Biology

Biology is a particularly popular science at The Leys and a fun, imaginative, yet hard working approach is adopted by staff and students alike. We have an excellent academic track record and our most recent results in 2010 are no exception.

Given our success, numbers studying Biology at AS and A level have increased over the past few years. Students studying Biology go on to pursue a wide range of career paths. Degree subjects include Natural Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, Genetics, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Physiotherapy, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences and Marine Biology.

GCSE

The latest QCA directed changes have led to a new AQA GCSE Biology specification which will be examined in 2013. GCSE Biology is taught over three years and therefore only Year 9 are currently following the new specification. The assessment format is the same as the specification delivered to Years 10 and 11. Students will sit 3 x 45 minutes theory papers each with a weighting of 25%. ISAs (Investigative Skills Assignment) and PSAs (Practical Skills Assignment), the practical assessment component, comprise the remaining 25%.

AS/A2

The Biology department follows the OCR AS & A level specification. Students sit two theory papers and a series of practical tasks in each of the two years. At AS level topics include Cells, Exchange, Transport, Food and Health, Biological Molecules and Biodiversity. At A level topics include Communication, Homeostasis, Energetics, Control, Genomes and Environment.

Extra-curricular studies include visits to the Babraham and Sanger Institutes, the latter including videoconferencing stretch and challenge activities.

The Biology department also runs the ‘Botswana trip’. This overland expedition to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia includes the wonders of The Okavango Delta, The Magkadikadi salt pans, Chobe and Etosha National Parks, Swakopmund dunes and Victoris Falls. Activities include sky-diving, sand-boarding, white water rafting, walking with lions, quad biking on the Namib desert as well as land, water, horseback and makoro safaris.

Staff

Paul Davies BSc MEd Dip : Head of Department 
Martin Brown BSc
Denzil Fernandes BSc
William Unsworth BSc PhD
Amanda Rowley-Kingston - Technician
Theresa Shanks - Technician