DP Biology at GESS
At GESS, the Biology course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the natural world, combining practical skills with theoretical knowledge to explore the complexity of life. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, inquiry, and scientific literacy, encouraging students to investigate biological systems from molecules to ecosystems. Students will explore essential themes such as unity and diversity, form and function, interaction and interdependence, and continuity and change, all while considering the impact of biological processes on global issues.

💠 Why Study Biology at GESS?
👉 Concept-Driven Learning – Students engage with key biological concepts such as form and function, unity and diversity, and continuity and change, helping them understand the interconnectedness of life at various levels of organization.
👉 Practical Scientific Skills – The course emphasizes scientific inquiry, with hands-on laboratory work, experiments, and field studies. Students learn to design, execute, and analyze experiments to investigate biological questions.
👉 Real-World Applications – Biology at GESS encourages students to explore the practical implications of biology in real-world scenarios, such as climate change, biodiversity, and public health. The course promotes critical thinking on the ethical, social, and environmental impact of biological advancements.
👉 Global Perspective – The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from the molecular level to ecosystems, helping students understand biological phenomena on both a local and global scale.

💠 Core Units
The Biology curriculum is structured around four key themes:

• Unity and Diversity – The study of how life has evolved and diversified, focusing on molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and biodiversity.

• Form and Function – How the structure of biological systems relates to their function, from the molecular level to the physiology of organisms.

• Interaction and Interdependence – The exploration of biological processes such as metabolism, cell signaling, and the interactions between organisms and their environment.

• Continuity and Change – How biological systems maintain equilibrium and evolve over time, with a focus on inheritance, natural selection, and gene editing.

💠 Assessment
🔸 Internal Assessment (IA) – Students complete a scientific investigation, where they research and answer a biological question of their choice.
🔸 Examinations

• Paper 1A (SL & HL) – Multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge and understanding of the core curriculum.

• Paper 1B (SL & HL) – Data-based questions

• Paper 2 (SL & HL) - Section A—Data-based and short answer questions Section B—Extended-response questions

💠 Biology at GESS: HL vs. SL

🔹 Biology (HL or SL) – Exploring the structures and processes of living organisms, at the molecular, cellular, organism and ecosystem levels of organisation.
🔹 Higher Level (HL): HL students study significantly more content and more advanced biological concepts.
🔹 Standard Level (SL): SL students focus on core biological principles, gaining a solid foundation in biology with a focus on essential knowledge and skills.

At GESS, Group 4 subjects combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical work and real-world applications. All students participate in a collaborative sciences project, research and investigations, preparing them with the skills for STEM careers and university studies in an ever-evolving scientific landscape.