BIOLOGY

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Biology is the scientific exploration of the vast and diverse world of living organisms; an exploration that has expanded enormously within the last four decades, revealing a wealth of knowledge about ourselves and about the millions of other organisms with whom we share planet Earth. Today, biological research worldwide spans an almost infinite spectrum of studies from molecules to landscapes.

Our world would no doubt be a different place if it weren’t for the amazing discoveries in biology that have pushed the world of science forward, allowing the human race to answer seemingly impossible questions while at the same time opening the door to new fields of research and discovery.

The study of biology has an immediate relevance to our daily lives. It is important for everyone to develop an informed sense of how we may individually and collectively continue to fit into the complex ecology of our planet without rendering horrendous destruction. Some of the greatest engineering feats of the future are likely to involve bioengineering projects, particularly concerning the disposal of municipal and industrial wastes and the development of renewable resources.

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GCSE Biology

We follow the AQA Biology specification and this qualification is linear which means that students will sit all their examinations at the end of the course. At the end of Year 11 students will sit two examinations; each will be 1 hour 45 minutes in length and worth 50% of the final grade. Students can be entered at either Foundation or Higher Tier.

Subject content:

1. Cell biology
2. Organisation
3. Infection and response
4. Bioenergetics
5. Homeostasis and response
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution
7. Ecology
8. Key ideas

Please click the appropriate link below for GCSE Science Curriculum Maps:

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A Level Biology

We deliver the AQA Biology course. Students are examined at the end of the course in the summer of Year 13 when 3 x 2 hour examinations are completed.

Topics studied at A Level include cells, biological molecules, organisms and their environment, genetics and variation. In addition to the course content, students will also be required to complete 12 required practical activities which are also assessed in the written examinations. A separate endorsement of the practical skills is given alongside the A Level grade. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written examinations.

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Key Information

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Science Department

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Mr Rush

Curriculum Leader for Science

Miss Atherton

Subject Leader for Core Science

Mr Kaye

Subject Leader for Chemistry

Miss Barson/Mrs Wilson

Subject Leaders for Biology

Mr Williams

Subject Leader for Physics & Astronomy

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Teachers of Science

Mrs Billington
Mrs Edey
Mrs Harding
Ms K Naseem
Mrs L Thorne
Mrs Wilson
Mrs Wilson

Science Technicians

Miss Johnston (Senior Technician)
Mrs Dagnall

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Contact Us

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Useful Links

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Careers Corner

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There is a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities if you choose to study a Science at A Level.