Biology

Why are individuals different?  Can plants save the world from global warming?  How can we feed the world?  Should we genetically engineer organisms to be more like our “perfect” requirements?  Biology is the study of living things and we aim to encourage an inquisitive and practical approach to the subject.  All girls take single subject Biology at GCSE, and uptake is large at A Level, with around 100 AS students and 80 A2 students in five sets in each Sixth Form year group.  We are a successful department in terms of examination results with 53% A* at GCSE and  89% A*/A grades.  A Level is similarly successful with 27% A* and 90% A*-B grades.

Structure of the courses

GCSE: we follow the AQA GCSE specification 4401, covering human Biology and also ecology and how other organisms work and interact.  Assessment is being changed by the government at present, and we will publish the format once it has been announced.  Current Y10 (2011-12) will take the B1 exam in June, B2 in January 2013 and B3 in June 2013.  Practical work is encouraged, and we make use of the extensive school grounds for ecological investigations.

Practical assessment is currently by Investigative Skills Assessments that are taken in lesson time, and count for 25% of the final result.

A Level: we follow AQA specification 2411 with examinations in January and June in both Y12 and Y13.  Practical work is a significant part of the courses and is assessed by the (teacher assessed) Investigative Skills Assessment in both years.

 We take all Y13 in September to practice ecological investigation skills in Shropshire, and this field trip extends the work we do in the summer of Y12 in our school grounds.  Many girls go on to study biology related degree courses at university.

Biology Department Staff (2011-12)

Rev. Phil Challis (HOD Biology, Science specialism: community links)
Mrs Mahmooda Begum (part time)
Dr Catherine Harper (HOD Personal Development and Guidance)
Mr James Peakman

Mrs Fiona Taylor (Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme)
Mrs Indira Suresh (Biology Technician)