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Biology
Key Stage 3
Our KS3 course is based on the AQA 5-year programme of study. The course has been designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills required to access the Science GCSEs. Students study the following biology topics in Year 7 and 8.
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
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Organisms 8.1 Movement Ecosystems 9.1 Inter-dependence Genes 10.1 Variation |
Organisms 8.3 Breathing Ecosystems 9.3 Respiration Genes 10.3 Evolution |
Key Stage 3 assessment
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Termly assessments on the topics that have been studied
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These assessments are comprised of a range of short and longer answer questions, focusing on both concepts and investigative skills
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Students also complete progress tasks each term - these are extended writing tasks, with each one focusing on a different concept and skill area
Key Stage 4
AQA GCSE Biology 8461
Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
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1. Cell Biology 1.1 Cell structure 2. Organisation 2.1 Principles of organisation 7. Ecology (part 1) 7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition |
3. Bioenergetics 3.1 Photosynthesis 4. Infection and response 4.1 Communicable diseases 7. Ecology (part 2) 7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition |
6. Inheritance, variation and evolution 6.1 Reproduction 3. Bioenergetics 3.1 Photosynthesis |
Key Stage 4 assessment
- Students undertake a formal test at the end of each topic
- These are comprised of a wide range of past GCSE questions - they include short, content led questions, and many longer answer questions, where students are given an opportunity to show a deeper understanding of the skills and concepts studied
- Some questions at GCSE are set in unfamiliar contexts.
- There is also a practical assessment component which involves the completion of a series of assessed practical tasks during the course and keeping a recordâ¯of progress in their exercise book.â¯
Key Stage 5
AQA A-level Biology 7402
Year 12 | Year 13 |
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Key Stage 5 assessment
- Students undertake a formal test at the end of the first half term in Year 12, a UCAS prediction exam at the end of Year 12 and mock examinations in January and March of Year 13
- They also sit a test at the end of each topic - these are comprised of a wide range of past A-level questions. They include a small number of short, content led questions, and many longer answer questions, where students are given an opportunity to show a deeper understanding of the skills and concepts studied
- Questions at A-level are frequently set in unfamiliar contexts
Curriculum enrichment outside of the classroom
We offer a wide range of extra-curricular and co-curricular opportunities to students, including:
- KS3 STEM Club
- Zoo visit
- Field work days
- Go4Set programme
- British Science Week Celebrations and Lectures
- MedSoc – run in collaboration with Medic Mentors
- ChemSoc
- PhysSoc
- STEM Careers events
- STEM Work Placements, in collaboration with Science Oxford
- RSB Challenge