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
Organisms 8.1 Movement 8.2 Cells Ecosystems 9.1 Inter-dependence 9.2 Plant reproduction Genes 10.1 Variation 10.2 Human reproduction	Organisms 8.3 Breathing 8.4 Digestion Ecosystems 9.3 Respiration 9.4 Photosynthesis Genes 10.3 Evolution 10.4 Inheritance

Year 7

Year 8

Organisms

8.1 Movement
8.2 Cells

Ecosystems

9.1 Inter-dependence
9.2 Plant reproduction

Genes

10.1 Variation
10.2 Human reproduction

Organisms

8.3 Breathing
8.4 Digestion

Ecosystems

9.3 Respiration
9.4 Photosynthesis

Genes

10.3 Evolution
10.4 Inheritance

Key Stage 3 assessment

Students complete tests throughout the year, which assess them on the skills and concepts that they have studied.
These assessments are comprised of a range of short and longer answer questions, focusing on both concepts and investigative skills.
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
1. Cell Biology 1.1 Cell structure 1.2 Cell division 1.3 Transport in cells 2. Organisation 2.1 Principles of organisation 2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems 2.3 Plant tissues, organs and systems 7. Ecology (part 1) 7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition	3. Bioenergetics 3.1 Photosynthesis 3.2 Respiration 4. Infection and response 4.1 Communicable diseases 4.2 Monoclonal antibodies 4.3 Plant disease 7. Ecology (part 2) 7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition	6. Inheritance, variation and evolution 6.1 Reproduction 6.2 Variation and evolution 6.3 The development of understanding of genetics and evolution 6.4 Classification of living organisms 3. Bioenergetics 3.1 Photosynthesis 3.2 Respiration

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

1. Cell Biology

1.1 Cell structure
1.2 Cell division
1.3 Transport in cells

2. Organisation

2.1 Principles of organisation
2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems
2.3 Plant tissues, organs and systems

7. Ecology (part 1)

7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition

3. Bioenergetics

3.1 Photosynthesis
3.2 Respiration

4. Infection and response

4.1 Communicable diseases
4.2 Monoclonal antibodies
4.3 Plant disease

7. Ecology (part 2)

7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition

6. Inheritance, variation and evolution

6.1 Reproduction
6.2 Variation and evolution
6.3 The development of understanding of genetics and evolution
6.4 Classification of living organisms

3. Bioenergetics

3.1 Photosynthesis
3.2 Respiration

Key Stage 4 assessment

In addition to regular practice of exam style questions in class, students undetake 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 record of progress in their exercise book.

Key Stage 5

AQA A-level Biology 7402

Year 12	Year 13
Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their envrionment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms	Energy transfers in and between organisms Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems The control of gene expression

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 November 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
Students complete regular practice of exam styles in class, including through short and focused biweekly tests.

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

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