Biology

Life is both fascinating and amazing, often times beautiful and sometimes shocking in its appearance or behaviour.

Modern biology is a vast and diverse field, composed of many branches and sub-disciplines, and here at Sunny View we aim to deliver a varied and interesting study of the wonders of this natural science.

Why study Biology?

Have you ever looked in wonder and awe at a living organism you’ve discovered? Are you the kind of person that constantly asks how and why? Are you interested in how your body works? What makes you how you are? How do ecosystems develop and function? If the answer to these questions is yes, then studying Biology will both captivate and inspire you.

Biologists can specialise in many different fields: Agriculture, Anatomy, Physiology, Botany, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Medicine, Pharmacology as well as Environmental Sciences such as Ecology, Zoology and Conservation to name but a few!

Recent Biology graduates from Sunny View are studying Medicine, Marine Biology, Dentistry and Neuroscience. The possible future careers are limitless when you have an inquiring mind, and an understanding of scientific methods and principles.

Biology at Key Stage 3 (Year 7– 9)

During KS3 Biology students study a wide range of topics to develop their knowledge and understanding and inform them of the diversity of fields within this science.

The topics examined are:

Cells and Life processes
Food and Nutrition
Respiration
Breathing and Circulatory systems
Skeletal, Muscular Nervous and Hormone systems
Reproduction in plants and animals
Classification
Genetics and Inheritance
Evolution
Health
Biotechnology and genetic modification
Ecology including human influences on ecosystems

Biology at Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and 11) IGCSE

Edexcel International GCSE Biology is a linear qualification, meaning that students take all of their exams at the end of the course. The content is delivered over 2 years. Examination is via 2 papers (Paper 1 is a 2 hour exam, and Paper 2 is a 1 hour exam).

Broadly the course aims to enable students to 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 using their biological knowledge and understanding the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments, including those related to social, environmental and economic issues.

Students study the following topics designed to address those aims:

Organisms and Life Processes
Animal Physiology
Plant Physiology
Ecology and the Environment
Variation and Selection
Microorganisms and Genetic Engineering

Biology at Key Stage 5 (Year 12 and 13) IAL

Should a student wish to study Biology at a more advanced level, we undertake the two-year International GCE Edexcel A level. This is examined externally via 6 written exams in total: Three exams in the summer of Year 12, and the remaining three in the summer of Year 13.

In the AS year 4 topics are covered, these are:

Unit 1

Lifestyle, health and risk

Genes and health

Unit 2

The voice of the genome

Biodiversity and natural resources

Unit 3

Unit 3 is a written practical paper which examines students' understanding of the core practical investigations conducted throughout the course, on how science works, skills, data analysis and experimental design, and scientific article understanding.

In the A2 year a further 4 topics are covered, these are:

Unit 4

On the wild side

Infection, immunity and forensics

Unit 5

Run for your life

Grey matter

Unit 6

Unit 6 is a further written practical paper which examines students' understanding of the core practical investigations conducted throughout the course, on how science works, skills, data analysis and experimental design.