Biology

Biology is derived from a Greek term meaning ‘to talk about life’.  As a Science subject, Biology is the study of living organisms and how they interact with the environment.  Biology deals with every aspect of life in a living organism. 

Biology represents the most challenging and exciting frontier in science.  With new developments every day and endless possibilities, modern Biology based on genetics and DNA is having and will have a huge influence on our lives.

Many of our students further their knowledge of Biology in careers such as Medicine, Dentistry, Vetinary, Optometry and Pharmacy.

Aims of the Biology Department are to
• stimulate interest in and enjoyment of Biology
• encourage and enable students to reach their full potential through support and challenge
• enable students to become confident citizens by developing skills, knowledge and understanding, enabling them to formulate and communicate their own opinions about developments in Biology.
• develop student’s knowledge and understanding of health and safety issues.

Staff
The Biology department consists of three full time teachers of Biology, Ms M Clancy, Mr G Tate and Mr P Fitzsimons and two technicians, Mrs A Lively and Ms L Berry.

Curriculum

KS3

Biology is taught under the umbrella of ‘Science’ in Years 8 and 9 and follows the Revised Curriculum guidelines.  Students spend on average 3 hours per week in Science lessons and are taught in their form groups.  The following topics are taught in Years 8 and 9.

Year 8 Year 9
• Characteristics of Living Things • Breathing and Respiration
• Cells • Circulation
• Variation and Classification • Animal Nutrition and Digestion
• Reproduction • Ecology
 
In year 10, Biology is timetabled as a separate Science and taught by a subject specialist.  In Year 10 the following topics are taught.

Year 10
• Human Influence on the Environment
• Photosynthesis
• Plant Transport
• Genetics
KS4

At Key Stage 4, Biology is an optional subject but when making GCSE subject choices, students must select one of the three ‘Science’ subjects.

Biology is a popular subject choice at GCSE level and is taught by subject specialists in four periods per week.

Students follow the AQA Biology Specification (Higher Tier) which leads to a single award GCSE in Biology.  The course consists of three units which are assessed in modular format and a centre assessed unit which is based on class practical work.  There is no coursework component.

Timing of Modular Exams

• B1 ( 2×30 min, Multiple choice papers) Year 11 (June) 25%
• B2 (45 min written paper) Year 12 (January) 25%
• B3 (45 min written paper) Year 12 (June) 25%

To see the full specification for GCSE Biology visit the AQA website – www.aqa.org.uk

AS/A2

Biology is a popular choice at AS and A2 levels and the courses are based on the CCEA specifications.
The structure of the AS and A2 level courses are summarised in the table below:

Unit Nature of Assessment Weighting Module Availability
   
AS 1:  Molecules and Cells 1 hr 30 mins
written exam 40% of AS
20% of A Level January and Summer
AS 2:  Organisms and Biodiversity 1 hr 30 mins
written exam 40% of AS
20% of A Level January and Summer
AS 3:  Assessment of Practical Skills in AS Biology Internal practical assessment   20% of AS
10% of A Level Summer
   
A2 1:  Physiology and Ecosystems 2 hr
written exam 40% of A2
20% of A Level January and Summer
A2 2:  Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary Trends 2 hr
written exam 40% of A2
20% of A Level Summer
A2 3:  Assessment of Practical Skills in Biology Internal practical assessment   20% of A2
10% of A Level Summer

To see the full specification for GCSE Biology visit the CCEA website – www.ccea.org.uk