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Biology
GCSE

Syllabus: AQA GCSE Biology

GCSE Biology is taught as a separate science, which enables us to provide all students with the opportunity to study a fulfilling, yet demanding course. Students start their GCSE studies in Year 9, when all 3 sciences are compulsory. In year 10, students can choose Biology as one of their options; in fact most do so.

The GCSE course is broadly based, dealing with all major aspects of biology. There is particular focus on the environment, human physiology and anatomy, inheritance and biotechnology. It includes studies of many recent technological advances in the subject. The Biology Department also plays a large part in Health Education. Issues such as reproduction, diet, smoking, alcohol and drugs are covered from the biological point of view, and from this, moral and ethical issues can be explored.

GCSE biology lesson     GCSE biology lesson

A GCSE Biology lesson

Whenever possible, theory is backed up by practical work; indeed investigations are an integral part of the course. The department is very well resourced for practical equipment, enabling us to provide a wide range of stimulating investigations and demonstrations.

The GCSE course is divided into 3 units: Unit 1 is mostly taught in Year 9, and finished in Year 10. Unit 2 is taught in year 10 and 11, and Unit 3 in Year 11. There may be the opportunity for students to undertake their first external exam for Unit 1 at the end of Year 10. A further strand entitled ‘How Science Works’ is integrated into the teaching of all 3 units.

The centre assessed aspect of this course includes 2 main aspects. A Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) is assessed throughout the course by the teacher, based on the students’ skills in carrying out laboratory or field based practical work. Investigative Skills Assessments (ISAs) are 545 minute tests set by AQA, based on data collected by each student through specific practical work. Students will attempt at least two of these assessments during the course. The best mark is then submitted, representing 25% of the GCSE.

GCSE teachers
DR
Mr D. Rhodes
BSc, London
Head of Dept.		 JTB
Dr J.T. Balsdon
PhD, Reading		 DECB
Mrs D.E.C. Brigden
BEd, Exeter 		AJDG
Mr A.J.
Deighton-Gibson
BSc, Camb. College
AJF
Mrs A.J. Frankpitt
BSc, London		 DJS
Mr D.J. Smart
BSc, Birmingham		 KW
Miss K. Wilson
BSc, Stirling