Biology

Name of Head of Department

Mr D Prideaux, BSc (Hons), PGCE

Statement of Intent

The DHSG science curriculum aims to provide an exceptional scientific education for students, through a wealth of inspiring opportunities within a nurturing environment, leading to outstanding achievements and facilitating further study and potential careers within the subject.

Our aim is to develop students’ curiosity, wonder and understanding of the world around them and equipping them with the analytical skills needed to contribute to a global society.

High-quality teaching of an ambitious, sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum promotes student understanding and addresses misconceptions. Theoretical work is supported by purposeful practical work that enhances understanding and develops critical thinking.

In Biology, we encourage students to gain a deep appreciation and understanding of living organisms at every level:

at the cellular level, where the importance of the building block of life, and how it meets the different demands imposed upon them, is studied;
at the organism level, and how the different organ systems in both plants and animals produce viable organisms that meet the challenges of survival;
at the ecosystem level, where different organisms interact to produce the complex and interdependent food webs found on Earth today.

This is achieved at each Stage:

Lower Years: Adherence to the National Curriculum for Science (Biology);
Middle Years: AQA GSCE Biology or AQA Combined Sciences Trilogy (Biology);
Upper years: OCR Biology A.

Curriculum Programmes of Study

Year	Cycle	Content
Year 7	Cycle 1	Cells: observing plant and animal cells; specialised cells; movement of substances and unicellular organisms Reproduction: adolescence; reproductive systems; fertilisation and implantation
	Cycle 2	Reproduction: development of foetus; the menstrual cycle; flowers and pollination; fertilisation and germination; seed dispersal Ecosystem processes: Leaf structure and adaptations; role of stomata; photosynthesis; investigations into factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis.
	Cycle 3	Ecosystem processes: Plants' uses of glucose; importance of photosynthesis; food webs; factors affecting organisms; estimating population size; food security.
Year 8	Cycle 1	Health and lifestyle: nutrients; food tests; unhealthy diet; digestive system; drugs; alcohol and smoking
	Cycle 2	Structure and function of body systems: skeleton; movements (joints); movement (muscles) Ecosystem processes: Aerobic respiration; anaerobic respiration; anaerobic respiration in microbes.
	Cycle 3	Inheritance: Inheritance of traits; DNA; variation between species; competition and natural selection; evolution; extinction and conservation; importance of maintaining biodiversity.
Year 9	Cycle 1	Cell structure and transport Organisation and digestion
	Cycle 2	Circulation in plants and animals Disease - communicable
	Cycle 3	Disease – non-communicable
Year 10	Cycle 1	Energetics – Photosynthesis and respiration Coordination and control
	Cycle 2	Coordination and control Homeostasis
	Cycle 3	Reproduction and variation
Year 11	Cycle 1	Adaptations and ecosystems Autumn mock
	Cycle 2	Human impact on the environment Spring mock
	Cycle 3	Human impact on the environment Examination preparation

Lower Years Assessment Framework

To view the Lower Years Assessment Framework for Science, please click here

Middle Years Exam and Specification Information

Middle years Triple Science Options: AQA GCSE Biology is delivered.

GCSE Biology students follow all of units 4.1 – 4.8 found on the GCSE Biology Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Biology Specification

Middle years Double Science option: AQA Combined Science: Trilogy is delivered

Combined science students follow selected elements of units 4.1 – 4.8 found on the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.

Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website G CSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification

Extra-curricular activities

The Biology Department offers a wide range of enrichment activities designed to inspire and challenge students beyond the classroom.

Each spring, Year 13 students participate in the prestigious British Biology Olympiad, consistently achieving Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. Year 12 students are also encouraged to take part in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad during the summer term.

We regularly organise visits for Sixth Form students to Plymouth University, where they attend specialist lectures on biodiversity and gain insight into advanced scientific equipment such as the electron microscope.

For students in the middle years, the department facilitates participation in the Biology Challenge, an international competition aimed at promoting interest in the natural world. Students also enjoy engaging in the popular Biology Week Spelling Bee.

Biology Week is a highlight of the academic calendar, offering a diverse programme of lunchtime activities that promote curiosity and engagement with the subject.

Additionally, the department actively supports the school’s vibrant Gardening Club, which meets at lunchtime and provides students with hands-on experience in plant science and sustainability.

Biology Curriculum Map
pdf

Devonport High School For Girls