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Biology

The Biology Department is committed to a hands-on experimental approach to learning, encouraging students to think independently and work collaboratively. The aim is to balance the development of scientific skills and subject knowledge.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-8)

At Key Stage 3 students follow a general Science curriculum to introduce them to using scientific equipment and to give a general grounding in the subjects. Single Subject GCSE courses commence in Year 9.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11 GCSE)

Students study the AQA (9-1) Biology specification at GCSE. Coverage of key topics continues until the Easter of Year 11 as there is a great deal of course content to cover. This does not allow for much revision before students go on study leave; some students are targeted for tailored revision support at lunchtimes with year 12 Science Link volunteers - aspiring to raise attainment among lower achieving students. Most students sit the Higher Tier papers.

Topics studied include: 

  • Cell biology
  • Organisation
  • Infection and response
  • Bioenergetics
  • Homeostasis and response
  • Inheritance, variation and evolution
  • Ecology
  • Key ideas

GCSE Biology Specification

Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13 A Level)

Students are required to have gained at least a grade 7 in Biology GCSE or a 7-7 in Core and Additional Science to be eligible to take this course at A Level

Students follow the OCR course which is 100% examination-based. There is also a pass/fail Practical Endorsement which is awarded by DCGS and monitored by OCR. Biology in the sixth form provides a course that is interesting, varied and relevant to the world today. 

In addition to studying some key GCSE themes in greater depth, there is the opportunity to cover a number of new topics. OCR Biology provides content that is up to date and scientifically accurate, and allows clear progression from GCSE to A level through to higher education. The varied content of the course also provides us with the opportunity to promote learning through a wide range of methods and techniques, and by encouraging the use of key study skills. We believe the course provides a rewarding experience, genuinely challenging the most able students.

GCSE Biology grades are good indicators of suitability for this course. Biology can be combined with any other subjects but Chemistry provides good support to the course at this level. Indeed, if students wish to consider going on to study a natural science at university, then Chemistry is essential.

With significantly greater mathematical content in the specification and following analysis of the 9-1 GCSE results, we strongly advise that students considering taking any of the science subjects to A level should be aiming to achieve a minimum of GCSE grade 7 in all their sciences and mathematics.

Areas of study are as follows: 

  • Development of practical skills
  • Foundations in biology
  • Exchange and transport
  • Biodiversity, evolution and disease
  • Communications, homeostasis and energy
  • Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

A Level Biology Specification

Co-curricular activities

  • Year 8 Trip to the Science Museum
  • GCSE Trip to Science Live
  • Field Trip to Mop End Study Centre, Amersham
  • Science Club
  • Medics Society (VI Form)