We pride ourselves as a hands-on and forward thinking department and we strive to inspire and cultivate a fascination for life sciences in boys of all ages. We allow our pupils to explore Biology through a variety of practical and theoretical approaches. We maintain a large collection of exotic animals (snakes, tortoises, lizards, insects and spiders) to bring real-life Biology into the classroom.

In iGCSE and A level pupils also get to experience advance genetics techniques as well as a wide range of the usual practical work. The school grounds and the local area also lends itself well to ecological field work. We aim to provide a broad based Biological education to prepare our boys right up to Oxbridge Medic/ Vet level or simply to encourage a healthy, scientifically informed life.

Matthew S King BSc, PGCE: Head of Department
Mr King has a particular interest in looking after the Department's extensive live animal resources. He is also keen on subaqua pursuits, and runs clay pigeon shooting activities in the School.

Darren M George BSc, PGCE
Mr George is also in charge of outdoor pursuits and also helps with football in the School.

Katie A Tully BSc, MSc  PGCE
Miss Tully also assists with drama productions, as she has a particular interest in costume-making.

Andrew Ross: Technician

We have two well equipped full sized laboratories and one small lab all with full multimedia facilities and video microscopes. We are equipped to do the following genetics work:  PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction and fruit fly genetics.

We currently have the following animals in our menagerie: Boa constrictor, king snake, corn snakes, tortoises, bearded dragons, tarantula, stick insects, quail, chickens, ducks, axolotl, various fish. We also use dissection to demonstrate structure of organ systems with material sourced from deer and rabbits that have been culled.

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 Curriculum for Excellence and the English National Curriculum.

Biology as a distinct subject is taught from the III Form.

III Form: Our syllabus is written as a link between 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.

IV Form: The course is an introduction to the GCSE using syllabus content from the  KS4 of the National Curriculum. There is an emphasis on relating Biology to everyday situations and to general health. Modules covered are Cells and Biologicial principles, digestion, heart and transport, microbes and disease, human reproduction and finally ecology. A lot of practical work is used this year.

Shell & V Form: The Edexcel iGCSE Biology course is taught. All pupils in the Shell and Fifth Forms study all three sciences either as 2 or 3 iGCSEs, depending on ability.

VI Forms: We teach the OCR AS/A2 Biology course.

Dissection club for prospective medical/ veterinary students. We looked at squid, herring, rabbit, rat, deer, crow and magpie.