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School has a history of outstanding achievement at GCSE and Advanced levels.

We engender a positive ‘can do’ ethos enabling our students to develop self-esteem, confidence and an understanding of the natural world that will prepare them for life in the modern world. The department’s enthusiastic staff encourages students to enjoy and appreciate Biology, develop their understanding and become independent and reflective learners.

The five members of the teaching staff are thoroughly supported by experienced laboratory technicians who service our modern well-equipped laboratories.

In Years 7&8 Biology is taught as part of a broad science curriculum, and then in Year 9 it is taught separately by subject specialists.

At Key Stage 4 we study the AQA specification. This includes such diverse topics as digestion, genetics, health and the environment, which experience has shown us our pupils thoroughly enjoy. This course is excellent preparation for study of Biology at advanced level and over half of our students carry on with Biology beyond GCSE.

In the sixth form we follow the AQA specification. In the AS year the fundamentals of Biology, such as heath and disease, transport systems, cellular structure and DNA are studied in depth. There is a practical skills assessment at the end of the course. The majority of students who study AS stay on to study Biology to A2 level where they successfully study topics such as the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction, homeostasis and inheritance. The breadth and depth of the course is excellent preparation for study of the biological courses beyond A level and develops skills that will be of benefit in many other subjects and vocations as well.

Each year we send students to study related degrees at a range of universities. Many of our students study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and natural sciences.

Biology is also accepted for a wide range of other degrees.

As a department we spend a significant amount of time experimenting with new, diverse and positive methods of enhancing and maximising the learning experience for all our pupils; the range of interests and expertise within the department also provides students with a range of stimulating experiences and contributes towards the interest and success in the department. We enrich the biology curriculum with extra activities such as the Bioethics Society and Biology Club.  We also provide a thorough support program of revision sessions and peer mentoring for students who feel that they need extra help.

The Biology department is proud of the achievements of its students and is always looking for ways in which we can improve the challenge and support that we offer.

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Levels taught at

	Years 7-9	GCSE	AS Level	A Level
Level