Biology Department
Department Staff
- Dr Cheryl Buchanan (Head of Department)
- Miss Nicole Allcott
- Dr Chris Anderson
- Mrs Helen Arnold
- Mr David Pickstone
- Mrs Sam Strupczewska (Biology technician)
The Department
The Biology Department aims to stimulate pupils' curiosity and sustain and develop their enjoyment and interest in biology. Through creative teaching we hope to encourage pupils to explore the social, ethical, environmental and technological aspects of biology and to consider the importance and value of these in society.
The Syllabus
The Biology Courses offered to pupils enable them to develop essential knowledge and understanding of biology concepts along with the skills required to apply their knowledge and understanding to practical situations.
In the first and second year, pupils follow a general biology course which encompasses a wide and varied range of topics. Practical work is a key element of these courses and pupils will find themselves testing the effectiveness of various antibiotics and producing better milk for cats!
All pupils study Biology to GCSE. Pupils in years three, four and five are currently following the IGCSE (CIE) Biology course. This academically rigorous course enables pupils to better understand the technological world in which they live, and to take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Pupils learn the basic principles of biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. This course provides pupils with a solid biological background for A level studies.
At A level pupils follow the OCR Modular Syllabus for Biology where they study a total of five modules throughout the two year course. All A2 pupils also attend a residential field course in October of the Upper Sixth Form.
In the AS year pupils take theory papers in:
- Biology Foundation
- Human Health and Disease
- Transport
In the A2 year pupils take theory papers in:
- Central Concepts
- Mammalian Physiology and Behaviour
- Unifying concepts in Biology (synoptic paper)
Pupils also take a practical examination in both the AS and A2 year.
Pupils who study biology to Advanced level will be well-equipped to pursue a higher qualification in a number of courses, including Natural Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine.
Sixth Form pupils are also selected to enter the Biology Olympiad competition. In 2007, pupils achieved one gold and two silver awards (from five entries); the winner of the gold medal attended the International Biology Olympiad in Canada and achieved a superb silver medal in this competition.
