Biology

Img 9024ce copySUBJECT INTRODUCTION

Head of Department: Amrit Aujla

The department has eight teaching staff and three technicians:

‘Good teaching and learning’ - that has been the Science department’s focus in the last 10 years. We have achieved this – reflected in our consistently high attainment in Double and Separate Award Science. We are continuing to attain our goal of ‘outstanding teaching and learning’.

We are the largest department in the School as Science is a CORE subject (with effectively 3 subjects combined – Biology, Chemistry and Physics). We have a Head of Department (overall responsibility) and now have heads of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We have six experienced teachers (5 full time, 1 part time). We all have vast experience (and success) at delivering the GCSE Curriculum with three Biologists, two Chemists and one Physics specialist.

There are 7 large laboratories, which have Fume Cupboards and the standard equipment necessary for delivering Science to a GCSE Level, as a practical subject.

THE CURRICULUM

A LEVEL - KEY STAGE 5 / SIXTH FORM

To study A level Biology is to embark on a journey of discovery!! Students learn about the basics of life, of organs and organ systems that can determine health, or sickness and disease. Best of all, students look deeper into the nucleus of cells and discover the amazing molecule called DNA. It controls almost everything that makes you, you.

Students will study the principles of electron microscopy, ultrastructure of cells, biological molecules, enzyme technology, transport and exchange mechanisms in plants and animals, classification, diversity and speciation.

In the second year, biotechnology and genetic engineering are key features, and the range and limits of homeostatic control systems, nervous and hormonal coordination. Many physiological and biochemical processes including respiration and photosynthesis are also explored.  

Practical work is at the heart of biology and will be examined in the written exams. Field work is a compulsory element of the course, usually undertaken at Juniper Hall in Dorking.

AS: two written examinations each 1 hour and 30 minutes long. This is now a stand-alone qualification and will not contribute to A-level.

A-Level: three written examinations each 2 hours long, at end of two years.

There are 9 lessons over the two week timetable taught by 2 Biology specialist teachers.

ENRICHMENT & EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Recently the department held a successful ‘Science Week’ that involved all year groups, with our Year 12 and 13 students helping with the implementation and planning. This included a series of lessons that explored Forensic Science.

  • Science permeates through ALL aspects of our society, from the recycling bins that our department funded to the understanding of ‘reproduction’ – with social, moral and ethical issues. It would be impossible to list specific relevance as it is an ‘over-reaching’ subject

  • We have a KS3 Year 7 Science Club. This term the students have been designing and making models of Formula One cars.

Careers

Biology: The possibilities range from medicine to agriculture, forensics to zoology.  Almost any degree will accept A-level biology.

Exam Board

Exam Board: AQA A level Biology https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402

Course Code: 7402

Specification: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/biology/specifications/AQA-7401-7402-SP-2015.PDF

Past papers:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402/assessment-resources

Text books 

Main student textbook: AQA Biology (2nd edition) for Year 1 and Year 2 A- level Biology ISBN 978 019 835770 4 Glenn Toole and Susan Toole, Oxford University Press

LINKS & RESOURCES

BBC Bitesize is a good source of information, however ‘the World’ is Science – you cannot miss it!

  • 07:07 AM - 19th March, 2024 Year 7 Boys BOROUGH CHAMPIONS!!!!Congratulations to the Year 7 boys basketball team who beat SRRS 46-27 in the Borough final!MVP: Danny O and Odysseas#englandbasketball pic.twitter.com/g14zLZoWVq
  • 12:03 PM - 15th March, 2024 Well done to the Y7 & Y8 netball teams who are still undefeated in the borough league both beating Turing House School last night. pic.twitter.com/rhhazG9pmk
  • 11:55 AM - 15th March, 2024 We're recruiting 2x part time, term time only admin postsAdmissions OfficerMarketing OfficerJobs could be combined for the right candidateSee the website for more info & application form which should be submitted to hr.school by 9am 25.03.24 Read more pic.twitter.com/g66TOSrtWj
  • 10:07 AM - 13th March, 2024 Top work from our Sports Leaders on Friday who ran an excellent KS1 Sports Festival pic.twitter.com/Dujmgj3Kst
  • 10:07 AM - 13th March, 2024 Excited for this. Our Year 7 Book club discussion about the last book by took two weeks! Read more
  • 01:49 PM - 11th March, 2024 Reminder: Year 9 Options Evening, 6-8pm Tuesday 12th March. All Year 9 students and parents should attend. pic.twitter.com/RNbQDZpdt3
  • 09:59 AM - 11th March, 2024 Last chance to get tickets for the quiz. Read more you have booked, please email which team you are on with your team name/who your team members are/ if you would like to join others, tell us what yr group(s) your children are in. christsschoolpta.com pic.twitter.com/tWRFZouciy
  • 09:49 AM - 11th March, 2024 Year 7 Shield Winners at the Middlesex Rugby 7s tournament at Grasshoppers RFC on FridayWell done everyone! pic.twitter.com/BJpttS8wOT
  • 07:09 AM - 8th March, 2024 Student Parliament in action - debating the length of break and lunch, led by our new Head of Student Parliament, Alex. pic.twitter.com/vJ4ODfixWt
  • 07:12 AM - 6th March, 2024 Yr8&9 Boys Basketball Borough Champions!Christ’s School beat Turing House 33-29 in the borough final to win the Borough Championship!MVP Arthur P#juniornba pic.twitter.com/cMf4j6cRM1
  • 07:12 AM - 6th March, 2024 Y7 & Y8 netball A team did extremely well against tough opposition but managing to still get a few wins at the Middlesex tournament at Highgate School pic.twitter.com/rf1YrE0wLy
  • 09:18 AM - 28th February, 2024 Yr7 boys football team beat RPA 3-2 with a last minute winner from Max pic.twitter.com/ji8jicIpAU