Biology
Miss S Rowan – Head of Department
“How on Earth are you every going to explain in terms of Chemistry and Physics so important a biological phenomenon as first love?” Albert Einstein
Biology is the study of life and living organisms, from the complex biochemical processes and molecular organisation of the simplest organisms to the vast interactions that allow the functioning of the global biosphere. Biological complexity emerges from the laws and models of Physics and Chemistry in unpredictable and exciting ways; this inherent variability of biological systems is what allows life to change and adapt. As new technologies are developed, these systems can be investigated in increasing detail in a constantly evolving discipline of science.
At TBGS, our aim is to equip students to understand the beauty, complexity and sheer wonder of Biology. Life is all around us and we are privileged observers in that we personally experience Biology and the study of the subject becomes a study of oneself and the common links we share with organisms as diverse as bacteria and whales. It places us within our local, national and global communities and allows us to understand the implications of our actions at all these levels.
The multidisciplinary nature of Biology as a subject makes it an ideal companion subject to Chemistry and Geography and the content of these three subjects overlap in many ways. Increasingly, Biology is seen as a complementary subject to Physics and Computing due to the expanding fields of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics. The scientific method and ethical dilemmas posed by many applications of Biology allow students to apply the skills gained in their Philosophy lessons. The models and statistical techniques of Biology are transferable and desirable to many subjects such as Economics. Finally, the diversity of biological form has inspired many artists and continues to inspire students today in Art and influences the design of many products. The Biology department sees our subject as a central component of the curriculum at TBGS which will appeal to and complement the studies of every student.
Our vision
The Biology department is a team of specialist teachers with abundant enthusiasm for and expertise in Biology and the sciences in general. We aim to enable students to find and indulge their passion for Biology and equip them with key stage-appropriate practical and investigative skills, an ever-deepening understanding of the principles and goals of the scientific method and the tools to apply their understanding to unfamiliar contexts. Collaboration and communication are vital transferable skills and students are supported in the acquisition and refinement of these skills.
Our vision for a student of Biology is broad and retains flexibility so that students have the freedom to follow their own path through the biological sciences whilst equipping themselves for further study and employment, whatever their chosen subject.
The TBGS Biology learner profile (adapted from the IB learner profile and aims of the OCR Biology A course):
- Curious, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Biology.
- Knowledgeable of scientific methods and their application in Biology and related fields.
- Knowledgeable of the historical and continuing role that Biology plays in decision making at local, national and global scales its contribution to economy and society.
- Competent in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills.
- Aware of the opportunities for further study and biological careers.
- An open-minded, critical and creative thinker.
- A confident communicator and collaborator.
- An independent, reflective, resourceful and innovative learner.
- Balanced and resilient.
- Responsible, principled, compassionate, caring and respectful.
Our curriculum
Key Stage 3
All students follow the Biology course as outlined in the KS3 Science section of the website. This scheme has been developed to introduce students to the skills and concepts required by the KS4 course. Early exposure to these allows students to successfully make an early transition to the KS4 course.
Key Stage 4
Students follow the AQA Biology course in Year 9 and follow either the Combined Science Trilogy course or Biology course in Year 10 and 11. The decision about which course to take is done to secure the best possible outcome at GCSE for each particular student. The GCSE courses build on the KS3 course and teaching over three years allows the introduction of KS5 content in Year 11 to stretch the ablest and ease the transition from KS4 to KS5 for all students. Training in the appropriate practical, investigative, mathematical, data-handling, analytical and evaluative skills are provided throughout the course in the appropriate contexts. This includes, but is not limited to, the required practical activities identified in the specification.
Year 9
Students study the fundamental principles of which underpin the study of Biology at GCSE. These are revisited repeatedly during Year 10 and 11 in specific contexts.
Cell Biology
Cell structure (including training in appropriate microscopy techniques).
Cell division.
Transport in cells
Organisation
Principles of organisation.
Animal tissues, organs and organ systems.
Year 10
The majority of content is shared between the Combined Science Trilogy and Biology courses. Students build on the content learnt in Year 9 by placing it into specific biological context.
