Pupils learn through theory and practical work to develop a love of lifelong learning and collaboration.
Whilst the factual basis of Biology is taught, it is done through practical work to develop a love of lifelong learning and collaboration.
Pupils carry out a large number of practicals in all year groups to support the development of pupils’ knowledge as they are made aware of the industrial, social and economic aspects of the Biology they are studying.
Experienced and committed staff stimulate pupils’ interest in, and enjoyment of, Biology so that they feel encouraged to continue their studies in the subject.
We teach pupils about the range of career opportunities in Biology and related subjects, developing a range of transferable skills that prepare them well for university and beyond.
In the Foundation Year (Year 9), all pupils study Biology to help develop biological-focused skills and enthuse them into life-long learning.
Biology is available as a Sixth Form subject in both A level and International Baccalaureate courses of study. We run residential field trips as well as day trips to zoos or other places of biological interest so our biologists can see science in action.
Pupils also have the ability to take part in National Competitions such as Biology Olympiad for Sixth Form and Biology Challenge for those taking GCSEs.
The Biology department has six well-stocked laboratories and practical work forms a significant part in all of the courses taught. A large lecture theatre sits central to the Science School and is regularly used for talks and demonstrations both by our own staff and visiting speakers.
The Edexcel IGCSE Biology course provides a broad foundation for pupils who may wish to continue the subject in the Sixth Form or at university. Biology is a very important subject for anyone considering medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine as a career but it is also valuable as a qualification for any number of other career areas, including general healthcare, engineering, sports and fitness or police and emergency services. Pupils will learn to apply their knowledge to new situations and assess the validity of biological information.
Practical work will form an important part of the course and pupils will develop skills in planning and carrying out investigations, making and recording observations and measurements, drawing conclusions and evaluating data. The combination of practical work and broad syllabus makes IGCSE an excellent base that can be linked into any career. New pupils to the school are encouraged to contact the Head of Biology (lauren.pruden-lawson@malverncollege.org.uk) if they have not studied much Biology in the past as some components of the IGCSE curriculum are covered in the Foundation Year.
The major themes studied in the course are:
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Science (Double Award) (4SD0)
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4Bi1)
Biology is the study of living organisms. The course aims to build a strong foundation in biological knowledge while developing experimental skills, scientific techniques, and an appreciation for the complexity of life systems.
The Biology curriculum is built around four major themes:
These themes are explored across four levels of biological organisation: molecules, cells, organisms, and ecosystems. Students investigate core topics through conceptual questions and interlinked inquiry.
All students follow a practical programme (20% of the course), including:
Standard Level
Higher Level
A Sixth Form Biology Field Trip is a key part of the course and is strongly recommended.
Minimum Requirements for HL:
Students with lower grades may be admitted but should expect significant academic challenge.
To enable students to develop:
Topics studied:
The Natural Environment and Species Survival
Examination board: Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Biology B (9BI0)
There will be three externally assessed written examinations and a Science practical endorsement.
Examination Paper 1 (9BI0/01): Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics. Worth 30% of the total marks.
Examination Paper 2 (9BIO/02): Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology. Worth 30% of the total marks.
Examination paper 3 (9BI0/03): General and Practical Applications in Biology.
In addition to the examination grade the students will achieve at the end of their 2 years, they will also receive a simple PASS/FAIL in practical competencies. These are assessed throughout the 2 years through 12 required practicals, completed at the relevant points in the syllabus.
Fieldwork
Please note that, in the case of students choosing to study Biology at Advanced level, there is a Sixth Form field trip which we strongly encourage students to attend. This will incur a parental charge, although alternative arrangements can be made at the College for students if their parents do not wish them to go.
Experience has shown that in order for students to have a strong enough base from which to study Biology A Level with confidence, they should ideally have a minimum of a grade 8 in GCSE/IGCSE Biology (or Double Award Science). They should also have at least grade 7 in GCSE/ IGCSE Mathematics. We will consider students with lower grades for the Biology A Level course but they need to be aware that they will find the course particularly challenging.