Biology

Exam Board : Edexcel International GCSE BIOLOGY

Mr MJ Rodgers ● Head of Biology ● mrodgers@kgs.org.uk

International GCSE Biology is one of the core science subjects taught at KGS and is designed to provide students with a solid base of knowledge and understanding of the biological world. Many of the topics covered in Biology at this level provide students with a sound understanding of some of the issues that will affect them and those around them in everyday life. As well as providing good biological subject knowledge, the International GCSE Biology syllabus allows the development of key scientific skills and methods that form the backbone of any scientific area of study. Data handling, analysis and evaluation are all key components of the syllabus and these are presented within the context of key biological principles and concepts. Students also learn how to use key terminology in expressing their ideas and answers. The IGCSE course

In common with the other sciences, Biology follows the International GCSE course offered by the Edexcel examination board (4BI0/4BI1). There is no coursework; practical skills are assessed in the two written papers. The examinations are taken at the end of the Fifth Year. The syllabus covers the following topics:

Section 1: The nature and variety of living organisms; key characteristics of different types of organism, features that differentiate different organisms

Section 2: Structures and functions in living organisms; key biological processes, cell structure, plant and mammalian nutrition, gas exchange and respiration, plant and mammalian transport, homeostasis and the nervous system

Section 3: Reproduction and inheritance; reproduction in plants and humans, genetics and genetic mutation, natural selection and evolution

Section 4: Ecology and the environment; organisms in the environment, feeding relationships, cycles within ecosystem, human influences on the environment

Section 5: Use of biological resources; food production, selective breeding, genetic modification, cloning

There is a significant emphasis on practical work in International GCSE Biology and students are expected to work within the confines of the School’s health and safety policy. The Biology taught in both Triple Award and Double Award provides an excellent foundation for the rigours of A Level Biology and beyond.