Mr David Pickstone
- Mrs Sam Strupczewska (Biology technician)
The Department
The Biology Department aims to stimulate pupils' curiosity and sustain and develop their enjoyment and interest in biology. Through creative teaching we hope to encourage pupils to explore the social, ethical, environmental and technological aspects of biology and to consider the importance and value of these in society.
The Syllabus
The Biology Course offered to pupils enables them to develop essential knowledge and understanding of biology concepts along with the skills required to apply their knowledge and understanding to practical situations.
In Years 7 and 8, pupils follow a general biology course which encompasses a wide and varied range of topics. Practical work is a key element of these courses and pupils will find themselves testing the effectiveness of various antibiotics and producing better milk for cats!
All pupils study Biology to GCSE. Pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11 are currently following the IGCSE (CIE) Biology course. This academically rigorous course enables pupils to better understand the technological world in which they live, and to take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Pupils learn the basic principles of biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. This course provides pupils with a solid biological background for A level studies. IGCSE results from 2008 were outstanding with 79% of pupils attaining an A* grade and 97% A*-A grades.
At A level pupils follow the OCR Modular Syllabus for Biology where they study a total of four modules throughout the two year course.
In the AS year pupils take theory papers in:
Unit F211 Cells, Exchange and Transport
Unit F212 Molecules, Biodiversity and Food and Health
Pupils also take an internally assessed practical skills unit (Unit F213).
In the A2 year pupils take theory papers in:
Unit F214 Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
Unit F215 Control, Genomes and Environment
Pupils also take an internally assessed practical skills unit (Unit F216).
Candidates achieved superb results at A2 level in 2008, with 71% gaining an A grade and 98% A to C grades.
Pupils who study biology to Advanced level will be well-equipped to pursue a higher qualification in a number of courses, including Natural Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine.
Pupils in the Middle school are entered for the National Biology Challenge competition. Sixth Form pupils are also selected to enter the Biology Olympiad competition; in recent years pupils have achieved gold and silver medals and highly commended certificates in this National event.
