biology
In Biology we aim to excite and inspire students as they learn about living organisms and their environments. Students are exposed to original research and are shown how to understand and evaluate the scientific process. We believe that students learn best through experiencing and investigating research. We provide opportunities for those who would like to go deeper into the subjects and support students where they need it.
WHY STUDY BIOLOGY AT CLSG?
In Biology we encourage an active approach to learning. Students develop a wide range of skills, including data analysis, critical evaluation, communication and collaboration.
With rapid developments in biology, we are faced with an increasing number of decisions. For example, advances in gene technology present ethical dilemmas. Should embryonic stem cells or human-animal hybrid cells be used in medicine? Which genes can be tested for in prenatal screening? We aim to teach students how to knowledgeably and wisely discuss and debate these issues.
COURSE CONTENT
YEARS 7 - 8
Year 7 students learn about cell structure and use microscopes to view a range of cell types. They enjoy learning about stem cells and their potential uses. Students explore reproduction in animals and plants and discuss cloning. Student groups observe a tree in the school grounds for their Tree Project. They make notes weekly and record the appearance and opening of leaf-buds and flowers. They also design growth and decay experiments and write-up a report on their tree.
Year 8 students use the Barbican ponds to study the invertebrate life of different microhabitats, e.g. beside pond plants or water pumps. They identify the food webs that exist in pond habitats and how energy is passed between organisms. Next they explore the biochemistry and energy content of the food that we eat. This leads on to the use of bacteria and fungi in food production and then to microbes and disease. Towards the end of the year students study psychology and animal behaviour including conditioned responses and innate behaviour. For this, students learn about the work of Pavlov and Skinner on animals, and the Hawthorne effect in humans.
YEARS 9 - 11
From Year 9 students follow Edexcel's iGCSE specification. There is a fantastic range of topics to study, both inspiring students and ensuring that they are well prepared for A Level.
Year 9 topics include: hormones, nervous coordination, human impact on the environment, DNA, cloning, stem cells and plant nutrition.
Year 10 topics include: cells and cell transport, breathing, the heart respiration, thermoregulation, blood glucose control, inheritance, evolution and nutrient cycles.
Year 11 topics include: digestive enzymes, immunity, kidneys, microbes in food production and energy in ecosystems.
SIXTH FORM
We follow Edexcel's specifcation at A Level. Students study biology through real-life contexts. For example, when teaching about cardiovascular diseases, they start with an account of Mark , a 15 year old who had a stroke, and Peter, an adult who had a heart attack. They then study the biological principles needed to understand what happened to Mark and Peter and the factors that make it more likely that any one of us will suffer a stroke or heart attack. AS topics are as follows:
Topic 1 Lifestyles, Health and Risk
What is cardiovascular disease? What are the risk factors and how can they be reduced?
Topic 2 Genes and Health
How exactly does a disease like cystic fibrosis affect the body?
Topic 3 Voice of Genome
How do genes control body development and how are they affected by the environment?
Topic 4 Biodiversity and Natural Resources
Why are there so many species on Earth and how might we use them? Should we use them?
RECENT TRIPS/LEARNING ACTIVITES
Students regularly attend lectures and conferences relating to biology. There is a great number to choose from in London and students make full use of these opportunities.
There is a field course for Sixth Form students which takes place in Pembrokeshire, Wales and is an excellent opportunity to take part in original research on shore organisms.
Head of Department
Miss N Brown
