1st and 2nd Forms
Junior Biology is taught by specialist biology teachers over two periods each week. Pupils cover a range of biological topics including;
Cells, tissues & organs
Food & digestion
Ecology
Variation & classification
Reproduction & inheritance
Microbes & disease
Photosynthesis & respiration
Practical work is carried out frequently to support learning.
iGCSE
COURSE: EDEXCEL 4BI1
The iGCSE syllabus in biology is designed to enable students to learn about the key concepts and principles of the natural world. It relates facts to real-life examples and allows students to develop skills of observation, investigation and analysis.
The course consists of five key topics:
The nature and variety of living organisms
Structures and functions in living organisms
Reproduction and inheritance
Ecology and the environment
Use of biological resources
The course is assessed over two exam papers as specified below:
Paper
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Content Summary
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Assessment
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Weighting
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Paper 1
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Assess core content. Questions can come from any topic area of the syllabus that is not in bold in the specification
|
2 hour written examination paper.
Mixture of multiple choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions
|
61.1% of the total International GCSE
|
Paper 2
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Assesses all the content, including the content that is in bold in the specification. Questions may come from any topic are across the specification. Bold statements cover some sub-topics in greater depth
|
1 hour and 15 minute written exam paper.
Mixture of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions
|
38.9% of the total International GCSE
|
Students begin the iGCSE in Third form covering the basic biology topics. Third form are allocated three periods of biology per week. The subject then becomes optional in the Fourth and Fifth form with four allocated periods per week. All pupils who have chosen to take Biology sit the examination paper at the end of the Fifth form.
A GCSE qualification in Biology is very useful for boys who wish to follow careers in medicine, veterinary science, chemistry, agriculture, sports science and other related areas. It is also a desirable qualification for those not wishing to study Science to a higher level as the course helps develop inquisitive thought and both literacy and numeracy skills through analysis of investigations.
A- Level
Biology is a rapidly developing science and the A Level course has been designed to reflect this. It builds on topics studied at GCSE and provides a foundation for further studies in Biology and related areas.
The course is split into six modules which are taught across the two years. The course includes a practical endorsement which consists of a minimum of twelve assessed practical investigations carried out alongside academic teaching.
Module
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Title
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Content
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1
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Development of practical skills
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Planning, implementing, analysis & evaluation of investigations
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2
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Foundations of Biology
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Cell structure, biological molecules, DNA, enzymes, cell membranes, cell diversity and cellular organisation.
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3
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Exchange & transport
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Exchange surfaces and both plant and animal transport systems.
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4
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Biodiversity, evolution & disease
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Communicable diseases, disease prevention, immunology, biodiversity, classification and evolution.
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5
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Communications, homeostasis and energy
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Communication, excretion, nervous system, hormonal system, plant and animal responses, photosynthesis & respiration.
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6
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Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
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Cellular control, inheritance, gene technologies, ecosystems, populations & sustainability.
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Assessment Overview
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Paper
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Content
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Assessment
|
Weighting
|
Biological processes
|
Modules 1,2,3 & 5
|
2 hour 15 minute paper
Multiple choice, short and longer answer questions
|
37% of total A level
|
Biological diversity
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Modules 1,2,4 & 6
|
2 hour 15 minute paper
Multiple choice, short and longer answer questions
|
37% of total A level
|
Unified biology
|
All modules (1-6)
|
1 hour 30 minute paper
Short and longer answer questions
|
26% of total A level
|
Practical endorsement
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Non exam assessment
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Reported separately as Pass or Fail
|
Biology is a worthwhile subject to study for those students who are contemplating careers in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Pharmacy, while it also has close links with many Geography and Chemistry-based university degree courses.