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 state-of-the-art science complex. All have computers linked to digital projectors and interactive whiteboards. These enhance our pupils’ methods of study, which also includes plenty of practical work, written activities and class discussions.

Biology is studied as a separate science from Year 7 onwards and the pupils are taught by specialist teachers. In Year 7 the pupils will learn about Cells and Organisation, Human Physiology and Keeping Healthy. In Year 8 the focus is on the interactions between living organisms and the environment. Amongst other topics, the pupils will learn about Variation, Classification, Evolution, Material Cycles and Photosynthesis.

In Year 9 we start preparing our pupils for GCSE and they will be taught ‘Overarching Concepts in Biology’. This gives them a strong foundation in the key biological principles, including topics such as enzyme action, microscopy and specialised cells. We also look at micro-organisms; how some are essential to our everyday life, whilst others threaten us with disease and even our very existence.

During Year 9 the pupils make the guided choice whether to follow the Separate Science or Combined Science route to GCSE in Years 10 and 11. Separate Scientists will follow the Edexcel IGCSE Biology course, whilst those opting for Combined Science will follow the Edexcel IGCSE Combined Science (Biology) specification. No coursework is required for either of these routes to GCSE and all exams are at the end of Year 11.

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 to Slapton Sands in Devon.