Biology
Biology – how could we live without it?
Biology is taught as a separate science throughout the school by biology specialists. There are two full-time members and one part-time member of teaching staff, and a full-time technician.
The aims of the department are:
- To develop a passion for, and curiosity in, the living world.
- To develop an understanding of how science works.
- To instil an understanding of the interrelationships between living things and the planet on which they live.
- To initiate a lifelong commitment to caring for the environment.
- To prepare each individual girl thoroughly to achieve the highest standards in her examinations at GCSE and A level.
Biology is taught as a separate subject in years 7 to 11 by specialist teachers in dedicated subject specific laboratories. ICT is used widely throughout the biology department to support teaching and learning.
The study of biology is extremely popular throughout the school and has a very high uptake at A level. In 2009, two girls achieved full marks in every A level module examination – a stupendous achievement.
At GCSE, the AQA Biology specification is followed. Students take their first module examination in Year 10, followed by two subsequent modules in year 11.
At A level, the new AQA Biology A level specification is followed with module examinations being taken in January and June of both Year 12 and Year 13.
The biology department enhances the teaching of the curriculum by offering various extracurricular activities:
- Science Clinic
- Life Sciences Societies for A level and GCSE students
- UKCAT and BMAT preparation
- Biology Olympiad at sixth form level – last year’s success in this competition included winning a silver medal
- Biology Challenge for GCSE students
- Eco Council
Visits and field trips also take place throughout the academic year in order to complement school-based study. For example, we take full advantage of the proximity of Chester Zoo and its Education Centre.
