Biology

At St Helen’s, we believe that studying science helps students appreciate and understand the rapidly changing and evolving world in which they live. It teaches them to make observations, collect information and draw conclusions by being reflective and analytical.

In Year 5, students learn about space, forces, lifecycles, properties of materials, changing materials and separating techniques. In Year 6, students study light, electricity, the human body, acids and alkalis, temperature, microbes and variation. Lessons take place in our dedicated junior science laboratory and we place a strong emphasis on working scientifically and practically, to equip our students with essential laboratory skills.

Biology in Years 7 and 8 includes lots of hands-on practical activities to introduce the subject and lay its foundations. Lower School Biology is all about having fun! In Years 7 and 8, Biology is taught as part of the science scheme of work by a member of the Science Department.

Year 7 topics include cell structure, human reproduction, plant reproduction, ecology and variation. Time is also spent teaching students how to use several pieces of scientific equipment, particularly microscopes, and students will experience a memorable visit from ‘Animazing’ where they can get up close with a range of exotic animals and learn about their adaptations.

The Year 8 Biology curriculum focuses on human organ systems. Students learn about respiration, gas exchange, the human circulatory system, digestion, the skeleton and microbes. Each class participates in a heart dissection and students carry out practical work involving yeast respiration and microbiology.

In Middle School, we start teaching the Edexcel GCSE curriculum in Year 9. Students have a choice between Combined and Separate Science at the start of Year 10.

Middle School students are taught by specialist biology teachers and undertake plenty of practical work to develop their understanding of concepts and practical skills. These include microscopy, dissection, qualitative testing and sampling.

Topics for each year include:

• Year 9: cell structure, biological molecules, enzymes and ecology
• Year 10: transport into and out of cells, exchange and transport in animals, plant structures and function, disease and health in animals and plants, mitosis, nerves, eye and the brain
• Year 11: homeostasis, genetics, evolution and genetic modification.

The OCR A level Biology course contains a wide range of topics, starting with more foundational subject matters such as cell structure and biochemistry and moving on to human anatomy and physiology (the circulatory, respiratory, excretory and nervous systems), ecology (including biodiversity and conservation), more detailed biochemistry (e.g. respiration and photosynthesis), genetics and genetic technology.

The A level qualification is examined by three theory papers at the end of the two-year course and includes questions based on a clear understanding of practical techniques.

Find out more about studying A level Biology at St Helen’s Sixth Form:

A LEVEL BIOLOGY