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!

  • 10:15 AM - 21st September, 2023 We're recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant. Visit the school website for more information and the application form. Send completed forms to hr.school. Closing date: 9am, Monday, 2 October 2023 Read more pic.twitter.com/0zTNzX0cOJ
  • 10:11 AM - 21st September, 2023 6th Form Win! Christ’s Sixth Form Football Team beat Grey Court 4-1 in tonight’s league fixture!MoM Gabriel I-S pic.twitter.com/7VRfFV02bw
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  • 01:34 PM - 4th September, 2023 We're looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Christ's School: Year 7 start at 8:30am on Tuesday 5th SeptemberYear 12 start at 10am on Tuesday 5th SeptemberYear 8-11 and Year 13 should return for an 8:30am start on Wednesday 6th September pic.twitter.com/uH8MInAgue
  • 01:02 PM - 24th August, 2023 Christ's School students celebrate GCSE success. Click to find out more: Read more pic.twitter.com/fAYFyGxKCj
  • 01:19 PM - 17th August, 2023 Christ's Students Celebrate Fantastic A Level Results. Click to read more: Read more pic.twitter.com/5OHYXdl3Gf
  • 10:31 AM - 9th August, 2023 A reminder for new year 7 students joining us in September; your homework is to send Mrs Dixon a postcard from whatever you have been doing this summer. We're looking forward to reading about all the interesting places you have been and things you have been doing. pic.twitter.com/9ONrWqGoAa
  • 08:17 AM - 8th August, 2023 Our Year 12 Religious Studies A level Study Day with & St Saviour’s & St Olave’s School. A visit to , home of Borough Food Coop to hear of practical action with roots in Jesus’ love. pic.twitter.com/W0aG8MMyhh
  • 10:44 AM - 27th July, 2023 If you have a child joining us in September or are wanting to refresh a current student's pencil case, please see the equipment list below pic.twitter.com/3AydgSjhIe
  • 04:21 PM - 17th July, 2023 REMINDER tomorrow is Sports Day! All Students to meet at St Mary’s University Track at 08.15am. Wear PE Kit. Bring lunch, snacks, drinks, any medication required, rain jacket and sun protection. Approx finish time 2-2.30pm pic.twitter.com/wdUINAEc39
  • 10:05 AM - 6th July, 2023 Do you know someone who is considering going into teaching, recently graduated or looking for a new job? Why not apply to be a cover supervisor? The role involves covering lessons in a teacher's absence using resources provided by the teacher. Read more pic.twitter.com/NncTLgDXZD
  • 07:21 PM - 4th July, 2023 Reminder that we have two strike days this week. Wednesday 5th and Friday 7th July. School will be closed, and students should log on to Google Classroom for live lessons from any staff who are not striking. pic.twitter.com/6BISGNjJg2