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Biology

At AS and A2 level, Biology is a popular option. It is chosen in conjunction with a wide variety of subjects, including Chemistry, Art, psychology and Mathematics.

We currently follow the OCR Biology specification.

Whilst the main Biology Lab is very traditional in appearance, with solid teak benches, the room is light and airy. The walls are decorated with vibrant wildlife photographs, the shelves display such unusual artefacts as a shark’s jaw, a giant redwood cone and some stuffed mammals. The work that takes place in this lab is not as traditional as the setting would suggest; girls regularly extract their own DNA to make a necklace, and in year 11 and 12 they genetically engineer bacteria to glow in UV light by inserting a jellyfish gene!

The Biology Lab overlooks a small lawn, and on occasions, lessons may be interrupted to observe the antics of a grey squirrel, or to watch a crow soaking a dry crust in the birdbath! The school grounds provide a natural extension to the lab and enable us to undertake ecology projects and go pond dipping without venturing offsite.

The department is staffed by two teachers, one of whom also teaches Physics. Relevant visits are undertaken on a regular basis. Sixth form have been taken to the Natural Science Museum and to the Bodyworks exhibition.

The enthusiasm of the teachers ensure that the students receive a very sound grounding in Biology and achieve a thorough understanding of concepts as well as developing an appreciation of the importance of life.