Biology Dept.

Staff

Dr. McGowan (HoD)
Mrs. F McAstocker
Mrs. R Matthews
Ms. P Chambers
Mr. S Smith (Technician).

Overview

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 A2 level builds on the knowledge and understanding of Biology represented in the GCSE Science: Double Award or GCSE Science: Biology. The study of Science at KS3 is the foundation for progress in Biology at GCSE and AS and A level.

KS3

All KS3 classes follow the Northern Ireland Curriculum for Science at Key Stage 3. The programme of study covers four attainment targets. These include Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as Experimental and Investigative Science. Pupils are encouraged to develop their experimental and investigative skills and their understanding of Science through systematic experimentation and investigation.
The Key Stage 3 course is set out as 3 separate areas of Science to give a balance of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in each of the Key Stage 3 years. The course is taught as an integrated Science Course as a modified version of the Scientifica course and much use is made of ICT to promote teaching and learning and enjoyment of Science.

KS4

At KS4 pupils can study Biology as a separate subject for GCSE or as part of Double Award Science. Current GCSE pupils are following the CCEA Specification for both Biology and Double Award Biology. (Specifications may be downloaded from www.ccea.org.).

AS/A2 Biology

A level Biology builds on the knowledge and understanding gained from GCSE Biology (and Chemistry)/ Double Award Science.

Our A level Biology students also follow the CCEA specification (Specification may be downloaded from www.ccea.org.) The course includes 6 modules as follows:

AS.1: Molecules and Cells (15%)

AS.2: Organisms and Biodiversity (15%)

AS.3: Practical Skills in Biology (10%)

A2.1: Physiology, Co-ordination and Control and Ecosystems (24%)

A2.2: Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary Trends (24%)

A2.3: Practical skills in Biology.

Extra-curricular Activities:

A2 Biology students have an opportunity to take part in the UK Biology Olympiad every year.