Welcome to the Biology Department
The English School Biology Department
The English School Biology Department is focused on delivering diverse courses relating to the scientific study of living organisms, exploring the wonders of life at all levels, from molecules to ecosystems. A biological education aids the understanding of current and dynamically changing issues in the world ranging from human influences on the environment to public health, as well as genetic modification, stem cells and use of biology in industry.
Our biology teachers and technician are experts in diverse fields and can therefore provide scientific training to our students offering them a solid foundation in biological principles while also encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and a passion for lifelong learning. Learning is achieved in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and is enhanced by hands on field work opportunities.
Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, research, healthcare, education, conservation, or any other field related to biology, our department offers the knowledge, skills and support a student needs to succeed. We are committed to helping and encouraging our students to achieve their goals and contribute positively to society.
Biology is introduced from year 1 as part of the Lower School Science course and can then be opted for in years 4 and 5 to obtain an IGCSE qualification. Successful and interested students then have the option of continue at A-Level.
To empower students to acquire a deep understanding of the living world.
Through the study of Biology we aim to:
- Encourage students to develop a passion for Biology through student-centred learning.
- Provide an excellent academic foundation in a safe and stimulating environment
- Make students aware of current issues in Biology and to foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment and society
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (Years 4 And 5)
The course is designed to provide students with the ability to:
- experience Biology within the context of their general education
- acquire knowledge and understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles
- acquire the skills needed to use them in new and changing situations
- appreciate the importance of accurate experimental work and reporting
- to apply science in real-life situations
- develop a logical approach to problem-solving in a wider context
- select and apply appropriate areas of mathematics relevant to biology as set out under each topic
The course is divided into five sections:
- The nature and variety of living organisms
- Structure and functions in living organisms
- Reproduction and inheritance
- Ecology and the Environment
- Use of biological resources
Assessment: written examinations (2 papers) at the end of year 5 with questions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities.
Progression: IGCSE Biology serves as an excellent basis for broad understanding or advancing into further scientific studies.
Pearson Edexcel IAS – Year 6
The course is designed to enable students to develop:
- essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
- their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
- broad and deep development of transferable skills, which may be cognitive, intrapersonal or interpersonal
- understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
Unit 1 – Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health
- Topic 1: Molecules, Transport and Health
- Topic 2: Membranes, proteins, DNA and Gene Expression
Unit 2 – Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation
- Topic 3: Cells Structure, Reproduction and Development
- Topic 4: Plant Structure and Function, Biodiversity and Conservation
Unit 3 – Practical Skills in Biology I
This unit will assess students’ ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of experimental design, procedures and techniques developed throughout units 1 and 2.
Assessment: written examinations (3 papers) at the end of year 6.
The requirement for entering the course is a grade 7 at IGCSE.
Pearson Edexcel IAL – Year 7
Unit 4 – Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity
Topic 5: Energy Flow, Ecosystems and the Environment
Topic 6: Microbiology, Immunity and Forensics
Unit 5 – Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology
Topic 7: Respiration, Muscles and the Internal Environment
Topic 8: Coordination, Response and Gene Technology
Unit 6 – Practical Skills in Biology II
This unit will assess students’ ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of experimental procedures and techniques and their ability to plan whole investigations, analyse data and to evaluate their results and experimental methodology.
Assessment: written examinations (3 papers) at the end of year 7.
All papers at IAL can assess material from all 8 topics covered over the IAS (year 6) and IAL (year 7) courses.
