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  • Biology

    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 fetus; the menstrual cycle; flowers and pollination; fertilisation and germination; seed dispersal

    Structure and function of body systems: levels of organisation; gas exchange; breathing

    Cycle 3

    Adaptation and inheritance: competition and adaptation; adapting to change; variation; continuous variation; inheritance; natural selection and extinction

    Year 8

    Cycle 1

    Health and lifestyle: nutrients; food tests; unhealthy diet; digestive system; drugs; alcohol and smoking 

    Cycle 2

    Ecosystem processes: Chemosynthesis; aerobic respiration; anaerobic respiration; food chains and food webs; disruption to food chains and food webs; ecosystems

    Cycle 3

    Ecosystem processes: photosynthesis; leaves; plants minerals
    Structure and function of body systems: skeleton; movements (joints); movement (muscles)

    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 GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification

    Extra-curricular activities

    The department organises regular enrichment activities for students. Sixth form Biologists compete in the Biology Olympiad each Spring, regularly winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The department also plays a role in the school’s flourishing Gardening club, which runs at lunchtime.

    The department also takes students to the Peninsula medical school as part of the 'Men in White' activity and takes part in the year 10 Biology Challenge.

    There is always a laboratory open at lunchtime and students are encouraged to drop in to seek extra help or catch up with missed work.

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