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 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