Information Book Just for Starters - Stockport Grammar School

BIOLOGY
Key subject aims
The Edexcel IGCSE in Biology enables students to:
• acquire knowledge and understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles
• develop an appreciation of the significance of biological facts, concepts and principles
and the skills needed for their use in new and changing situations
• appreciate the importance of accurate experimental work to scientific method and
reporting
• form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
• sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the study of living organisms
• evaluate, in terms of their biological knowledge and understanding, the benefits and
drawbacks of scientific and technological developments, including those related to social,
environmental and economic issues.
The design of the course provides a basis for progression to further study in GCE Advanced
Subsidiary and Advanced Level Biology.
At A Level we follow the AQA Biology Specification. At any one time, pupils are engaged
in two separate lines of study, each taught by a different member of staff. Practical work is
integrated into the theory lessons where appropriate. Ecology is studied partly theoretically
in the classroom, but largely on a four day intensive Field Study Course, run by the Biology
staff on a marine rocky seashore on the Isle of Anglesey.
Are there any extra-curricular activities?
The Animal Club is principally orientated towards Lower School pupils. They are taught how
to look after the animals in a safe and correct manner. We endeavour to foster responsible
behaviour when handling and caring for animals. If parents agree, pupils can put their name
down to take one of the animals home during the holidays.
The Biology Challenge
Pupils in the Fourth Year are entered for the Biology Challenge. This is an online competition
which takes place in school. Its aims are:
1. To encourage an interest in Biology beyond the school curriculum and stimulate curiosity
in the natural world.
2. To involve as many pupils as possible in a challenging and interesting Biology competition.
3. To act as a junior version of the British Biology Olympiad, raising its profile and encouraging
participation.
The Biology Olympiad.
The British Biology Olympiad challenges and stimulates gifted students with an interest in
Biology to expand and extend their talents. In offering a wider syllabus than A-level, it allows
gifted students to demonstrate their knowledge and to be suitably rewarded and publicly
recognised by the award of medals, certificates and other prizes. It is hoped that competing
in the Olympiad will encourage students already interested in this valuable, wide-ranging
and rewarding subject to continue their study beyond A-level.
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