Biology

Staff

Head of Department:
Mrs H Reid

Departmental Staff:
Mrs F Browne, Mrs J Corken, Mrs R McClements

Technician:
Mrs P O'Rorke

Overview

The Biology Department ethos is to provide a secure, stimulating and purposeful learning community where each member is valued and encouraged to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and a commitment to learning. We encourage learners to appreciate the value of Biology in their lives and in the wider world around them.

Aims

1. To promote the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in Biology and, where appropriate, the applications of Biology, and the skills needed for the use of this in new and changing situations by:

• developing pupils’ skills in scientific methods of enquiry to further scientific knowledge and understanding

• developing creative and critical thinking in the pupil’s approach to solving scientific problems

• encouraging pupils to research scientific information from a range of sources

• developing a range of pupil’s practical skills, including the safe use of science equipment

2. To develop the pupils’ understanding of the link between theory and experiment.

3. To develop the pupils’ appreciation of how Biology has developed and is used in present-day society.

4. To promote the importance of Biology as a human endeavour which interacts with social, philosophical, economic and industrial matters by providing pupils with opportunities to develop as:

• individuals

• contributors to society

• contributors to the economy and environment

5. To sustain and develop the pupils’ enjoyment of, and interest in, Biology by:

• delivering stimulating material through innovative teaching strategies and techniques

• encouraging pupils to acquire and develop learning strategies and study skills

6. To encourage pupils to recognise the quantitative nature of Biology and understand how mathematical expressions relate to physical principles.

7. To promote ICT, Literacy and Numeracy skills in line with whole school policy by:

• encouraging pupils to communicate effectively in oral, written, visual, mathematical and ICT formats

• providing pupils with opportunities to manage and process information effectively including number and statistics

8. To provide adequate opportunities for pupils to fulfil their academic potential in external examinations (GCSE, GCE), thereby preparing them for Further and/or Higher Education.

9. To develop knowledge, understanding and skills related to the statutory cross-curricular skills.

10. To ensure that the Biology studied at the end of KS3, KS4 and KS5 are suitable terminal courses for those who choose not to study the subject further.

Key Stage 3

Pupils follow the KS3 (CCEA Statutory Curriculum)

Key Stage 4

Pupils follow the GCSE Biology (CCEA Specification)

Key Stage 5

Pupils follow the A Level Biology (CCEA Specification)