Biology
Our Curriculum Aims:
Biology is an exciting dynamic subject that aims to understand the very basis of life itself. It ranges from the interactions that occur at the molecular level within and between cells to the interactions within and between whole ecosystems. It is constantly evolving and is a subject that is relevant to every single person.
David Attenborough said
“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living”
In our Biology curriculum we aim
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To enable students to have a good understanding of the biological principles that will enable them to make sense of the Biology they encounter in their lives.
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To develop scientific curiosity and enable students to understand the importance of science to society.
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To encourage independent learning so students have the skills to be lifelong learners.
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To encourage our students to become questioning thinkers so they are able to consider data presented to them in a critical manner.
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To enable the students to develop their core scientific analytical skills as well as scientific literacy.
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To develop the practical skills necessary to carry out valid investigations.
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To prepare students with a solid foundation of the knowledge and skills required to enter a wide range of technical and scientific professions.
We are planning a range of new extracurricular activities for 2021-2022 including Journal club, CREST awards and the opportunity to take part in the Biology challenge and intermediate Biology Olympiad.
Students are taught in one of our five dedicated Biology labs by experienced teachers whose specialisms range from Biochemistry to Ecology.
In year 13 Students take part in a field trip to Rhyd-Y Creuau field studies centre in Wales.
Key Stage Three Curriculum Overview
Year 9
Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
|
HT 1 |
Photosynthesis and Plant Growth Respiration |
Investigation of the requirements of Photosynthesis and Respiration. Development of Practical skills and competencies needed to pass the GCSE practical skills assessment. |
Tests at the end of photosynthesis topic and end of respiration topic. |
HT 2 |
Start of the GCSE AQA specification |
Animal and plant cells |
Tests at the end of the topic |
HT 3 |
AQA specification |
Transport in cells |
Tests at the end of the topic |
HT 4 |
AQA specification 4.2 Organisation within biological systems 4.2.1 |
Principles of organisation within biological systems |
Test at the end of topic |
HT 5 |
AQA specification |
Plant tissues |
Trial Exam |
HT 6 |
AQA specification |
Adaptations |
Test at the end of topic |
GCSE Course Followed: Biology
Specification: AQA (Syllabus code 8461)
Why Choose GCSE
GCSE Biology offers a broad base of Biological areas to ensure students are informed about key issues in Biology and the implications for humans and other organisms. It provides students with the greatest range of biological areas for further study at university and beyond. It provides access to a wide range of vocational careers in many different fields such as agriculture, forestry, medicine, conservation and biotechnology. Biology also develops critical thinking, organisational skills, analytical skills and practical skills too.
All students will study:
- Cell Biology
- Organisation
- Infection and Response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and Response
- Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
- Ecology
Key Stage Four Curriculum Overview
Year 10
|
Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
HT 1 |
Ecology 4.7.1.2, 4.7.1.3, 4.7.2.1, 4.7.4.2, Organisation in animals 4.2.2, 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3 |
Abiotic and Biotic factors, Animal tissues organs and organ systems exemplified by the Circulatory system. |
Test at end of topic
Test at end of topic |
HT 2 |
Noncommunicable diseases
Infection and response 4.3.1.1, 4.3.1.2, 4.3.1.3, 4.3.1.4, 4.3.1.5, |
Health issues, the effect of lifestyle on non communicable diseases and cancer
Communicable diseases in plants and animals |
Test at end of topic
Test at end of topic |
HT 3 |
Infection and response |
Culturing Microorganisms
|
Test at end of topic
|
HT 4 |
Bioenergetics
Bioenergetics |
Photosynthesis
Respiration, Metabolism and response to exercise |
Test at end of topic
Test at end of topic |
HT 5 |
Cell division |
Chromosomes, Cell division and Stem cells |
Trial Exam |
HT 6 |
Homeostasis and response 4.5.2.1, 4.5.2.2 4.5.2.3, 4.5.3.1, 4.5.3.2, 4.5.3.3
|
Nervous system |
Test at end of topic |
Year 11
|
Name of topic |
Key Content of the Topic |
Assessment points |
HT 1 |
Homeostasis and response |
Hormones in human reproduction |
Test at end of topic |
HT 2 |
Inheritance Variation and Evolution 4.6.1.1 4.6.1.2 4.6.1.3
4.6.1.4 4.6.1.5 4.6.1.6 4.6.1.7 |
Sexual and asexual reproduction Meiosis Advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction DNA and the genome DNA structure Genetic inheritance Inherited disorders |
Test at end of topic |
HT 3 |
Inheritance, Variation and Evolution |
Sex determination |
Test at end of topic |
HT 4 |
Ecology (continued) |
Biodiversity |
Test at end of topic |
HT 5 |
|
Revision and exam technique practice |
|
HT 6 |
NA |
|
GCSE exams |
Recommended Revision Guides for GCSE
Pupils have access to the online textbook through Kerboodle. There are revision materials available on Office 365. Revision guides are available from bookstores such as W.H.Smith and Waterstones. As long as it is AQA Biology GCSE specific and it is in a style that appeals to your son, then it will be suitable. Particularly recommended is the Oxford University Press Revise: AQA GCSE Biology Revision and Practice
Oxford Revise: AQA GCSE Biology Revision and Exam Practice
Support available for GCSE Students
Drop in sessions are available if students need to seek advice or support. Students should ask their biology teachers about these sessions.