Subject
Biology
Ks3 About In Years 7 and 8 all students cover eight biology related (each lasting between two and three weeks) including: B1 – Cells, tissues and organs Organs of the human body and plants; specialist plant/animal cells; cell division. B2 – Classification Variation; factors affecting variation; vertebrates, invertebrates, etc. B3 – Sexual Reproduction Male and female sex organs; menstrual cycle; fertilisation; genetic variation (twins); pregnancy; puberty; cloning. B4 – Ecology (sustainable development and habitats; adaptations; food chains and webs; predator/prey and pyramids) B5 – Genetics (genes, inheritance, selective breeding and genetic engineering as well as ethics. B6 – Disease (microbiology; what microorganisms are and how they are classified; the ways microorganisms are useful in food production; how microorganisms can be harmful; how our body responds to invasion by microbes and how infection by microorganisms can be treated). B7 – Healthy Living (fitness; cellular respiration; breathing; ventilation; effects of smoking; drug abuse; stimulants and depressants; bones of the skeleton). B8 – photosynthesis and digestion; plant organ structure; structure and function of the digestive system; the rate of an enzyme catalysed reaction Beyond these, there are four food science topics. The food science is delivered in the newly refurbished food science laboratory in which the practical preparation of food features heavily. F1 – Food hygiene and safety F2 – Nutrition and the need for a balanced diet F3 – Diet and digestion F4 - The importance of photosynthesis and microbiology food production Assessment Arrangements Every topic carries its own ‘end of topic’ test which is marked carefully by the teacher (no self/peer review). There is a science exam at the end of each academic year which addresses all the science content for Years 7 and 8.