An engineering specialism within a grammar school

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BiologyBiology is the study of living organisms and how they work. The news is often full of exciting developments in this science. Modern biology, based on genetics and DNA is, and will be, important for our future.Aims of the DepartmentSimply stated, we aim to encourage students to enjoy the subject, develop thinking skills, encourage an awareness of and respect for the environment, lead a healthy life and have a good foundation for a biological career if desired.
Lower School or KS3All pupils are taught Biology, by specialist Biology teachers, as a separate science. We teach the full range of topics needed for Key Stage 3 SAT exams plus extra to stretch the students, stimulate them and widen their experiences within the subject. After the SAT exams we start the GCSE syllabus for the last few weeks in year 7. Upper School or KS4At GCSE most students take Biology, Chemistry and Physics as three separate sciences and are taught for 3 periods a week by specialists. A small number of pupils study GCSE Science (Core) and Additional Science instead of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, again taught by specialists in each subject. We are following the AQA specifications. Coursework makes up 25% of the final mark for GCSE Biology and is done entirely in lessons.
Sixth Form or Post 16The Biology department is large and active at this level. Many students, both from within our school and entering from other schools in the sixth form, choose this popular subject. We use the AQA syllabus B specification. Coursework makes up 15% of the final mark for A level. Results are excellent and large numbers go on to study biology-related subjects at university
Career OpportunitiesCareer opportunities are very wide and many of our students have progressed to careers in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, environmental and ecological work, genetic engineering and related topics, biochemistry, forensic science, etc Internet linksThere are many good links but a few widely used ones are: www.amazing-grades.com - web portal containing sites for all subjects
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