Head of Department – Mrs. Michelle France
Dr. Valerie Smart
Mrs. Claire Reed
Mrs Jenny Bain (Senior Technician)
We have newly decorated and well stocked laboratories. The equipment is modern and up to date as we have recently purchased a new PCR machine to do DNA investigations.
(photo left: Mrs. Michelle France)
Introduction
The study of Biology provides a useful set of tools to encourage a healthier approach to living both in terms of individual behaviour and prevention of damage to our planet.
It is a very interesting subject with a huge range of possible career choices that comes from studying it.
Forms 1 and 2
The First and Second Form follow our own Biology based on the National Curriculum.
The topics include: Cells, Diet and Nutrition, Plants and Ecology
This introduces the young Biologists to the subject in a fun learning environment.
Forms 3 to 5
The Third to Fifth Forms follow the AQA Biology GCSE Course
Essentially we do Core Biology in the Third Form
Additional Biology in the Fourth Form
Further Biology in the Fifth Form
On top of the normal learning that the students have to do we also carry out ISAs and practical work throughout the course.
The topics studied include: Healthy Eating, Adaptation for Survival, Cells and Microbiology.
The exam board used is AQA
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is a two year course. It is designed to be an interesting and inspiring modern qualification, suitable for those for whom it is a final qualification in the subject and for those who require a sound foundation for further study.
What will I study?There are 4 main areas of study
- Nature and variety of living organisms
- Structures and functions of living organisms
- Reproduction and inheritance
- Use of biological resources
Biology is a very interesting science and at GCSE you will study a wide variety of topics from simple cells to many celled animals and plants. You will learn how the human body works, why we look like mum and dad, what is going on in the garden and topical issues such as global warming, pollution and conservation.
What about Examinations?
We are considering whether to offer exams at the end of the Fourth Form (Year 10) but the majority of exams will be sat in the Fifth Form (Year 11). There is a flexible approach to the assessment. You may be entered at Higher or Foundation tier, although most of the students at St. Bees School do tend to sit the Higher Tier.
Biology 1: sat in the Third Form as part of the Core Science Course, consists of a theory paper of 1 hour
Biology 2: mainly studied in the Fourth Form has a written paper of 45 minutes
Biology 3: mainly studied in the Fifth Form has a written paper of 45 minutes
It is likely that B2 and B3 will be examined in the Fifth Form. Any exams taken in prior sessions may be retaken in the Fifth Form. All papers are equivalent to 25% of the final mark.
Is there any Coursework?
No, but there will be Biology Centre Assessed Units which are based on normal class practical work. This will be worth 25% of the final mark.
What other skills might I develop?
Someone once said that “The study of Biology is as educational as the study of any other subject”. You will learn many skills including communication skills, both written and oral, the ability to be able to draw by copying diagrams or drawing microscope slides, handling a wide variety of equipment and working on your own or with others in a group.
You will learn how to research using the internet and you will develop your word processing skills.
Useful links:
www.aqa.org.uk