BIOLOGY AT FETTES AT FETTES AT FETTES ... - Fettes College

BIOLOGY BIOLOGY AT FETTES
RESULTS ESULTS 2012
• IGCSE - 100% A*/A
• A Level – 57% A*/A/B
• IB Higher Level – average 6.00 (worldwide average 4.39)
• IB Standard Level – average 5.85 (worldwide average 4.29)
THIRD THIRD THIRD FORM
FORM
This course is a 'taster' of GCSE and several topics of the IGCSE syllabus are studied
here. Pupils start the course with basic cytology and are taught how to use a microscope
in the first few weeks of term. From here they study taxonomy and look at the variety of
life. Dissections of fish, examinations of preserved specimens and the large variety of
animals kept in the department are used for illustration as well as a large number of
videos and visits to the botanic gardens, which are a short stroll away. The spring term
is spent examining reproduction in both plants and animals and pupils are shown how
to design, carry out and write up their own practical work. The summer term is spent
in the grounds of Fettes studying ecology. This culminates in the third form field week
situated in the Cairngorms.
IGCSE IGCSE BBIOLOGY
B IOLOGY
All Pupils take all three IGCSE Sciences with the opportunity to either gain GCSE’s in
all three sciences or take Double Award Science where pupils study the three sciences
with specialist teachers but take a shortened examination which gives them two GCSE’s.
Pupils are set by ability and there are regular assessments to ensure they are in the set
best suited to their strengths and weaknesses.
IGCSE Biology follows the edexcel syllabus and includes topics such as physiology,
botany, biotechnology, inheritance and ecology. Practical work is integrated into the
course and students develop their manipulative and analytical skills whilst carrying out a
wide range of investigations. After two years the students sit theory papers which assess
their biological knowledge and practical skills. From here, pupils wishing to pursue a
career involving science can follow one of two pathways: A Levels or the International
Baccalaureate.

A A LEVEL
LEVEL
AS and A Level Biology follows the OCR syllabus. Three modules are required for an
AS and six for an A2 Level qualification and all courses are taught with a high level of
practical work incorporated into the schemes of work.
AS Biology H0201 consists of three modules:
1. Cells, Exchange & Transport - cytology, breathing & transport in plants.
2. Molecules, Biodiversity, Food & Health - biochemistry, food & production, health
& disease, biodiversity & Evolution & classification.
3. Practical Skills in Biology - this consists of three practical assessments by can be
taken up to three times each and the best mark carried forward.
A2 Biology consists of the following Units:
1. Communication, Homeostasis and Energy. This consists
of respiration, photosynthesis, populations, nervous system and homeostasis.
2. Control, Genomes and Environment. This consists of theoretical genetic crosses,
genetic engineering, human genetics, biotechnology and ecology.
3. Practical Skills in Biology 2. This consists of internally assessed practical
coursework.
IB Biology can be taken at both Standard and Higher Level. Higher level candidates
complete a compulsory 60 hours of practical work as part of their coursework and
Standard level 40 hours.
The syllabus is very extensive and option topics include Neurobiology and behavior,
Evolution and Exercise and Disease.
IB
FIELD FIELD WORK
WORK
As well as the ecological field work carried out in the grounds of Fettes, all Third Form
pupils attend a 'field week' in Abernethy at the end of the summer term. Both the
Biology and Geography Department carry out field work during this week. Here pupils
have the opportunity to study aquatic ecosystems and observe both current and former
native wildlife at the Highland Wildlife Park. It is not all hard work and pupils have the
option of practicing their outdoor skills in rock climbing, canoeing and other exciting
activities. At the end of the week, pupils write a report on a topic studies during the
field week for which there is a substantial prize for the top three.
All A Level and IB Biologists get a chance to attend a Marine Biology field course at the
end of the Lower Sixth. This is held at the University Marine Biology Station, Millport,

