Biology
The Biology Department is committed to developing in pupils a lively enthusiasm for Biology at a young age.
We educate our pupils in the latest developments in the biological sciences, including the ethical implications of recent innovations and the positive contributions that biology makes to society.
We are fortunate to have local facilities such as the Norwich Research Park and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in close proximity. The Biology Department makes good use of the opportunities that this proximity provides, and pupils may wish to independently explore the potential for visits and work experience opportunities with organisations based there.
All pupils studying A Level Biology are also offered the opportunity to take part in the relevant Royal Society of Biology Olympiad competitions.
4th Form
Pupils in Lower and Upper 4 receive one double Biology lesson a week, lasting 80 minutes.
The course followed is Exploring Science International 11-14 from Pearson Education. The course is designed to stretch our pupils whilst reinforcing their natural interest and enthusiasm. Pupils' work in these year groups leads directly into their study of the IGCSE Biology course from the start of Lower 5.
All lessons are taught in our purpose-built laboratories.
The topics covered include the Skeletal System, Cells and Organ Systems, Microbiology, Ecology and an introduction to Genetics. A one-day ecology fieldwork visit is undertaken by all pupils in U4.
5th Form
Fifth Form pupils follow the IGCSE Edexcel Science Specifications. Double and Triple Award are available to our pupils. The course is taught in three periods a week - one double of 80 minutes and a single of 35 minutes. Our aim is always to stretch and challenge our pupils to the best of their abilities and ultimately to reward them with a solid foundation for A-Level study.
The topics covered during the IGCSE course are The Nature and Variety of Living Organisms, Structures and Functions in Living Organisms, Reproduction and Inheritance, Ecology and the Environment and Use of Biological Resources.
6th Form
Click here to view the A Level Biology subject information.
At A-Level we follow the OCR Biology A H420 specification.
The A-Level course is designed to be stimulating and hands on, whilst developing the scholarship and resilience to absorb and interpret unfamiliar data and to critique methodology and sources, essential skills for life beyond school and A-Levels.
During the two-year course pupils compile a practical laboratory book and this forms the basis of their practical assessment, with the A-Level grade being determined by three external exams at the end of the Upper 6. In June, all pupils are expected to attend a day of field studies in coastal sand dunes where they conduct coursework that will form part of their lab books and give them first-hand knowledge of a range of ecosystems.
There are 7 forty-minute periods of Biology each week, taught in mixed ability groups, in a combination of single and double periods.