Organisation (continued)
Animal tissues, organs and organ systems
Plant tissues, organs and systems
Infection and response
| Core content | Biology only content |
| Communicable diseases | Culturing of microorganisms (practical training in aseptic technique).
Monoclonal antibodies Plant diseases |
Bioenergetics
Photosynthesis
Respiration
Homeostasis and response
| Core content | Biology only content |
| Homeostasis
The human nervous system |
The human brain
The human eye Control of body temperature |
Year 11
Students continue to develop their skills and apply the core principles to new situations.
Homeostasis and response (continued)
| Core content | Biology only content |
| Hormonal coordination in humans | Maintaining the water and nitrogen balance in the body
Hormonal treatments for infertility Negative feedback Plant hormones |
Inheritance, variation and evolution
| Core content | Biology only content |
| Reproduction
Variation and evolution The development of understanding of genetics and evolution Classification of living organisms |
DNA structure
Cloning Theory of evolution Speciation The understanding of genetics |
Ecology
| Core content | Biology only content |
| Adaptations, interdependence and competition
Organisation of an ecosystem Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems |
Decomposition
Impact of environmental change Trophic levels in an ecosystem Food production |
KS5 Biology
A KS5 qualification in Biology is highly regarded for the specific Biological skills and knowledge gained, but also for the valuable transferable skills gained through the study of an experimental science.
Over half the students at TBGS choose to study Biology beyond GCSE and we have a strong track record of delivering positive outcomes for all students regardless of their ability and interests.
The structure and content of both the Combined Science Trilogy and Biology GCSE courses allow smooth transition onto the A Level or IB courses due to the teaching of core concepts in Year 9 and repeated revision and application of these concepts in context during Years 10 and 11.
Our commitment to the provision of a comprehensive programme of practical activities which exceed the requirements of the specification at KS5 was commended in a recent monitoring visit by OCR.
A Level Biology
The A Level is taught in a similar order to the GCSE to give a sense of familiarity to students and to promote early exposure to key concepts in Year 12. As for the GCSE, these core concepts are revisited extensively in Year 13 where they are taught in specific contexts. Content covers broadly the same scope as the GCSE course, but goes into significantly more detail.
| Development of practical skills in Biology | Biodiversity, evolution and disease |
| Foundations in Biology (Cell and Molecular Biology) | Communication, homeostasis and energy |
| Exchange and transport | Genetics, evolution and ecosystems |
IB Diploma (Higher or Standard level)
As for the A Level, the content of the IB covers broadly the same scope as the GCSE course, but going into more detail at Standard Level (SL) and significantly more detail at Higher Level (HL). Content is broadly comparable to the A Level, with minor differences in emphasis. The IB is taught in a similar order to the A Level, again for reasons of familiarity and the need to gain early understanding of core concepts in Year 12. Maintaining parity between the courses allows students from either programme to study together and benefit from knowledge transfer. The Biology department teaches Option C: Ecology as part of both HL and SL courses. This allows students to gain experience of a broader curriculum and engage with topical global issues such as marine pollution, food security and conservation in addition to completing fieldwork.
| Core content (HL and SL) | Additional Higher content (HL only) |
| Cell Biology | Nucleic acids |
| Molecular Biology | Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis |
| Genetics | Genetics and evolution |
| Ecology | Animal physiology |
| Evolution and Biodiversity | Option C: Ecology and Conservation |
| Human physiology | |
| Option C: Ecology and Conservation |
Both the A Level and IB courses have fieldwork elements. A Level and IB students study succession and habitat management at Dawlish Warren in Year 12 and A Level students study sustainable forestry techniques at Fingle Woods in Year 13.
Extra-curricular activities
The Biology department offers many opportunities for students to go beyond their normal teaching experience.
- KS3 CREST awards are extensively supported by the Biology department
- Various Biology competitions run during the year including the SWAT challenge, The British Biology Olympiad (selected Year 13 students), Intermediate Biology Olympiad (selected Year 12 students) and the Biology challenge (selected Year 9 and 10 students)
- MedSoc offers potential Medics, Vets, Dentists and Oxbridge applications the opportunity to gain advice from admissions tutors and practising medics
- Science Fair
- Extended Project Qualification (A Level)
- Extended Essay (IB)
