Biology
Biology is the study of living organisms divided into many specialised fields. These fields include morphology, physiology, anatomy, behaviour, origin and distribution.
The KS3 science curriculum embeds a core understanding of the principles of biology in year 7 and 8. This provides a strong foundation to begin GCSE biology in year 9, taught by a specialist biology teacher.
GCSE biology is taught as a separate science following the AQA biology specification. This specification contains a broad range of biological topics that are designed to engage and stimulate students’ interest in biology whilst providing the knowledge and understanding required for progression to A Level. The specification emphasises scientific knowledge, the application of science and the scientific process. The GCSE course includes 10 required practicals that the pupils must be able to describe and explain.
Topics include:
- Cell Biology
- Tissues, Organs and Organ Systems
- Health and Disease
- Enzymes and Digestion
- Infection and Immune Response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and Response
- Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
- Ecology
Students at The Cedars are also provided with opportunities to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities, trips and events organised at school, in London and beyond.
The biology GCSE specification can be found linked below. The biology A-Level is also a popular choice among sixth form students. The objective of A-Level biology is to further enhance and interest pupils who enjoyed the subject at GCSE and wish to take the subject to a deeper and more scientific level.
A-level biology will build on the concepts and skills developed at GCSE to help nurture students’ passion for this science and pave the way for further study and careers in science at University level. Biology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, zoology, marine biology or forensic science. The AQA specification for A-Level biology is also linked below.
GCSE AQA Biology Specification
A Level AQA Biology Specification
Thomas Part
Head of Science
