Biology
Department Staff
| Head of Department: | |
| Mr N Nowotarski | B.Sc. (Biology) MRes (Ecology and Environmental Management) |
| Teaching Staff: | |
| Mr A Cardwell | B.Sc. (Zoology), B.Agr. (Agricultural Zoology) |
| Dr M Faulkner | B.Sc. (Zoology), Ph.D. (Parisitology) |
| Dr C Mills | B.Sc. (Biology), Ph.D. (Agricultural Chemistry) |
| Technical Support: | |
| Mr D Hume |
Subject Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Pupils in year 8 study combined science. The objective in year 8 is to build on pupils’ Key Stage 2 experience, to allow pupils develop a clear understanding of what ‘Science’ is and to ensure they can undertake scientific investigation in a fair and safe manner. In years 9 and 10 Pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects.
GCSE
All pupils must sit at least one GCSE science subject. In the Biology Department pupils take the ‘CCEA Science: Biology specification’. Pupils sit two exam papers at the end of year 12 worth 75% of their final mark. They also undertake a piece of investigative course work in the autumn term of year 12, worth 25%.
Advanced Level
Biology is a popular subject at AS level. Pupils follow the CCEA specification and sit all three modular examinations in the summer of year 13. Two pieces of coursework are completed during the year.
Many of our pupils AS pupils progress to sit the A2 course in year 14. They complete one piece of coursework during the year and sit all three modular exams in the summer term.
Practical and field work
Where possible we give our pupils the opportunity to participate in a wide range of laboratory based practical work and field work to enhance understanding of biological concepts.
Year 13 pupils completing a field study at Peatlands Country Park:
Image Gallery
