Biology

Pupils in Year 9 begin the GCSE Biology programme by completing the first two of the required nine units, including core biological concepts which are regularly revisited throughout Years 10 and 11. They begin to develop some of the skills that are essential for the GCSE course, including practical skills and the use of subject specific terminology. They will learn about different types of cells and how these cells can obtain materials via different processes as well as studying the importance of enzymes in cellular reactions. In addition, we learn about cell division and stem cells (including the ethical consideration surrounding the use of these cells) and cover the role of the nervous system in organisms. The brain and how the eye works are also taught as part of the first year. These are all key concepts that are essential for the final exam and also help develop key skills and understanding that will be helpful in the remaining two years.

Board: Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Biology / Edexcel Combined Science

Pupils at Gresham’s can either complete GCSE Biology alongside separate GCSE qualifications in Chemistry and Physics, or they can choose to complete the Edexcel Double GCSE in Combined Science.

Nine topic areas are covered in the Edexcel Combined Science and Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Separate Biology courses, studied at varying levels of detail:

1. Key concepts in biology (including cells, enzymes and transport of molecules)
2. Cells and control (including cell division, stem cells and the nervous system)
3. Genetics (including DNA and inheritance of genes)
4. Natural selection and genetic modification (including modern techniques such as cloning and genetic engineering)
5. Health, disease and the development of medicines
6. Plant structures and their functions (including photosynthesis and plant growth)
7. Animal Coordination, control and homeostasis
8. Exchange and transport in animals (including the respiratory and circulatory systems)
9. Ecosystems and material cycles

At the end of the course in Year 11, the pupils complete two exam papers to determine the grade they are awarded. There is no coursework element to GCSE Biology but pupils must be able to complete a range of practical tasks successfully as part of the course.

Biology is highly regarded by universities as an academically challenging subject and the depth and breadth of the course means pupils enjoy learning about a range of areas, which can in turn lead to a variety of careers. Biology is a wide ranging and diverse group of subjects. Studying at Sixth Form level opens the door to opportunities in zoology, medicine, conservation, genetic research, veterinary medicine, dentistry, forestry, physiotherapy and ecotourism amongst any others.

Entry requirements: Grade 6 in Biology GCSE or 6:6 in Combined Sciences

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Biology (covered through practical work throughout the course)

Module 2 – Foundations in Biology (including Cell Biology, Cell Division, Enzymes and Biochemistry)

Module 3 – Exchange and Transport (including gas exchange and the lungs, the heart and circulatory system and transport of materials in plants)

Module 4 – Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease (including measuring biodiversity, conservation, classification and the immune system)

Module 5 – Communication, Homeostasis and Energy (including the biochemistry of respiration and photosynthesis, the nervous system, the liver and kidneys and hormonal communication in animals and plants)

Module 6 – Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems (including genetic inheritance, the control of gene expression, populations and ecosystems and biotechnology)

• Assessment is through three exams, taken towards the end of the course:
• Biological processes – 2 hours 15min (37%)
• Biological diversity – 2 hours 15min (37%)
• Unified Biology – 1 hour 30min (26%)

Experimental skills are recognised and lead to a practical endorsement in Biology awarded through completion of a series of practical experiments in lessons.

Entry requirements: Grade 6 in Biology GCSE or 6:6 in Combined Science

Biology is highly regarded by universities as an academically challenging subject and the depth and breadth of the course means pupils enjoy learning about a range of areas, which can in turn lead to a variety of careers. Biology is a wide ranging and diverse group of subjects. Studying at Sixth Form level opens the door to opportunities in zoology, medicine, conservation, genetic research, veterinary medicine, dentistry, forestry, physiotherapy and ecotourism amongst any others.

There are four overarching themes within IB Biology and within each of these, a number of different topics are taught covering a wide range of the Biological Sciences. These include Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Physiology, Plant Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology and Neurobiology. An outline of the topics taught within the four themes are shown below:

Unity and diversity
• Water • Nucleic acids • Origins of cells * • Cell structure • Viruses * • Diversity of organisms • Classification and cladistics * • Evolution and speciation • Conservation of biodiversity

Form and function
• Carbohydrates and lipids • Proteins • Membranes and membrane transport • Organelles and compartmentalization • Cell specialization • Gas exchange • Transport • Muscle and motility * • Adaptation to environment • Ecological niches

Interaction and interdependence
• Enzymes and metabolism • Cell respiration • Photosynthesis • Chemical signalling * • Neural signaling
• Integration of body systems • Defence against disease • Populations and communities
• Transfer of energy and matter

Continuity and change
• DNA replication • Protein synthesis • Mutations and gene editing • Cell and nuclear division • Gene expression *
• Water potential • Reproduction • Inheritance • Homeostasis • Natural selection • Sustainability and change
• Climate change

Assessment:

Pupils will complete two exam papers at the end of the course:

Paper 1 – Multiple-choice questions and data-based questions. This contributes 36% of the final grade.

Paper 2 – Data-based and short-answer questions and extended-response questions. This contributes 44% of the final grade.

Each paper is 1.5 hours for Standard Level. For higher level, paper 1 is 2 hours and paper 2 is 2.5 hours.

The remaining 20% of the grade is awarded for the scientific investigation. The scientific investigation is an open-ended task in which the pupil gathers and analyses data in order to answer their own formulated research question. The outcome of the scientific investigation will be assessed through the form of a written report.

As pupils progress through Biology at the school, they are encouraged to attend the Hodgkin Society meetings. Named after Sir Alan Hodgkin (former student and Nobel Prize Winner) the Hodgkin Society is a pupil-centred society, where those involved are encouraged to do presentations of whatever format they wish to enrich their peers’ understanding, interest and knowledge of biologically-related matters. Pupils are consistently encouraged to read material and articles that will enrich their knowledge of the subject and these are what are often shared during the society talks.

The department runs a field course around the North Norfolk Coast for all Sixth Form biologists. This focuses on zonation, succession, biodiversity, habitat management, adaptations and distribution. Habitats include dune land, saltmarsh, rocky shore, heathland and rivers. This enables our sixth form biologists to develop the practical ecology skills needed for their courses, whilst experiencing the beauty and biodiversity of the North Norfolk coastline.

Our top A Level and IB students annually enter the national Biology Olympiad. This is an annual competition run by the Royal Society of Biology, in which schools all over the world compete by answering challenging questions related to the whole breadth of subject areas in Biology. Gresham’s has had a lot of success in this competition in previous years, including students recently who have won Gold awards for finishing in the top 5% of all competitors!

The Biology department at Gresham’s is also part of the AMGEN Biotechnology Experience, in association with the John Innes Centre, Norwich. As part of this the school is loaned a variety of complex biotechnology kit and is able to run practical experiments with students in Years 10 to 13 on DNA profiling (including extraction of DNA and gel electrophoresis) and PCR (amplifying DNA for gel electrophoresis). These are advanced practical experiments that enhance the pupils’ understanding of genetic technology and it’s importance in society and give pupils an experience of practical genetics that many other schools are unable to offer.