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Sets are small and streamed allowing pupils to work within a group sharing similar ability. In the Sixth Form there are two separate sets per year for higher and lower ability. The allocation of class contact time is generous and spread throughout the week with an additional prep. Time allocation. Provision of at least one double lesson with all but the junior classes gives ample provision for the necessary practical work in the subject. The overriding ethos of the Biology department is practical, hands-on Biology with dissection, genetics and field trips an important part of the teaching.
 I & II Forms
The science syllabus for I and II Forms covers the needs of our new intake and is in line with the stipulations of the National Curriculum (Scottish 5-14 and English Key Stage 2/3). The Biology department helps with the science teaching inII Form.
III Form
Separate science syllabuses are used, again in keeping with the National Curriculum Key stage 3. The Biology syllabus is written as a link between the introductory science topics covered in I and II Forms and the GCSE topics to be commenced in IV Form. The syllabus also caters as an introductory Biology course for those entering the school at this level. The main topics covered are Plant Biology in term 1, Animal Biology in term 2 and Ecology in term 3.
IV Form
Biology in the IV Form begins to introduce some of the ideas for GCSE and the course is designed to be interesting and practical in order to stimulate interest for the subject. The main topics covered are: Cells and living things, digestion, transport, microbes and disease, reproduction and photosynthesis. Project work is used for to encourage independent learning.
Shell and V Forms
GCSE
 In 2006 a new suite of GCSE courses was introduced to fulfil government guidelines. We chose to follow the OCR Gateway specification and we are currently in the second year of teaching this. Staff and students have found it to be a stimulating and up to date course with lots of interesting practical work. We teach the full course for separate science Biology (units B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6). For coursework we do the Can-do Tasks and the Science in the News report.
Sixth Form
AS/A (Modular)
This is the last year of the old OCR modular syllabus and leads to the award of AS (Advanced Subsidiary). The course consists of three units (modules). The first is "Foundation Biology" which covers cells, enzymes, genes and ecosystems. The second is "Human Health and Disease" which includes diet and smoking, the effects of exercise and the immune system. The third consists of half a theory unit of "Transport" and half on experimental skills. A/S Biology will be examined at the end of Lower Sixth and a pass is required to progress onto the second half of the 'A' Level syllabus - referred to as A2.
A2 Biology also consists of three units. The first is "Central Concepts" which covers respiration and photosynthesis, population ecology, genetics, evolution and control & communication, The second unit introduces some choice into the syllabus. One option is selected from a list of five:
- Growth, Development and Reproduction
- Application of Genetics
- Environmental Biology
- Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Mammalian Physiology
The final unit consists of experimental skills and a synoptic assessment covering the whole of the two year syllabus. Experimental skills form ten percent of the final assessment and the remainder is by examination. Unit papers may be sat in January and June. There may be one resit of any unit.
 Next September we will be starting the new AS/ A2 OCR course which is designed to fit in with the Gateway GCSE course that we began teaching last year. There are 3 AS units – Cells, Exchange and Transport, Molecules, Biodiversity , Food and Health and Practical skills in Biology 1. There are also 3 A2 units – Communication, Homeostasis and Energy, Control, Genomes and Environment and Practical skills in Biology 2.
Biology combines well with Chemistry, Geography, Physics and Maths. Biology is an ideal subject for those aiming for a Science degree course or for those aiming for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine. Biology is essential along with Chemistry. Biology also provides a valuable science for those whose post 'A' Level future is not certain.
An A, B or C grade at GCSE is essential to be able to tackle this course with a prospect of success. |
