Biology

Departmental Aims

• To facilitate maximum examination performance from each student
• To enthuse and engender a wider interest in Biology as a whole, above and beyond the confines of the specification
•  To build upon and further develop practical skills.

Facilities

• Our Science Centre provides the perfect backdrop to teaching the biologists of the 21^st century
• Well-equipped laboratories allow us to place experimental work at the fore of lessons
• Three specialist Sixth Form laboratories give our A Level students access to facilities and apparatus comparable to undergraduate teaching facilities
• Seven teachers bring a wealth and variety of expertise to the classroom, including experience of academic research and public examining
• Our full time-technician is dedicated to providing practical activities which make full use of our well-resourced facilities.

A Level Curriculum

We follow the Edexcel Biology B Specification which aims to enable students to develop:

• Essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
• Competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
• Their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
• An understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.

Co-curricular, Enrichment, Extension and Support

• The student-led Sixth Form Science Society organises a variety of activities, from the Years 6-8 Science Fair to the Sixth Form Science Dinner
• The Biology Olympiad is open to all Sixth Form Students
• Students carry out a piece of ecology fieldwork in Year 13 as part of their endorsed practical work.

A large proportion of students go on to study a biology related discipline at university including: Biology, Biosciences/Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Paramedic Science.