INTRODUCTION

The Biology Department at North Cestrian is thriving and successful. It aims to present Biology as a dynamic and rapidly developing science without losing sight of the fact that it is essentially a study of the living organisms around us. We aim to encourage pupils to learn by ensuring they are enthusiastic, thoroughly enjoy the subject and take a pride in their work.

In written work there is encouragement not to copy, but rationalise information, to draw extensively and use colour and variety of display techniques (including use of material drawn from the internet) so as to promote individual flair and develop imagination. Pupils are also taught to question theories and to formulate their own ideas based on reasoned argument. A wide variety of teaching styles, resources and activities is used to achieve these aims.

Pupils learn practical skills and develop knowledge and understanding that they can then apply to the world around them. Biology impinges on all of us in our daily lives whether it is on a country walk or a visit to the doctor's. Therefore we consider it essential for all at North Cestrian to gain solid Biological knowledge.

We aim to prepare all pupils to attain the highest possible grades in external examinations so that they achieve their full academic potential.

We appreciate that not all students will want to continue their study to Advanced Level and so the junior curriculum is designed to be complete in itself.

STAFFING

The Biology teaching staff consists of two subject specialists:

Mr R Thompson Head of Department BSc Nottingham
Mrs E Holmes Biology Teacher BSc Chester

Accommodation

The Biology Department is housed in two large laboratories which are well equipped with up to date facilities such as high magnification microscopes, over head projectors, colorimeters, video recorders, televisions, an internet facility and a teacher operated computer linked to VDU screens arranged round the Laboratory.

CURRICULUM

Biology is taught as a compulsory subject up to GCSE. We are not restricted to the National Curriculum but do essentially follow the QCA directed syllabus to KS3.

The subject is taught by experienced teachers from the three department of Chemistry, Biology and Physics as part of a combined science course (five lessons in all per week). The Biology part of the course covers a wide range of topics as diverse as microscope work, the circulation of blood, plant structure and function and fighting disease.

EXAMINATIONS

GCSE
At GCSE level we maintain the identity of the three science subjects, albeit they count collectively towards a single or double award qualification, which will potentially earn one or two GCSEs respectively. To provide continuity, the same subject specialist teaches a particular group throughout the whole two-year course.

Both single and double award GCSE science courses are modular (OCR Specification A). This means that there is an externally assessed examination, worth 25% of the final GCSE, at the end of Year 10.

Pupils also complete an extended coursework investigation in Year 10 and this, along with the written papers at the end of Year 10 and Year 11, contributes to the student's final grade.

All the boys receive a full set of typed revision notes at the start of each year.

The Science Department attained a record pass rate (A*-C) of 88% at Double Award GCSE in 2005.

Mr G Kolbusz

Ashworth Cottage

Ashworth Lane

Mottram

Cheshire

' A' Level Course
In the Sixth Form Biology is a particularly popular subject. At AS and A2 level (with over 25 students) the Department is one of the biggest in the School. We are proud of the results the students achieve. Throughout both years the department once again follows the OCR Biology specification. The course is a very varied one encompassing biochemistry, cell ultrastructure, industrial and medical microbiology, human physiology, genetics and gene manipulation together with the more traditional aspects of plant anatomy.

At AS level there is an examination in January and another in June. In addition there is quite a demanding practical examination. At A2 level there is a January examination, two June examinations and once again a searching practical assessment. One of the summer examinations is based on an option subject and at Cestrian we have chosen to study Applied Microbiology. This give students a fascinating insight into the world of industrial, medical and public health microbiology. At Advanced Level the average class size is 10 students. To avoid staleness and ensure a healthy mix of ideas and teaching styles each class is taught by both Biology teachers. Each teacher concentrates on the part of the course in which they have particular interest and specialism. Students change laboratory and teacher every 10 days. Students are assessed every fortnight and a report is sent home to parents.

All the students receive a full set of typed revision notes and are given these at the start of each year.

Extra Curricular

Various school trips are organised:
Year 8 pupils are taken to Chester Zoo.
Year 9 visit the Thackery Medical Museum in Leeds.
Year 10 visit the Physiotherapy Department at Warrington Rugby Club.
In Year 12 we organise a visit to the University of Lancaster Biochemistry Department.
Here students gain hands on experience of using the university's collection of electron microscopes.

In summary, in the NCGS Biology Department we are very much in agreement with the comments made by Estelle Morris who said that ..'Science is diverse and exciting. It helps pupils to explore the world around them and understand so many things that have relevance to daily life. Pupils must therefore have the best possible support for learning science at school.'