Biology

All pupils should think about studying Biology at They Oratory, because we have an excellent team of enthusiastic biology teachers and a well-resourced department. Pupils will get to spend time both in and out of the classroom learning about the world around us. We believe that pupils learn through practical experience so make lessons as hands on as possible. The Biology Department is a bright and happy place to study. Pupils make good use of our ‘beyond the syllabus study room’ where they can sit, surrounded by our collection of plants and tropical fish aquarium, having access to interactive IT equipment and a whole range of resource books.

I really enjoy my role as Head of Biology at The Oratory. I studied Biology at The University of York, where I developed a keen interest in Ecology. I loved being able to go outdoors, to learn about the natural environment. I have fond memories of carrying out fieldwork in the local environment, using the collected data to make biological links. It was this practical work that made me want to become a teacher. I wanted young people to experience the same kind of learning that I had experienced, developing a whole range of transferable skills. I completed my PGCE at The University of York the following year and have not looked back since!

Ms Sarah Kenyon - Head of Biology

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	Content Summary	Assessment	Weighting
Paper 1	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	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	Title	Content
1	Development of practical skills	Planning, implementing, analysis & evaluation of investigations
2	Foundations of Biology	Cell structure, biological molecules, DNA, enzymes, cell membranes, cell diversity and cellular organisation.
3	Exchange & transport	Exchange surfaces and both plant and animal transport systems.
4	Biodiversity, evolution & disease	Communicable diseases, disease prevention, immunology, biodiversity, classification and evolution.
5	Communications, homeostasis and energy	Communication, excretion, nervous system, hormonal system, plant and animal responses, photosynthesis & respiration.
6	Genetics, evolution and ecosystems	Cellular control, inheritance, gene technologies, ecosystems, populations & sustainability.

 

Assessment Overview
Paper	Content	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	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	Non exam assessment		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.

Every year, the Biology Department hosts a range of activities to celebrate the RSB’s Annual Biology Week. During the week, we run a range of events, including dissections and competitions. St Philip House, our Junior House, are also treated to a trip out or a visit from a local animal encounters experience.

Lower Sixth pupils are taken to Studland Bay to carry out a more in-depth profile of the sand dunes. They also carry out biological drawings to help them complete elements of their practical endorsement.

Fourth Form biologists are taken to Studland Bay along with the geographers to carry out fieldwork. This allows pupils to put into practice the theory of sampling techniques, to collect and analyse real data relating to sand dune succession.

Third Form biologists are taken to 'The Big Bang Fair'. This allows pupils to enjoy an array of talks and hands-on demonstrations related to scientific experiments.

The First and Second Forms either have a visit from an animal encounter experience or are taken out to places such as Beale Park as part of the RSB Biology week celebrations.