Isle of Cumbrae. The pupils study benthic ecosystems by trawling on the university
research vessel as well as studying both rocky and sandy shores. Formal lectures take
place in the morning, followed by field and practical work in the afternoon often with a
round-up session in the evening.
EXTRA EXTRA-CURRICULAR
EXTRA CURRICULAR
Edinburgh is a city with extensive resources in life sciences and the biology department
run weekly outing which include visits to the following:
• Edinburgh University Electron Microscopy Unit
• The MRC Human Genetics Research Laboratories
• Edinburgh Zoological Gardens
• The Royal Botanical Gardens
• Visits to the Royal College of Surgeons, Royal College of Physicians
ANIMAL ANIMAL CLUB
CLUB
The Animal Club offers students the opportunity to study Animal Husbandry which
can contribute to part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Department has an
extensive Animal Room which houses rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, terrapins,
two ferrets (Gerald and Jemima) and, occasionally, a visiting constrictor. In addition,
we also have a variety of invertebrates including Madagascan hissing cockroaches, giant
Congo millipedes, fruit beetles, Giant African Land snail and stick insects. Pupils learn
basic care practices and have the opportunity to visit Edinburgh Zoo and local Vets.

ANATOMY ANATOMY CLUB
CLUB
Not for the faint-hearted, Anatomy Club gives Sixth Form pupils an opportunity to
develop skills in dissection and biological illustration. Not only is this useful to those
who are considering a career in Medicine or Veterinary Science but it also allows pupils
with an interest in Biology to explore the subject further. Last year some of the students
had the opportunity to practice their sewing and competed in a Surgical Skills
Competition held by the Royal College of Surgeons.
MEDICS/VETS MEDICS/VETS & & & OXBRIDGE OXBRIDGE GROUP GROUP
GROUP
A large percentage of pupils studying Biology in the sixth form aim for medicine,
veterinary medicine or Oxbridge biological/natural sciences. To give these pupils
experience for the specialist examinations such as the Bmat and the testing interviews
we offer extra classes which consist of weekly meetings and specialist outside visits.
Pupils are encouraged to expand their work experience in a variety of ways and to
develop the skills required to impress admission tutors. Regular group discussions are
encouraged as well as independent and higher level thinking skills.
SCIENCE SCIENCE SOCIETY SOCIETY
SOCIETY
All Sixth Form Biologists are encouraged to attend the Science Society. The Society
organises speakers from Universities around the country and offers pupils a forum for
discussion. It also runs a regular news board, science book club and visits to local sites
of scientific interest.
Regular events include:
• Visits to the Royal College of Surgeons, Royal College of Physicians and
the Royal Society of Edinburgh
• Science Society treasure Hunt and BBQ
• Science & Society Quiz Night - based on a local pub quiz
• Book club - discussion of popular science literature
• Talks by distinguished visiting lectures from universities throughout the
country.

BIOLOGY BIOLOGY STAFF
STAFF
We have four full time teaching staff and two technicians.
Dr. Dr. Dr. S.A. S.A. S.A. Lewis Lewis Lewis - Head Head of of Department
Department
BSc Hons. University of London, PhD Zoology University of Glasgow
Doctoral thesis on heavy metal pollution in the marine environment and using seabirds
as monitors of heavy metals. This included extensive fieldwork on Foula, St. Kilda and
in the North Sea.
Main interests in school include horse riding, Science Society & Animal Club. Interests
outside school include one-day eventing, Munro bagging, theatre, reading and sailing.
Mr Mr Mr H A S M Exham Exham
BSc Hons. University of Bristol, PGCE, King’s College London
Main interests in school include Football and working in Craigleith as Assistant
Housemaster. Interests outside school include reading, technology, traveling and
spending time with his wife and daughter.
Mr Mr H H McCowan McCowan Hill
Hill
BSc Hons. University of Liverpool, PGCE, University of Manchester.
Main interests include rubgy, swimming & football. Outside school interests include
travel and diving.
Mr Mr D. D. Dowey
Dowey
BSc. Hons University of Glasgow
Main interests in school include rugby, hockey, athletics and clay pigeon shooting.
Interests outside school include cycling, travelling and spending time with his family.
Mrs Mrs Jean Jean Hutchinson
Hutchinson
Jean recently went part time after 13 years as chief technician but still keeps the
department running smoothly and maintains the animal room. Outside school her
grandchildren keep her busy.
Mr Mr Alan Alan Lennon
Lennon
Alan joined us in 2011 and is the full time technician. Alan came to us after working at
the MRC and he is still keen to keep up to date with all things scientific.