Biology Department

Biology

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General Aims

We aim to stimulate and excite pupils' curiosity and their interest in the living world around them.  Biology is the study of living organisms which includes their structure, functioning, origin and evolution, classification, interrelationships and distribution.

Specific Aims

The Biology Department aims to encourage pupils to:

  • develop a knowledge and understanding of Biological concepts, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations in a range of domestic, industrial and environmental contexts;
  • develop an understanding of scientific methods;
  • be aware of advances in scientific and technological development including those related to the environment, personal health and quality of life;
  • recognize both the value and responsible use of Biology in society, with consideration of spiritual, moral, ethical, social and cultural issues; sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, Biology.

Curriculum

In addition to the Biology component of Double Award Science, GCSE Biology is offered at Key Stage 4. The CCEA course is taught and study of Biological theory at this level is divided into four main categories:

  • Living Organisms and Life Processes: Organ Systems of animals and plants; Nutrition; Diet; Transport; Reproduction; Excretion; Sensitivity and Response.
  • Environnent: Habitat Study; Classification; Adaptation; Cycles; Pollution; Conservation.
  • Variation: Cells; Specialization; Levels of Organization; Genetics; Selection; Growth.
  • Microbiology: Aseptic Techniques; Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses; Defence and Immunity; Work of Pasteur, Jenner and Fleming.

 Assessment is at the end of two years and consists of:

  • Paper 1 - Short questions (30%)
  • Paper 2 - Six structured questions with more emphasis on application, analysis, and evaluation (45%)
  • Internal assessment- One piece of investigative work involving planning, obtaining evidence and interpretation and evaluation (25%).

 Biology is delivered at both AS and A2 Level.  Biology remains a very popular subject choice and we have four classes at each level.  The CCEA Specification is followed, which combines biological theory, investigative work and practical procedures and each teaching group is taught by two teachers.

Outline of module titles and topics covered.

 

�         AS 1: Module 1 Molecules and Cells: Molecules, Enzymes, DNA Technology, Viruses, Cells, Cell Physiology, Continuity of Cells, and Tissues and Organs  (40% of AS/ 20% of A Level)

 

�         AS 2: Module 2 Organisms and Biodiversity: Transport and Exchange in Plants and Mammals, Adaptations of Organisms, and Biodiversity with an emphasis on local context. (40% of AS/ 20% of A Level)

 

�         AS 3: Module 3 Internal assessment of practical skills in AS Biology: Implementing, Recording, Interpreting (20% of AS/ 10% of A Level)

 

�         A2 1: Module 4 Physiology and Ecosystems: Homeostasis, Immunity, Coordination and Control in Plants and Animals, and Ecosystems  (40% of A2/ 20% of A Level)

�         A2 2: Module 5 Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary Trends: Respiration, Photosynthesis, DNA as the Genetic Code, Gene Technology, Genes and Patterns of Inheritance, Mechanisms of Change, Kingdom Plantae, and the Kingdom Animalia  (40% of A2/ 20% of A Level)

 

�         A2 3: Module 6 Internal assessment of Investigational and Practical Skills in Biology: Planning, Implementing, Analysing and Interpreting  (20% of A2/ 10% of A Level)

Resources

The Biology Department has six subject specific teachers and four fully equipped laboratories.  Each room has a data projector and several have interactive white boards to further enhance teaching and learning. Classes have access to a Science ICT suite.  A greenhouse is used to maintain a variety of plants and may be used by pupils during investigations.  The work of a full time technician facilitates the vast array of practical activities carried out by pupils at all Key Stages.

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