Why do we learn biology?
To discover and to inspire curiosity. Our core purpose is to provide students with:
- The tools to discover the truths of the world that we live in
- The opportunity to discover new ideas by investigating and drawing evidence-based conclusions
- The skills to access analytical and technological careers
- Employable skills such as problem solving, modelling, and reasoning
Head of Biology
Ms J Nesmyth
Year 12
| Content |
|---|
|
3.1 Biological molecules All life on Earth shares a common chemistry. This provides indirect evidence for evolution. Despite their great variety, the cells of all living organisms contain only a few groups of carbon-based compounds that interact in similar ways. 3.2 Cells All life on Earth exists as cells. These have basic features in common. Differences between cells are due to the addition of extra features. This provides indirect evidence for evolution 3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment The internal environment of a cell or organism is different from its external environment. The exchange of substances between the internal and external environments takes place at exchange surfaces. To truly enter or leave an organism, most substances must cross cell plasma membranes. 3.4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Biological diversity – biodiversity – is reflected in the vast number of species of organisms, in the variation of individual characteristics within a single species and in the variation of cell types within a single multicellular organisms. |
| Assessment |
|---|
|
November mock- Topics 3.1 and 3.2 Summer assessment- AS level exam paper (internal but AQA past paper) Topics 3.1-3.4 (Paper 1) |
Year 13
| Content |
|---|
|
3.5 Energy transfers in and between organisms Life depends on continuous transfers of energy. 3.6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments A stimulus is a change in the internal or external environment. A receptor detects a stimulus. A coordinator formulates a suitable response to a stimulus. An effector produces a response. 3.7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems The theory of evolution underpins modern Biology. All new species arise from an existing species. This results in different species sharing a common ancestry, as represented in phylogenetic classification. 3.8 The control of gene expression Cells are able to control their metabolic activities by regulating the transcription and translation of their genome. |
| Assessment |
|---|
|
AQA Paper 1: Topics 3.1-3.4, November Paper 2: Topics 3.5-3.8, Spring Paper 3: Topics 3.1-3.8, Synoptic and practical enquiry, Spring |