Biology

Many students aspiring for a career in science, including Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Engineering, among many others, study Biology as part of Triple Science and go on to study A Level Biology.

Through each Key Stage, we aim to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for Biology. Our students acquire scientific skills, knowledge and understanding for progression to further learning.

Throughout the Senior School, we consider how Biology interacts with other sciences, such as Chemistry, helping our students to develop a more rounded understanding of Biology and science generally. This prepares them for further learning not just in this subject, but in any science or wider part of the curriculum.

Encouraging students to think about the wider applications of a subject can help them to develop critical thinking skills and the application of knowledge – an essential part of achieving fantastic results in their future education, as well as in the wider world.

GCSE Biology

GCSE Biology is a fantastic opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and pursue some of the topics that might interest them.

Studying GCSE Biology is essential preparation for A Level. Not only does it provide important knowledge, but it also develops essential skills for the study of this subject at a higher level. Many students aspiring for a career in science, including Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Engineering, among many others, go on to study A Level Biology.

Co-curricular Activities

We support our students inside and outside of the classroom. Co-curricular activities include:

• National competitions such as Biology Challenge
• Plant Club
• Animal Club
• CREST Awards
• Visits to university departments and visiting lecturers
• Junior Med Soc
• National Science Week Activities

We have links with the Department of Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield. This benefits our students by exposing them to young women as science role models and informing them about cutting-edge research findings. We have had interesting talks on topics such as cystic fibrosis by PhD students and pathology events. These events demonstrate applications of Biology in real-life situations and its vital role in the modern world.

Science Options

All of our pupils are required to study Science at GCSE.

Students will study the AQA GCSE specification from Year 9. Those choosing Triple Science as an option in Year 10 will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects, achieving three GCSE grades.

Alternatively, our Double Science (Trilogy) option involves studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with students achieving two GCSEs (Science Double Award Trilogy).

Studying Triple Science will allow students to develop a deeper understanding of the three separate science subjects and provides a better foundation for the study of A Levels in these subjects. Studying Science Double Award does not prevent pupils from studying any of the Sciences at A Level.

Studying Science subjects will enable students to:

• Acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge and facts, and an understanding of scientific concepts, principles, themes and patterns
• Appreciate the practical nature of science, acquiring experimental skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques
• Appreciate the importance of accurate experimental work to scientific method and reporting
• Form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
• Sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the scientific world
• Appreciate the significance of science in wider personal, social, environmental, economic and technological contexts, and consider ethical issues
• Select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate scientific terms and conventions