Biology
In Biology, we aim to stimulate a sense of curiosity and understanding in pupils about their bodies, the world around them and, increasingly, how our species needs to be aware of what it needs to do to look after its environment. We use the course content to underpin this approach to their learning rather than just teaching them.
Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics ranging from human biology and plant biology to ecology and the study of disease. Biology is a subject that is closely related to everyday life and is never far from the headlines.
Issues such as genetic engineering, viral disease and vaccination, biotechnology and global warming are some of the areas much in the news. These are explored during Years 9 to 11 along with the key topics that underly the subject.
GCSE
What will I learn?
GCSE Biology enthuses pupils about the extraordinary sphere of Life on Earth from tiny bacteria to the complicated inner workings of our body. It is important for humans to appreciate that they are part of the world in which they exist and show an understanding of their place in it. By carrying out practical work and following scientific procedure during experiments pupils can learn to anticipate and adjust their lifestyles to become healthy individuals and look after the planet.
How is the course structured?
We start teaching the GCSE syllabus in Year 9, looking at how cells and the organ systems they are found in keep the body alive. The vital role plants play in ensuring life on Earth exists is also emphasised. The ability to think critically and being able to evaluate information and data is now a fundamental part of Biology at GCSE. In Year 11 the structure and function of DNA (which now forms a core part of the syllabus) is looked at in detail. Much practical work is undertaken to bring to life the academic content we study.
How is the course examined?
There are two exam papers:
• Paper 1 (1h 45): Topics 1–4: cell biology, organisation infection and response and bioenergetics.
• Paper 2 (1h 45): Topics 5–7: homeostasis and response, inheritance, variation and evolution and ecology.
A Level
Why study Biology A Level?
If you have a love of and an inquisitiveness for the living world Biology is for you. You’ll gain an appreciation of how molecular biology impacts on life at every level from the cell, to organisms like yourself and the ecosystems that provide habitiats for all organisms. Much time is spent looking at DNA and how it codes for all life on Earth.
What will I learn?
You will gain an appreciation of the four themes of how life on Earth functions by obtaining an energy source, cell theory, how structure relates to function and how evolution leads to those functional structures in organisms. The importance of DNA in modern society underpins much of the specification. You’ll be challenged intellectually, and learn to think critically.
How is the course structured?
Through the course you will have two teachers who will team teach the components of the specification together. While we do a lot of practical work you are assessed in twelve core practicals so you become competent at carrying out practical tasks. There is also a three day Marine Biology field trip to Wales, an immunity workshop at the Edward Jenner museum and a genetics workshop at ‘We the Curious’ in Bristol.
How is the course examined?
There are three two hour exam papers. Paper 1 is based on Year 12 content, Paper 2 on Year 13 content and Paper 3 is synoptic with questions based on your ability to evaluate data and think critically.
What could I do next?
Alongside the option to pursue Biology further, because the subject can be studied alongside just about every other A-level subject you can end up pursuing a degree and career in just about every field there is; Medicine, Law, Business Management, Teaching or even Space.