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Introduction
In KH8 Biology we aim to provide a broad and enriched learning experience for all our students through a curriculum that creates curiosity and develops an understanding of key biological principles. Offering a wide range of opportunities for students to develop scientific skills and learn about biology outside of the classroom.
We want our curriculum to encourage students to be independent, reflective and have the ability to develop self regulated strategies to tackle new problems. Developing transferable skills the will building upon their current literacy, numeracy and technological skills.
Why should students study Biology?
Biologists study the natural world, understanding how all living things, Viruses, Bacteria, Animals and Plants – function and how they are interconnected with the world we live in. The problem solving, research and analytical skills you will develop on this course are skills that will help you with further study at university and in the world of work. Visit the KH8 Biology website for more information.
Why Study AS & A Level Biology?
Cambridge AS and A Level Biology provides a broad range of topics that fully prepares students for University that is rarely offered with other exam boards. This allows students to explore the subject in depth providing not only subject knowledge, but also a strong understanding of some of the key concepts that are critical to mastering the subject.
If you are interested in following a career for example in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Dentistry, Environmental science, Genetics, Microbiology, Medicine or Zoology, then studying A Level Biology is the vital first step.
Check out or KH8 Biology Careers page: KH8 Biology Careers
Key topics to be covered in the course
AS Topics
1. Cell structure
2. Biological molecules
3. Enzymes
4. Cell membranes and transport
5. Mitotic cell cycle
6. Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
7. Transport in plants
8. Transport in mammals
9. Gas exchange and smoking
10. Infectious diseases
11. Immunity
A Level Topics
12. Energy and respiration
13. Photosynthesis
14. Homeostasis
15. Control and coordination
16. Inherited change
17. Selection and evolution
18. Biodiversity, Classification and conservation
19. Genetic technology.
The course follows a modular programme allowing students to take the AS examinations at the end of year 12 and then complete the full A level at the end of year 13.
Examinations:
AS Examinations:
Paper 1: Multiple choice (1 hour, 40 Marks)
Paper 2: Structured questions (1hour and 15 minutes, 60 Marks)
Paper 3: Advanced practical skills (120 minutes, 40 Marks)
In this paper students will carry out a practical work in timed conditions.
A Level Examinations:
Paper 4: Structured questions (2 hours, 100 Marks)
Paper 5: Planning analysis and evaluation (1hour and 15 minutes, 30 Marks)
Further information:
The Cambridge Assessment International Education website has additional information, including the full syllabus details: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-international-as-and-a-level-biology-9700/
What facilities do you have in the Biology department?
What facilities do you have in the Biology department?
Here at KH8 we are extremely well resourced when it comes to facilities, we have 6 fully equipped laboratories throughout science in which students can undertake practical work, the labs have state of the art equipment which allows us to research and understand the biological world around us. Labs are fitted with interactive boards, students can use these to explore a 3D model of the inside of the human heart for example. Along with the labs we have 3 classrooms where students can undertake some revision or theory work away from the practical nature of laboratory. We are also blessed with 3 fantastic technical labs in order to prepare experiments and investigations for our students.
What Co Curricular Activities do you offer?
What Co Curricular Activities do you offer?
We are extremely proud of our Bio-Medical Society, this runs each Monday after school. Our vision for the society was to have some of our brightest A level students running the club for our younger students, it is an excellent opportunity for our A level students to explore and teach biology themselves before they eventually go on to medical school themselves.
In addition to this we also run 3 support and homework sessions throughout the week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
We are extremely proactive in developing a wide range of extra-curricula activities in order to further personalise the curriculum we offer in Biology. The 'Females in Science' seminar we held was a great success and was attended globally by 600+ students and 30 international school across South East Asia.
This year we are extremely keen to enter our students in to the International British Biology Olympiad for year. There will be 3 competitions we will hopefully enter. starting in March.
KS3 Biology Olympiad
KS4 Biology Olympiad
KS5 Biology Olympiad
We have also organised a wide range of other extra curricular competitions such as our Zooming in on Biodiversity Competition, Rising Bread Dough STEM competition and will be hosting our own science fair this year.
How do you measure the attainment and progress of students within Biology?
How do you measure the attainment and progress of students within Biology?
Being a largely practical subject we are continually assessing students within class, this is known as formative assessment, our teachers will observe students during lessons, offering advice and support where needed. After each unit of work we assess students knowledge and understanding of the topic using more formal summative methods of assessment, this could include sit down tests using exam questions, or online testing using the latest software such as Google forms, or learning platforms such as SENECA. When compiling the results of the tests our teachers are then able to offer more bespoke guidance and support to students, we could also re-visit topics should we need to cover materials in greater depth.
We are blessed with lots of useful data in which we can analyse student performance, our teachers use analytical software in order to help us offer support and guidance to students where needed and also guide our future planning.
Students also have the opportunity to complete progress tests on our KH8 Biology website and receive instant feedback . The self progress tests allow students to quickly identify their areas of strengths and weaknesses and provides them with material to help continous progression.
How can students study Biology at home?
How can students study Biology at home?
Students at KH8 have a wide range of resources that they can access and are also provided with a text book to take home.
To further support learning at home and we have developed our own bespoke Biology website: KH8 Biology
The website provides students with a clear guide of what they will learn throughout the year and provides them with a wide range of learning materials and self assessment oppertunities. Students can access instant feedback from assessments and progress checks and also identify the areas they need to further develop. One of the advantages of being able to create our own website is that we can curate interactive materials for our students, this could be videos, 3D modeling or quizz
Do you offer catch up sessions or lunchtime clubs?
Do you offer catch up sessions or lunchtime clubs?
The biology department is usually buzzing at lunchtimes, on a Tuesday we have 'Bio club', this serves as a great opportunity for our students to come along for any catch up work. It is wonderful to see our older student tutoring younger students, this method reinforces topics within our older students brains while also serving as excellent revision. Our younger students find it rewarding and ''look up'' to our older students.
What type of jobs are there available to me if I want to study Biology?
What type of jobs are there available to me if I want to study Biology?
Biology is a rapidly changing subject that incorporates the latest technology and research. There are a wide range of jobs from doctors, environmental consultants, geneticists to learning how to store computer data in DNA.
If you are interested and would like to understand a bit more about careers in Biology, please check our KH8 Biology Careers page:
As a teacher, what type of questioning styles do you use with your students?
As a teacher, what type of questioning styles do you use with your students?
As a teacher for 14 years I have developed a wide range of questioning styles in order to support a wide range of learning types. My main goal with all questions is to develop an understanding of what each and every student knows about the topic we are studying. This is known as 'Diagnostic Questioning' and helps to develop a dialogical atmosphere in the classroom in which students are confident to share their ideas. This also allows me to quickly change and adapt my lessons during the class to ensure every student reaches their target.
What big events have you been proud of within the Biology department?
What big events have you been proud of within the Biology department?
In Biology we have a lot to be proud about, from our new KH8 website, Biomedical society, our wide ranging and personalised curriculum but most of all we are proud of our students.
I have been extremely impressed with what our students are capable of achieving. Writing and publishing papers for scientific journals, earning scholarships to study medicine, organising and developing the KH8 Biomedical society.
I am extremely proud that we have set up a department that not only fully supports our students academically but also provided a curriculum in which students are encouraged and inspired to follow their passion outside of the classroom.
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