Biology

KEY STAGE 3:

In Year 8 the Biology curriculum is delivered as a series of topics.  There is an emphasis on the development of practical skills via investigation and experimentation and that Biology can be lots of fun.

Topics covered include:

The skeleton – the functions of the skeleton, identifying bones, types of joints, muscles and movement, damage to joints and the spine.

The lungs and breathing – lung anatomy, ventilation, measuring lung capacity, gas exchange and the differences between inhaled and exhaled air.

The heart and circulation – the structure of the heart, blood vessels, blood, measuring heart rate and blood pressure.

Fitness and healthy eating – effects of exercise on the joints, muscles and heart, fitness tests and recovery, main components of a healthy diet, food identification tests.

Classification – the five kingdoms, producers and consumers, food chains and webs, adaptation and factors affecting population size.

KEY STAGE 4:

Edexcel IGCSE / Code: 4BI1

All students follow the IGCSE course from the beginning of Year 9. This gives time for consolidation and extension work where appropriate.

The aim of the course is:

• To introduce students to the exciting nature of modern biology
• To enable students to learn through both theoretical and practical work
• To develop students analytical and evaluative skills
• To help students prepare for further study in biology and to provide a foundation for many careers

The content of the course covers a wide variety of topics including:

• The variety of living organisms
• Nutrition and biological molecules
• Gas exchange and respiration
• Transport in plants and animals
• Cell structure
• Excretion and communication
• Ecological cycles
• Inheritance and reproduction
• Human effects on the environment

Throughout, there is an emphasis on the study of human biology and the interaction of humans with other species. Students carry out practical work as an integral part of the course.

Post 16:

AQA A level / Code: 7401

 The course is designed to enable students to:

• sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, Biology.
• develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Biology and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations.
• develop an understanding of scientific methods.
• be aware of advances in technology, including information technology, relevant to Biology.
• recognise the value and responsible use of Biology in society.

• show knowledge and understanding of facts, principles and concepts from different areas of Biology and to make and use connections between them.

Biology encourages the development of a wide range of key skill areas. Students must possess the ability to analyse and interpret biological information and be able to express themselves fluently.  The specification aims to develop both breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding via the study of 8 modules:
1 – Biological molecules

2 – Cells

3 – Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4 – Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5 – Energy transfers in and between organisms

6 – Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7 – Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8 – The control of gene expression

The course includes the development of practical skills which will be separately accredited on the A Level certificate as an A Level practical endorsement. Some ecology fieldwork will be carried out as part of the course; this is often whole-day activities at off-school sites.

Click here to return to the Curriculum menu