Our curriculum intent is to have an ambitious and inclusive curriculum, that empowers our students to become life-long learners and successful global citizens.

Biology is an exciting and challenging course, encompassing a broad range of Biological phenomena. From the molecular level of DNA bases and biochemistry of carbohydrates and proteins, to the subcellular structures within cells, through to human physiology of the pancreas, kidneys, nervous system, heart and lungs, to the interaction between whole organisms in ecology; every scale of Biology is included.  Through a well-sequenced curriculum, we intend to embed knowledge and skills that challenge all learners.

Students develop their practical skills, such as following written procedures, applying investigative approaches, safely using equipment, recording observations, researching and referencing though the prescribed Required Practicals and extensive practical opportunities, ensuring that students achieve their Practical Endorsement qualification, as part of their Biology A Level.

Our curriculum is designed to cultivate a rich scientific vocabulary, enabling our students to think and write like a scientist and students are taught disciplinary literacy in an explicit and direct manner.

As part of our Enriched and Society-centred curriculum students will explore morality in Biology in a range of topical and controversial issues on topics such as the use of genetic modification, stem cell research, organ transplants, the importance of biodiversity and sustainable food production. By teaching our students about an array of diverse historical and modern scientists, we intend to develop their cultural and scientific capital and further prepare them to become aware and positive members of our community. Students will learn to critically analyse experimental procedure and evaluate scientific data supporting them in developing a critical approach to the media, questioning and challenging ideas, to form their own informed opinions.

To raise aspirations and allow our students to make informed decisions about their future, we provide subject specific careers education. Students learn about educational and skill requirements for Biology based professions such as Biomedical Scientists, Cardiac Physiologists, Farming Conservation Consultants, Neuroscientists and Genetic Counsellors.

Many of our students go on to study degrees in Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Biochemistry, Biomedicine and Neuroscience at prestigious institutions. 

Our Curriculum Maps outline our curriculum design and the development of knowledge and skills in Years 12 and 13. The curriculum is adapted to support and challenge students with different starting points, whilst remaining ambitious for all. Students are examined on the AQA Specification in A Level Biology.

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