Devonport High School For Girls
Biology
Name of Head of Department
Mr D Prideaux, BSc (Hons), PGCE
Statement of Intent
The DHSG science curriculum aims to provide an exceptional scientific education for students, through a wealth of inspiring opportunities within a nurturing environment, leading to outstanding achievements and facilitating further study and potential careers within the subject.
Our aim is to develop students’ curiosity, wonder and understanding of the world around them and equipping them with the analytical skills needed to contribute to a global society.
High-quality teaching of an ambitious, sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum promotes student understanding and addresses misconceptions. Theoretical work is supported by purposeful practical work that enhances understanding and develops critical thinking.
In Biology, we encourage students to gain a deep appreciation and understanding of living organisms at every level:
- at the cellular level, where the importance of the building block of life, and how it meets the different demands imposed upon them, is studied;
- at the organism level, and how the different organ systems in both plants and animals produce viable organisms that meet the challenges of survival;
- at the ecosystem level, where different organisms interact to produce the complex and interdependent food webs found on Earth today.
This is achieved at each Stage:
- Lower Years: Adherence to the National Curriculum for Science (Biology);
- Middle Years: AQA GSCE Biology or AQA Combined Sciences Trilogy (Biology);
- Upper years: OCR Biology A.
Curriculum Programmes of Study
|
Year |
Cycle | Content |
|---|---|---|
|
Year 7 |
Cycle 1 |
Cells: observing plant and animal cells; specialised cells; movement of substances and unicellular organisms Reproduction: adolescence; reproductive systems; fertilisation and implantation |
|
Cycle 2 |
Reproduction: development of fetus; the menstrual cycle; flowers and pollination; fertilisation and germination; seed dispersal |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Adaptation and inheritance: competition and adaptation; adapting to change; variation; continuous variation; inheritance; natural selection and extinction |
|
|
Year 8 |
Cycle 1 |
Health and lifestyle: nutrients; food tests; unhealthy diet; digestive system; drugs; alcohol and smoking  |
|
Cycle 2 |
Ecosystem processes: Chemosynthesis; aerobic respiration; anaerobic respiration; food chains and food webs; disruption to food chains and food webs; ecosystems |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Ecosystem processes: photosynthesis; leaves; plants minerals |
|
|
Year 9 |
Cycle 1 |
Cell structure and transport |
|
Cycle 2 |
Circulation in plants and animals |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Disease – non-communicable |
|
|
Year 10 |
Cycle 1 |
Energetics – Photosynthesis and respiration |
|
Cycle 2 |
Coordination and control |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Reproduction and variation |
|
|
Year 11 |
Cycle 1 |
Adaptations and ecosystems |
|
Cycle 2 |
Human impact on the environment |
|
|
Cycle 3 |
Human impact on the environment |
Lower Years Assessment Framework
To view the Lower Years Assessment Framework for Science, please click here
Middle Years Exam and Specification Information
Middle years Triple Science Options: AQA GCSE Biology is delivered.
GCSE Biology students follow all of units 4.1 – 4.8 found on the GCSE Biology Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Biology Specification
Middle years Double Science option: AQA Combined Science: Trilogy is delivered
Combined science students follow selected elements of units 4.1 – 4.8 found on the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification link below. Practical skills are assessed throughout the course and examined as part of the final examination series.
Full details of the specification and assessment criteria can be found on the AQA website GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Specification
Extra-curricular activities
The department organises regular enrichment activities for students. Sixth form Biologists compete in the Biology Olympiad each Spring, regularly winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The department also plays a role in the school’s flourishing Gardening club, which runs at lunchtime.
The department also takes students to the Peninsula medical school as part of the 'Men in White' activity and takes part in the year 10 Biology Challenge.
There is always a laboratory open at lunchtime and students are encouraged to drop in to seek extra help or catch up with missed work.