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!

  • 09:00 AM - 24th October, 2024 Reminder to please bring cakes and a small amount of cash for our cake sale tomorrow, raising money and awareness for the Spina Bifida Charity, Shine. Donations can be left in Reception or with Mrs Smith pic.twitter.com/pIhTM6bUGH
  • 01:40 PM - 18th October, 2024 On Friday 25th October Christ's will be supporting Shine, the UK Spina Bifida charity for Spina Bifida Awareness Day.There will be a cake sale be in the Canteen / Quad at break time that day. Cakes will be 50p or three for £1.Please bring any cake donations to reception pic.twitter.com/QRuYRNXjeg
  • 11:56 AM - 14th October, 2024 This year's Christmas card competition is now open to all students. Please see images for more information and inspiration from previous winners. Closing date Friday 15th November pic.twitter.com/CABXbTqov5
  • 08:18 AM - 14th October, 2024 Episode 3 of The Pro-School Podcast is outMr Payne, Jonathan & David are joined by 3 new members of the Christ's family: Mrs Rugg, Mr James & Ms Woolfe speaking about why they came to Christs, highlights so far & a few interesting facts about themselves. Read more pic.twitter.com/IkAKvJxK8x
  • 03:11 PM - 10th October, 2024 Tickets for Christ's Fireworks are now on sale - book early! Read more Volunteers sign up here for your own free entry Read more password: Bigbang24 pic.twitter.com/vtZjUmuyPD
  • 02:36 PM - 7th October, 2024 Please book your tickets for our upcoming Sixth Form Open Evening Read more pic.twitter.com/BPM0dN1osT
  • 12:11 PM - 7th October, 2024 Auditions for this year's production of Sister Act Jr. start next week! See the Drama Department for more information pic.twitter.com/i7OeBdwBHg
  • 09:40 AM - 7th October, 2024 Books for World Space Week 🛰️🪐 pic.twitter.com/ZebeRjg3o7
  • 04:51 PM - 4th October, 2024 Y12 were asked to bring in an interpretation of a soil profile and to try and be as creative as possible! Results: cake, cake, more cake 😂 pic.twitter.com/yvFuRJqRlW
  • 01:52 PM - 4th October, 2024 We're recruiting for a Part Time HR Officer 4 days a week / term time +1 weekNJC point 16-20 (FTE£31,926 - £33,957) actual starting salary £22,500Completed application forms should be sent to hr.school by 9am 16th Read more pic.twitter.com/i26GWjB8v7
  • 08:18 AM - 4th October, 2024 The latest episode of the Pro School Podcast is now available. This episode is a deep-dive into the Camps International Expedition to Peru over the summer. We hear all about the incredible experiences they had on the trip! Read more pic.twitter.com/ZhPz5UiNQN
  • 12:10 PM - 27th September, 2024 Our next Parent Prayer Meeting is coming up soon! Can't make it in person? You can still partner with us by joining our prayer mailing list. We'll send you the prayer slides via email.Any questions, or to join the parent prayer list please email Ada Rugg arugg.school. pic.twitter.com/9FuzNd3c6j