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9 September 2010
Collaborating for Enrichment
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9 September 2010
Legend Seán Bán Breathnach Visits Violet Hill
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9 September 2010
Mixed Emotions
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| Biology is the study of living things, which includes their structure, functioning, origin and evolution, classification, interrelationships and distribution. Biology occupies a central position in science linking disciplines from mathematics to medicine and affects every aspect of our lives. The subject at AS and A - level builds on the knowledge and understanding of Biology represented in the G.C.S.E science: Double Award or G.C.S.E. science: Biology The study of science at KS3 is the foundation for progress in at Biology G.C.S.E. and AS and A - level. |
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All junior forms follow the Northern Ireland curriculum for Science at Key Stage 3. The programme of study (P 0 S) covers four attainment targets.
Attainment target 1
(A T I): Experimental and Investigative Science. Attainment target 2
(A T 2): BIOLOGY Living Organisms and Life Processes Attainment target 3
(A T 3): CHEMISTRY Materials and their uses Attainment target 4
(A T 4): PHYSICS Physical processes In Experimental and Investigative Science
(A T 1) pupils are encouraged to develop their experimental and investigative skills and their understanding of Science through systematic experimentation and investigation.
Work within Attainment Target 1 is introduced through knowledge and understanding covered within Attainment Targets 2,3,and 4.
The Key Stage 3 course is set out as 3 separate areas of Science to give a balance of Biology (A T 2) Chemistry (A T 3) and Physics (A T 4) in each of the Key Stage 3 years. The course is taught as an integrated Science Course |
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This specification is designed to promote continuity, coherence and progression within the study of Biology.
The specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed within the Key Stage 3 Northern Ireland Curriculum Programme of study for Science.
The main aims of the course are to encourage students to: ·Acquire a systematic body of scientific knowledge, and skills needed to apply this In new and changing situations in a range of domestic, industrial and environmental context;
Acquire an understanding of scientific ideas, how they develop, the factors which may affect their development and their power and limitations; Plan and carry out a range of investigations, considering and evaluating critically their own data and that obtained from other sources, using ICT where appropriate;
Evaluate in terms of their scientific knowledge and understanding, the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments. including those related to the environment, personal health and quality of life, considering ethical issues where appropriate;
Select, organise and present information clearly and logically, using appropriate scientific terms and conventions, using ICT where appropriate.
Examination StructureASSESSMENT and EXAMINATIONS Topic Tests At the end of each topic there is a short written test.
Each topic is given a mark out of 10 and this is recorded by the student in his workbook in the self-assessment section. House Examinations Students also sit formal Christmas and Summer (house) examinations in each year. Percentage mark, class average, class place and grade are reported to parents in the twice-yearly report.
Coursework The scheme for coursework assessment is based on the Programme of Study for experimental and investigative Science at Key Stage 4.
Students are assessed in three skill areas. ·
Planning experimental procedure
Obtaining evidence Interpreting and evaluating Framework for Assessment This can consist of
(1) Whole investigation in which the student attempts all 3-skill areas.
(2) Experimental task in which one or two skill areas are attempted.
The minimum requirement is one whole investigation from which all marks count. G.C.S.E. written examination At the end of the two-year course students sit two written papers.
The GCSE grade awarded is determined by performance in the coursework and written examination papers as set out in the summary table |
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AS and A-Level Biology builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed within G.C.S.E. Biology or G.C.S.E. Double Award Science.
The main aims of the course is to encourage students to: 1. Develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Biology;
2. Develop an understanding of Scientific Method.
3. Develop an awareness of the use of IT and instrumentation in Biology;
4. Appreciate the contributions of Biology to society;
5. Sustain and develop their enjoyment of and interest in. Biology Structure of the Course.
The course comprises six modules, three of which are taken in the AS year and three in the final year.
Module 1: Written paper 1 hour (16.6%) Cell Biology. Module 2: Written paper 1 hour (16.7%) Physiology and Ecology.
Module 3A: Practical examination 45minutes (9.3%) 3B: Coursework (7.4%)
Module 4: Written paper 1 hour 30 minutes (16.7%) Coordination, Biochemistry and Environment.
Module 5: Written Paper I hour 30 minutes (16.7%) Reproduction, Genetics and Taxonomic Diversity.
Module 6: Written Paper 1hour (9.3%) and Coursework (7.4%) Students wishing to study Biology at AS or A - Level should have a minimum of grade B in G. C.S.E. Biology. Students who have a BB in Double Award Science will be considered. |
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- Access excellence (in Biology) A wonderful site for teachers & students! Contains notes and diagrams (some in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files). Covers almost the complete range on biochemistry, mitosis, meiosis, DNA, parts of the body etc. Not to be missed!
- Biochemical Learning Resources - A tutorial that focuses on glycol sis in anaerobic conditions. Understandable, concise steps accompanied by animations. A good starting point for students studying carbohydrate metabolism and a worthwhile alternative to longwinded textbook explanations. Predict and test your metabolic pathway for glucose with the DIY glycol sis section. When you have mastered this try the protein purification simulation.
- Biology- another large, wonderful interactive site on biochemistry, photosynthesis, enzymes ... pop
- Biology Gateway Site - An excellent 'A? level (and beyond) Gateway Portal Site. Well worth a browse!
- Biology Lessons - the sitemap for Biology Lessons for practicing or prospective teachers from San Diego University - an excellent selection of detailed Biology lesson plans, mostly at level Two.
- Biozone - Links - gateway site which aims to make it easier for students to search for Biology related sites - over 400 sites are listed, categorised into 15 major headings from Animal Behaviour, Biotechnology to Student projects. Within each major heading, sites are further subdivided. Links are targeted at the 16-17 age group but many are useful for both younger and older students. This is a useful site, easy and attractive to use.
- GCSE Biology -Cells - A 'home-brew' site dealing with animal & plant cells, mitosis, osmosis etc. Explanations are student-friendly; diagrams
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Cell Biology
- Ecology
- Evolution
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Zoology
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- Annual Fieldtrips for S2 S3 and S4 students.
- Annual visits to the Belfast Telegraph Lectures at Q.U.B.
- Participation in the British Biology Olympiad.
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