Biology

As a Science Faculty, our key aim is to engage all students and help them to identify and understand the science in the world around them. Through our curriculum, we aspire to equip learners with a variety of transferable skills that can be applied in the workplace across a range of careers, not only in the field of Science. We strive to constantly evaluate and evolve our curriculum, to ensure that students’ knowledge is built up in a logical and incremental way, vital for a thorough understanding of complex scientific concepts.

Our curriculum at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 focuses on assessing cumulative knowledge and skills to gain a better understanding of our students’ command of Science, whilst also identifying detailed targets for development.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 Hertswood students study biology, which is delivered through one of the three periods of science per week.

In Biology, students will study three key topics:

• Organisms (cells, muscles, breathing, digestion)
• Ecosystems (interdependence, plant reproduction, respiration, photosynthesis)
• Genetics (variation, human reproduction, evolution, inheritance)

The common thread throughout Key Stage 3 is guiding pupils to develop knowledge of the world that surrounds us, ranging from the cellular level, to the whole organism and the ecosystems in which they inhabit. Students demonstrate their knowledge through regular assessment and practical work and additionally learn about areas such as health and safety in the laboratory and careers in the biology field.

Key Stage 4

For GCSE, students study science for four periods per week. In Biology, the course investigates the theoretical foundations of the subject and covers the behaviour and interactions of cells, tissues, organs and whole body systems and eventually ends with understanding human interaction with the environment. It also develops students’ practical and data analysis skills. The course is fast-paced, so good attendance is required to ensure the students keep up with the content and do not miss essential practical work. This qualification is essential for students who want to take a Level 3 course in science. Students have gone on to health care professions such as Paramedics, Nursing and Midwifery and some to teaching courses or access courses for entry to other University degrees.

Key Stage 5

At A-level, biology is a challenging course that involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths.  Biology is a great choice of subject for students who want a career in health and clinical professions such as medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry or nursing.  Hertswood alumni have also gone on to study marine biology, midwifery, forensic science and veterinary science at University.

Independent Learning Resources

• The Knowledge
• Quizlet
• Century Tech
• CGP Revision and Workbook

Useful Links

AQA GCSE Combined Trilogy SpecificationAQA GCSE Biology SpecificationAQA A-Level Biology Specification