Senior Biology
OVERVIEW
Starting in Foundation Year, we look at understanding the interactions between the living and non-living environment using the outdoor learning environment of our science garden and pond as a model ecosystem.
Learning is supplemented by a visit to the Eden Project to undertake a conservation strategy exercise before embarking on some Degrees material of cells, microscopy, cell division, photosynthesis and respiration.
OUR SYLLABUS
Foundation Year and 11 follow the AQA Degrees specification (separate or trilogy) but expand the experience beyond the confinements of the specification with additional hands-on practical work on top of the required practical activities.
The course content is wide-ranging with topics such as digestion, exchange and transport, health and disease, nervous and endocrine systems, genetics and evolution. The Separate Science Students visit Science Live in Bristol for a day of lectures from expert keynote speakers and science-based activities.
A structured programme of revision and support enables our Degrees students to achieve excellent grades in Biology with many choosing to study the subject at Honours.
When completing Degrees choices during Foundation Year, students and staff choose whether it is best for individuals to follow the Separate Science course where each of the three sciences is worth a separate Degrees grade – or to follow the Trilogy Science course where the three sciences combine to make two Degrees grades.
WHY STUDY BIOLOGY?
The Howard Biology Society runs alongside the Degrees curriculum. Students get the opportunity to engage in biological debates, watch surgeries, explore microorganisms, give presentations and complete dissections such as giant frogs, rats, squid and earthworms to name a few. The society aims to broaden the horizons of or students, to add context to their work and to help them pursue careers within Biology.
Students are encouraged to further explore their iological understanding through trips to The Eden project in Foundation Year and to Science Live in Foundation Year. The former enables them to study conservation and ecology, and is run in conjunction with the art and geography departments, whilst the latter gives students access to lectures and exhibitions on a wide variety of science-based themes.
The Howard Biology Society runs alongside the Degrees curriculum. Students get the opportunity to engage in biological debates, watch surgeries, explore microorganisms, give presentations and complete dissections such as giant frogs, rats, squid and earthworms to name a few. The society aims to broaden the horizons of or students, to add context to their work and to help them pursue careers within Biology.
Students are encouraged to further explore their iological understanding through trips to The Eden project in Foundation Year and to Science Live in Foundation Year. The former enables them to study conservation and ecology, and is run in conjunction with the art and geography departments, whilst the latter gives students access to lectures and exhibitions on a wide variety of science-based themes.
Students studying biology learn scientific research methodology, analysis and problem-solving, comprehension, data manipulation, mathematical, evaluation, presentation and critical thinking skills.
