Our aims

Pupils study biology as a separate subject from Year 7 to IGCSE level.

All lessons are taught by biology specialists with a wide variety of research backgrounds and interests. Our laboratories are equipped to the highest standards and practical work is central to our teaching of the subject. Each student is trained from Year 7 in the use of microscopes and how to handle a variety of biological equipment, including organic material during dissections.

We aim to:

• Stimulate the natural curiosity of students and develop their enjoyment and interest in all areas of biology
• Enable students to develop the essential knowledge and understanding of concepts along with the skills required to apply their knowledge during examinations
• Enable students to develop a thorough  understanding of scientific method and to work independently and safely within the laboratory
• Encourage students to think independently and to question often
• Develop and maintain positive teacher student relationships built on mutual respect and an understanding of individual needs

Learning journey - Years 7 and 8

In Years 7 and 8 we give students a wide exposure to different aspects of biology to help them appreciate the wonderful world of living organisms. These courses include as much practical work as possible and students will find themselves examining the histology of cells and making their own cell models, extracting DNA from peas and dissecting a teleost fish.

In Year 7 students cover cells and microscope work, microbiology, plant biology, experimental design and invertebrate biology. In Year 8 the topics cover the study of the vertebrate classes and build on the foundations from Year 7 of experimental design.

Learning journey - IGCSE

From Year 9 students follow the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) biology course. This challenging course enables students to better understand the natural and scientific world in which they live, and to take an informed interest in biotechnological developments.

Students learn the fundamental principles of biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. This course provides an excellent level of biological detail and background for A level studies.

In Year 9 students explore key biological concepts, cells and control and genetics.

In Year 10 students study natural selection and genetic modification, health, disease and the development of medicines, plant structures and their functions and animal co-ordination, control and homeostasis.

In Year 11 students complete the course with an examination of exchange and transport in animals and ecosystems and material cycles.

Providing stretch

Students wishing to take their learning further can carry out one of the optional investigations set each term, from exploring how isotonic drinks work to considering enzyme use in industry.

Students are welcome to access our specimen collection, for interest or to produce biological drawings.

We enthusiastically celebrate Biology Week. From watching chicks emerge on our ‘Hatch cam’ to ‘Dissection lunchtime’, there is something for everyone. Zoolab regularly visits the school, providing a chance to examine live animals and understand the finer points of classification.

All biology students from Years 9 and 10 enter the annual national Biology Challenge competition. This competition tests students’ general biology knowledge and their wider understanding of biological issues, and each year more than 30,000 students enter. In 2019, Perse students received 46 Gold awards, 62 Silver, 95 Bronze, 62 Highly Commended and 42 Commended.

Beyond the classroom

Biologists frequently come to give lectures as part of our lunchtime 42 society.

Recent speakers include Dr Jem Rashbass, National Director for Disease Registration at Public Health England, whose lecture ‘Blood, pus and stones: a few things you find at a post-mortem’ was not for the squeamish; and consultant neurosurgeon Rodney Laing, who explored the hype and reality that surrounds attempts to fix the brain and spine.

We celebrate Science Week. During the most recent event the theme was ‘light’; Year 9 students performed photosynthesis experiments examining the effects of different wavelengths of light on the rate of photosynthesis and Year 10 students completed an eye dissection.

Ecology Club meets weekly for anyone interested in learning more about the natural world. In 2016 the group took part in the RHS’s ‘Rocket Science’ experiment, in which they cultivated rocket plans from seeds that had been sent to space, to investigate the effect of microgravity.

A weekly after-school club for Years 7 to 9, Science Club provides an opportunity to carry out fun practicals such as identifying what gives fireworks their colour, extracting DNA from fruit, making bath bombs and conducting experiments with light.