Biology

During their time at Wellington School, students will investigate a whole range of biology topics from Biochemistry to Blue Whales.  We study a wide variety of organisms from a genetic, physiological, ecological and evolutionary perspective.  Knowledge of biology allows us to make informed decisions, which will help shape, both our own lives and those of others.  Biology is taught in generously equipped laboratories, housed within a recently built science complex.  All have computers linked to either digital projectors or interactive whiteboards.  These enhance our pupils’ methods of study, which also includes practical work, written activities and class discussions. 

 Currently Year 7 looks at the variety of life on earth, how species are adapted to their surroundings and how organisms survive adverse conditions.  We visit the Wildlife and Wetlands Centre at Slimbridge and afterwards pupils complete a project on a bird or mammal of their choice.  Year 8 concentrates on humans, looking inside; how the working of our various organs makes us tick. In Year 9 we look at micro-organisms; how some are essential to our everyday life, whilst others threaten us with disease and even our very existence.  During Years 10 and 11 students are prepared for GCSE.  Currently students can study IGCSE, either as a separate qualification or as the biology component of IGCSE Dual Award Science. No coursework is required for either of these routes to IGCSE.  Alternatively, students can study AQA GCSE, which does have a coursework component.

 Many students choose to continue their study to A-level; this prepares them for university entry to a whole assortment of courses from veterinary medicine to environmental biology.  During their A-level studies students have the opportunity to enhance their practical skills in ecology on a short residential field course.