This department provides boys with a dynamic, friendly and
stimulating environment in which they can study a wide breadth of
biological phenomena. A variety of modern and traditional teaching
approaches, with extensive opportunities for "hands on" practical
work, together with ICT and stimulating reference materials, are
used to help nurture a scientifically inquisitive mind.
GCSE and A Level Curriculum
Biology is taught in purpose-built laboratories by subject
specialists. At GSCE level, all boys are entered to sit the AQA
Biology modular exams B1 and B2 which contribute to the award of
GCSE Science and Additional Science. At the end of Y9 many boys opt
to undertake the additional 'Science Enrichment' course in Y10 and
Y11, after which they will then sit an additional AQA Biology
module exam (B3), leading to the award of Biology separate science
GCSE.
Biology is a popular and rewarding A Level choice with over a
hundred Sixth Form boys opting to study AQA biology at AS and A2
level. The achievement of boys at A Level is extremely high, not
only in terms of the overall grades they achieve (87% A/B on
average over the last five years), but also in terms of the
significant 'value added' scores they achieve.
Enrichment
The Department prides itself on placing a strong emphasis on
curriculum enrichment opportunities; in the Middle School, many
students are involved with Bio-club; boys in Years 7 & 8 can
carry out innovative practical work, under the supervision of
specialist staff, while boys in Years 9 and 10 compete in the
Biology Challenge, a national competition run in association with
the British Biology Olympiad. In the past, Year 9 and 10 boys have
undertaken joint project work with similar students from local
schools.
Students in Years 11, 12 and 13 enrich their understanding of
contemporary biomedical issues through a popular seminar programme,
delivered by experts in the field. Many Year 12 students look to
stretch themselves by undertaking a variety of Open University
undergraduate courses during their summer vacation and some take
part in IOB quizzes and the British Biology Olympiad. Moreover, the
department encourages Sixth Form students to take an active role in
reviewing scientific articles before they go into press as a member
of the Biological Science Review liaison panel.
Over the last ten years a number of boys have been fortunate to
carry out individual 4-5 week innovative research projects in
biomedical departments at local universities. All these students
have presented their work to the wider public and gone on to
receive BA CREST Gold awards for their efforts. Many boys have
presented their work at the renowned BA Science Fair at the Royal
Society in London and a number of boys have gone on to gain
national recognition and prestigious awards including: the
Astra-Zeneca Young Life Scientist of the Year, the national BA
CREST Gold award winner, the London International Youth Science
Forum prize winner and the QinetiQ Stockholm International Youth
Science Seminar prize winner.
Head of Department
S Wastie BSc, PhD
Members of the Department
J C Catterall BSc, PhD
R Crowther BSc
M Hobbiss BA, MA
N Morgan BSc, DPhil
F H Mullins BSc, PhD
M Tillotson BSc
JV Pledger J Hartley (Technicians)