Play Video NowBiology
Aims and Philosophy
Modern society is increasingly aware of its biological nature. We both depend on and influence our environment, we can manipulate genes to create new organisms, we are able to combat disease and modify our own physiology.
It is therefore essential that everyone should strive to gain a sound knowledge of Biology in order to understand the world in which we live more clearly and to appreciate the great diversity of animal and plant life. As well as the aim of providing the means for our pupils to obtain good passes in GCSE, AS and A level biology, the staff in the department are united in a wish to produce future citizens who are biologically aware and who will be able to use this knowledge for the benefit of all.
Course Content
Years 7 - 9
Introductory course with the general themes "The Body", "The Environment" and "Cell Biology". These years are structured around the Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum.
Years 10 & 11
Those in sets 1 and 2 follows Edexcel IGCSE syllabus for biology. Set 3 follows IGCSE Double Award. Those in set 4 and 5 follow the National Curriculum Key Stage 4 AQA specification leading to two GCSEs in Core Science and Additional Science.
Year 12
The AS and A level courses follow the OCR specification covering topics in: cell structure, cell division, biological molecules, food and health, transport systems in animals and plants, biodiversity, classification and evolution. All students will also undertake teacher-assessed practical assignments which contribute 20% of the AS award. A few students study Biology as part of their IB Diploma.
Year 13
A level topics include: nervous system, hormones, excretion, photosynthesis, respiration, cellular control, biotechnology and ecosystems. Again students will undertake practical assignments which will contribute a further 10% to the full GCE award.
Resources
Biology is taught as a separate subject to every age group in the school by seven specialist teachers. We enjoy the use of four fully equipped laboratories each with its own networked computer and data projector and interactive white board. The department is serviced by a graduate laboratory technician and we feel that this combination of resources and specialised tuition allows our pupils to attain high standards.
The use of videos (including colour-video-microscopy), and computers (including computer control of data acquisition) is made an integral part of the lessons and the department is equipped with a small museum, and a large number of high quality microscopes. The course provided is in no way entirely laboratory based - the school's outdoor pursuits centre (a beautifully-sited cottage on Dartmoor) is available for use as a base for sixth form ecological studies, and trips to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Paignton Zoo and the Eden Project form part of our junior courses.
Special Information
Over the last ten years the department has enjoyed a good examination record, with high pass levels at GCSE, AS and A level. Whilst priding ourselves on our contribution in terms of extra help and setting high standards of discipline and attainment, these results are, of course a reflection of our pupils' interest and their willingness to work hard.