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Biology

Biology is taught throughout the school in 4 dedicated labs by subject specialists.  All students sit AQA Biology GCSE and at least 1/3 of all 6th form study OCR Biology to AS or A2 level where we have a 100% pass rate (93% A/B 2008).

Upon entry, our 1st and 2nd form (years 7 and 8), follow an introductory course; this includes a visit by Bradford College and their exotic animals at Christmas in the first term to introduce the topic of classification.

The pupils in the 3rd – 5th form (years 9 – 11), study for GCSE Biology.  There is a particular emphasis on ‘How Science Works’ and we benefit from the high profile of biologically related topics in the daily news and general media; a regularly up dated notice board with relevant newspaper articles is a popular break time read!  All 3rd formers go to Chester Zoo during the summer term to enhance their study of ‘Adaptations of Plants and Animals’ and we are hoping to continue to introduce the 5th form to the Biotechnology involved in the Brewing industry.

The number of pupils taking A’ level Biology has risen over the past few years; many students using the subject to go on to higher education studies in medicine, dentistry, vet science and physiotherapy.  During the lower 6th form, we once again visit Chester Zoo, this time taking advantage of their lectures on Natural Selection and Conservation, as well as the antics of the chimpanzees!  We have also recently re-introduced a residential visit to the 6th form programme; London’s Natural History Museum and the Body Worlds exhibit at the O2 centre being the highlight in 2009.

LabBiology activityRat