“Biology is the study of complicated things that have the appearance of having been designed with a purpose”Richard Dawkins
The aims of the Biology department are to foster inquisitiveness and develop thinking skills through an active and inclusive program of study across all years. Practical skills are continually developed and remain a core area of lessons on a daily basis. Pupils are encouraged to utilise all their skills across all three of the science discipline.
Years 7 - 9
Biology is taught alongside Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences. The emphasis is to focus upon investigative and analytical skills as well as the more familiar areas of subject content. Many of the tasks in the curriculum involve problem solving activities to enhance and develop thinking skills.
GCSE
The department follows the Edexcel iGCSE. Full details of the course content can be found here:
- The nature and variety of living organisms
- Structure and functions in living organisms
- Reproduction and inheritance
- Ecology and the environment
- Use of biological resources
All pupils are taught Biology as a single subject initially. However, there is the opportunity for a General Science Double Award entry across all three sciences if relevant. There is no controlled assessment at iGCSE. Practical skills are taught within lessons and examined within the terminal written papers.
Co-Curricular
The department has a Science Club for Years 7 and 8.
Trips include:
- Café Scientifique (for all Years)
- GCSE Science Live (for Years 9/10)
- Hurstmonceux Observatory (for Year 7)
"Pupils display exemplary scientific knowledge and interest, including in ecology"
ISI