In Year 7, all pupils follow a combined science course comprising aspects of all three sciences.

In Year 8 and Year 9, pupils are taught the three separate sciences by subject specialists.

Year 8 Biology – The importance of being human -

The Year 8 Biology course aims to deliver an understanding of how the human body works, focusing on three main systems (digestive, respiratory and immune). The areas of study chosen mean that there is a major emphasis on health and life style choices (smoking, respiratory diseases, healthy diet, vaccinations). It is also aimed at broadening pupils’ understanding of the moral and ethical issues arising from medical treatments, such as the controversy over the links between MMR vaccinations and autism.

The last part of the course will allow students to understand the relationship between humans and other species of animals and plants (ecology).

Students are divided into band A and B based on their performance in the first year (Junior Science). The course consists of one 70 minutes period per week.

Throughout the course, students carry out practical investigations aimed at allowing them to develop the skills needed to better understand the work of scientists and researchers.

Biology club: students are encouraged to join the Wednesday lunchtime Biology club, which offers an opportunity to explore aspects of Biology which are not covered in lessons such as ornithology, orchidology, apiculture, dissection of whole mammals, microscopy, the study of lichens and much more.

Year 8 Biology trip to Bristol Zoo: a trip to Bristol Zoo for all Year 8 students is organised yearly at the end of the Summer Term to allow students to appreciate the importance of conservation projects in preventing species extinction.

Year 9 Biology- The place of humans in the living world

The Year 9 Biology course will develop an understanding of the evolution of humans and their place in the natural world.

The course will cover human anatomy as well aspects of physiology and classification.

Students are divided into band A and B based on their performance in end of Year 8 exam (completed during the summer term). The course consists of one 70 minutes period per week.

Biology club: students are encouraged to join the Wednesday lunchtime Biology club, which offers an opportunity to explore aspects of Biology which are not covered in lessons such as ornithology, orchidology, apiculture, dissection of whole mammals, microscopy, the study of lichens and much more.

Year 9 Biology trip: A visit to The Museum of Natural History at Oxford University will allow students to improve their knowledge and understanding of evolution and Darwinism.

Year 9 Human Biology Prize: there is an annual Human Biology Prize which is presented on Speech Day and is awarded on the basis of performance throughout the year, enthusiasm for the subject, work ethic and a research project on evolution.

Biology Challenge: this is a competition organised by the British Biology Olympiad for the best and most motivated biologists amongst Year 9 and Year 10 students, to stretch their knowledge and understanding and to test their enthusiasm for Biology. Students compete with other students from British schools and are issued with Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards.

For more information please visit: http://www.biology-olympiad.org.uk.

GCSE  Biology

At GCSE, Year 10 and Year 11 students follow the Biology AQA specification.

Over 50% of pupils study the sciences separately, leading to the award of three GCSE qualifications. The remaining students follow a Dual Award Science and Additional Science Course, resulting in the award of two GCSE qualifications. 

Year 10 Biology

In Year 10 students follow the AQA Biology course comprising of aspects of Human Biology as well as Evolution and Environmental Biology.

During the Year 10 Biology course students will develop and be tested on their practical skills which will contribute to their GCSE grade.

All Year 10 students sit their first GCSE exam (B1- Biology) in early June.

Year 10 Biology Lecture:  all Year 10 Biology students are invited to attend a lecture which this year will be at Birmingham Symphony Hall on Monday 24th of January 2011. Our students will have the opportunity to listen to eminent speakers such as Professor Lord Robert Winston and Professor Steve Jones on topics such as genetics and fertility treatments. This should allow them to understand the various applications of Biology to everyday life. 

Biology Challenge: this is a competition organised by the British Biology Olympiad for the best and most motivated biologists amongst Year 9 and Year 10 students, to stretch their knowledge and understanding and to test their enthusiasm for Biology. Students compete with other students from British schools and are issued with Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards.

For more information please visit: http://www.biology-olympiad.org.uk

Year 11 Biology

In Year 11 students follow the AQA Biology course consists of two units: B2 Additional Biology covering topics such as ecosystems, photosynthesis, inheritance and enzymes; and B3 Further Biology which covers topics such as  transport systems, kidney, heart, microbiology and aspects of biotechnology).

During the Year 11 Biology course students complete a practical investigation followed by an 45 minutes exam paper (ISA), which will contribute 25% to their final Biology grade.

GCE Biology

The department attracts approximately 50% of Sixth Form students who are taught in 3 parallel sets at AS Level (31 students follow the AS Biology course) and 2 parallel sets at A2 level (22 students follow the A2 Biology course).

Students at A level follow the OCR GCE Biology course.

Our Biology A Level results are excellent and in the summer over 90% of grades achieved were either A or B.

British Biology Olympiads 2011

The BBO is designed to stimulate and challenge our most gifted Biology Sixth Form students to extend their knowledge and to demonstrate their talent.

This is an international competition which is rewarded with medals, certificates and other prizes.

Medals are presented by the BBO President at an annual awards ceremony in London. The current President is Professor Steve Jones.

The twelve finalists take a series of practical tests and receive training in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham over three days during the Easter holidays.

A small team will be selected to represent the UK at the International Biology Olympiads, for British students to compete with pre-university students from over 50 countries in the world.

For more information please visit: http://www.biology-olympiad.org.uk

A Level Biology conferences: all Sixth Form Biology students are encouraged to attend conferences organised by various scientific institutions, to broaden their understanding of the applications of Biology in many aspects of scientific research.

The aim of these lectures is to enthuse and motivate Biology students and guide and inspire them about their future University and career choices.

AS Biology tutorials: these are available every Thursday at 1.30 in Konrad Lorenz Lab with Mrs Segalini-Bower to help you with any difficulty either with homework tasks or with some of the key concepts covered in lessons.

AS Biology Field Trip: this will take place  in Slapton Ley (South Devon) from Friday 8th of April to Monday 11th of April 2011 and will enable students to engage in field work techniques and ecological and conservation studies, in one of the best Field Study Council Centre in England.

A2 Biology tutorials

These are available every Friday at 1.30 in Konrad Lorenz Lab with Mrs Segalini-Bower to help you with any difficulty either with homework tasks or with some of the key concepts covered in lessons.