Biology

Throughout this course there is a strong emphasis on the relevance and application of biological knowledge to our everyday lives and to the world around us, as well as learning about how our bodies work. It aims to develop interest in, and enthusiasm for, Biology and to develop skills in, and understanding of, scientific evidence and methods of enquiry.

Biology remains one of the most popular subject choices at GCSE and there remains a lively emphasis on practical work. Boys develop practical skills throughout a series of required practicals. We are keen to develop learners with analytical and forensic skills as well as a natural curiosity about all things biological and we look forward to welcoming Year 10 students to a well-resourced department with experienced and dynamic teachers.

The factual part of the GCSE is split into the following components:

You have already started this unit during Year 9 where you have been studying healthy eating; and adaptation for survival. In Year 10, it continues with health and disease; coordination and control; drug abuse; variation and evolution; and how people affect the planet.

Included in this year is a study of the structure and functioning of cells; inheritance; and enzymes and biochemical processes including respiration and photosynthesis.

In Year 11, boys look at these topics in further depth. It also looks at our bodies’ exchange of materials with the environment, and at the transport of substances around the body. In addition, an interesting extra topic in this unit is microbiology and biotechnology

Miss J. M. Whitehead Head of Biology j whitehead@merchanttaylors com