Biology is a subject that everyone can relate to. We aim to build on that and develop an interest and understanding of the natural systems in the world around us.
We also aim to develop inquisitive thinking and practical and investigative skills.
Modern Biology covers not only the study of plants and animals but also microbiology, biotechnology and environmental studies.
The school has laboratories dedicated to the Biological Sciences as well as extensive grounds, with varied habitats, which are used to support the teaching of Biology.
Biology is taught for one hour a week by subject specialists.
YEAR II
AUTUMN TERM
Staying Alive (blood, breathing and respiration)
Active Body (muscles, joints and movement)
SPRING TERM
The Five Senses
Classification (taxonomy and the 5 kingdoms)
SUMMER TERM
Microbes (disease and biotechnology)
YEAR III
AUTUMN TERM
Plants at Work (plant structure and photosynthesis)
Diet and Digestion
SPRING TERM
Human Reproduction (foetal development and birth)
Variation, Chromosomes, Genes and DNA
SUMMER TERM
Ecology (this carries forward to form part of the IGCSE course)
The AQA Science course is assessed by modular examinations and by practical skills assessment.
Topics covered in Years IV and V for those studying for Science and Additional Science GCSE include:
Co-ordination and Control
Healthy Eating
Drug Abuse
Controlling Infectious Disease
Adaptation for Survival
Variation
Evolution
How People Affect the Planet
Cells
Photosynthesis
Energy in Ecosystems
Enzymes
Homeostasis
Inheritance
For those studying Biology as one of three separate science subjects, additional topics are covered:
Exchange of Materials
Transporting Substances Around the Body
Microbiology
The OCR syllabus is followed for AS and A2 Biology.
It is important to study Biology if you wish to apply for Medicine, Veterinary Science, Nursing or Biology-related courses. It is useful if you are studying any other science university course, and is accepted as a suitable A level entry into humanities or arts courses too.
You need at least a grade C in Biology or Double Award Science at GCSE or IGCSE for entry on to the AS course.
AS Biology
UNIT : Cells, Exchange and Transport
Cell Structure
Cell Membranes
Cell Division, Diversity and Organisation
Exchange Surfaces and Breathing
Transport in Animals
Transport in Plants
UNIT: Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health
Biological Molecules
Nucleic Acids
Enzymes
Diet and Food Production
Health and Disease
Biodiversity
Classification
Evolution
Maintaining Biodiversity
Practical skills in AS Biology are assessed by means of discrete tasks set each year by the examination board. They are carried out and marked in school.
A2 Biology
UNIT: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
Communication and Homeostasis
Excretion
Photosynthesis
Respiration
UNIT : Control, Genomes and Environment
Cellular Control and Variation
Biotechnology and Gene Technology
Ecosystems and Sustainability
Responding to the Environment
Practical skills are set and marked as for AS.
Science Café
On Wednesday 15th September 2010 the Sixth Form scientists had our first Science Café meeting of the year in the library.
Sarah Morton (studying Medicine) and Shona Day (studying Physics with Music) from Imperial College London both spoke to us about studying a science degree at university, what kind of things that would entail and also gave us some general information on applying to university. I think we all found it very helpful, whether to help us decide whether a science degree is right for us or even for some last minute tips for writing personal statements!
Zoe Gilbert
UVI