Biology
Biology at Rugby High School
Biology Department Vision Statement
Biology is a demanding subject that encompasses a wide range of critical topics with profound implications for our health and the environment. The fields of stem cell research, genetic modification, gene therapy, DNA technology, and the development of new medicines are at the forefront of scientific progress, and by studying A Level Biology, you will gain a deep and rigorous understanding of these areas. The A level Biology course builds on the core concepts and skills acquired in GCSE Science. Biology is a highly relevant, intellectually challenging, and fast-moving subject that requires both dedication and academic discipline.
GCSE Biology
Examination Board: AQA GCSE Biology
Who should consider Biology GCSE by taking Triple Science?
The extra depth gained by taking Triple Science is particularly beneficial for students aiming to pursue science-related degrees or careers and provides a strong foundation for A-level Sciences. For those aspiring to study Sciences at A-level or pursue a science-focused path in the future, Triple Science is highly recommended as it establishes a solid groundwork for further studies.
Course content
Year 10
In Year 10 students will study topics of:
- Cells and Organisation including cell biology and cell division
- Organisation including the digestive system and organising animals and plants
- Infection and response including communicable and non-communicable disease and preventing and treating disease
- Bioenergetics including photosynthesis and respiration
- Homeostasis and response including the human nervous system and hormonal coordination
There will be required practicals throughout the year on topics including cells, osmosis, food tests, enzyme action, the effects of antiseptics versus antibiotic, photosynthesis, reaction times and the effect of light on seedlings.
Assessment
Students will have regular assessment of content using past paper-style questions and end of topic tests. There will be internal exams in the Spring term.
Extension activities parents /carers can undertake to support learning
Parents can support their student’s learning by encouraging them to read ahead in the online textbook for each topic. Make sure students can access our online resource Kerboodle. This is essential to success at GCSE. There are interactive exam questions, minitests, excellent summaries, and support sheets available. You can also buy a revision guide but students’ own revision notes are also essential.
Students should be using different strategies to KS3 including setting up revision booklets with useful mind maps, diagrams and summaries.
Year 11
In Year 11 students will study topics of:
- Biological responses (continued from Year 10) including homeostasis in action, genetics and reproduction, inheritance and variation
- Genetics and reproduction including genetics and evolution
- Ecology including adaptations, interdependence and competition, organising an ecosystem and biodiversity
There will be required practicals on population in habitats and the effect of temperature on decay.
Assessment
There will be regular assessment of content using past paper-style questions and end of topic tests. Mock exams will be undertaken in December. In the Summer term students will undertake revision activities in preparation for the summer exam and GCSE exams will begin in May.
Method of Assessment:
- Assessment is entirely by examination, with no coursework component.
- All exams are taken at the end of Year 11.
- 2 x 105-minute examination papers for each subject, each worth 50% of the final qualification.
Paper 1 - What’s assessed:
Topics 1 – 4: Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; and Bioenergetics.
Paper 2 - What’s assessed:
Topics 5 – 7: Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; and Ecology.
Extension activities parents / carers can undertake to support learning
At the start of year 11 is a good time to begin using past papers for revision and to improve examination technique. There are plenty of GCSE Biology papers available along with their mark schemes on the AQA website. Preparation for the mock exams should be a steady process not a last minute rush.
Following the mock, do students have a clear idea of what to do to maximise their potential? School reports should have targets and advice to follow.
Once the specification is completed then revision and exam practice becomes the main priority. Parents / carers could listen to students reciting lists of key facts or mnemonics.