Biology
Biology, literally translated, means the study of life and living organisms. During the past centuries Biology has changed from concentrating on the classification of living organisms to looking at how they function. Over this time, we have discovered much about our anatomy its susceptibility to disease, the requirements of plants which we are all dependent upon, the biochemical basis of cells and ultimately the structure of the molecule of life, DNA. Advances in knowledge have raised new issues. As people strive to lead healthier lives and live longer, the population increases, placing greater demands upon the environment and resources. Fears over techniques used in genetic engineering and the moral dilemmas over its implementation are important issues for us all to deal with.
The beginning of the 21st century is an exciting time to study Biology. New techniques and advances in molecular biology and genetics are revolutionizing the way we diagnose, treat, and cure disease, or catch criminals. Our greater understanding of the nature of different organisms and how they interact are enabling us to improve strategies for managing the biodiversity of life on our planet, or meet our demise. The applications of Biological knowledge will in one way or another affect every person on Earth. Studying Biology aims to improve the understanding of these issues and promote the respect that we should have for the planet and all species that live on it. The aim of the Biology department at Lancaster Royal Grammar School is to develop individual students to their full potential, to educate them about the living world and the need to respect living organisms and their environment.
Staff Overview
Mr I Balshaw (Head of department)
BSc (Hons) University of Wales, Marine Biology
MSc University of York. Biological Computation
Mr J Calvert
BSc Environmental Biology, University of Manchester
PGCE, St Martins College
Jim also teaches on the InspirUS Programme and manages the LEAF woodland site.
Mrs D Hargreaves
BSc University of Wales, Biology with Biochemistry
Dr A Humble
BSc University of Glasgow, Microbiology
PhD University of Dundee
Mr J Millatt
BSc (Hons) University of Bristol, Biochemistry
Ms C Walker
MA University of Oxford Biological Sciences
MEd University of Leeds
Cert SEN Dyslexia Institute
Mr A Wilkinson
BSc (Hons) University of Dundee, Microbiology
Mrs C Wynn-Jones (Technician)
BSc Honours Zoology, Liverpool John Moores University
Email Biology Department staff
Biology - 11+
11+ Curriculum
The Key Stage 3 Biology course covers topics outlined in the National Curriculum. These topics are: First Year: cells, reproduction, the environment and feeding relationships and variation and classification. Second Year: food &digestion, respiration, microbes & disease, ecological relationships. Third Year: inheritance & selection, fit & healthy, plants & photosynthesis, plants for food. The Key Stage 3 course culminates in the SATs examinations in the Third Year. After these examinations the GCSE course formally begins.
11+ Extra-curricular Projects
In recent years, students have completed projects relating to curriculum topics such as mineral deletion experiments, use of Rapid Cycling Brasicas to examine optimal growth conditions, cloning plant tissue, carnivorous plants, dietary analysis using data modelling software and population growth using computer modelling. Such projects will be further enhanced with the use of the new departmental greenhouse.
11+ FAQs
Is there much opportunity to do practical work? In addition to covering the topics outlined above, the Key Stage 3 course also covers “how science works”. Throughout the three years, practical experiments and investigations are routinely undertaken to enhance scientific methodology and concepts. These skills build and enhance both future work and basic scientific literacy.
Is there opportunity to use ICT ? Increasingly the boys are given chance to research subjects independently using the internet resources and develop modelling programmes. The science department has its own suite of laptop computers and of course can use one of three dedicated IT labs.
Biology - 13+
13+ Curriculum
Biology is studied as a separate subject at GCSE. The Biology GCSE course begins after the SATs examinations in the third year and continues for the remaining two years. The course followed is the AQA Biology specification which comprises of four assessment points each equally worth 25% of the overall marks.
Unit B1 Science including How science works Unit B2 Additional science Unit B3 Biology
All of these units are externally examined at points throughout the course giving immediate feedback to inform progress and an opportunity to retake the examinations if the need arises.
There is an internally assessed component to the course which compromises of two aspects: PSA (personal skills assignment) and ISA (Individual skills assignment). These are conducted as extensions of class practical work.
13+ Projects
The internally assessed investigations have included reaction time, enzyme controlled reactions and the effect of exercise on heart rate.
13+ FAQs
Is there a limit to how many ISAs that can be carried out? The exam board (AQA) produces a list of six ISA titles each year. In theory it is possible to carry out each one however lesson time constraints do limit the opportunities.
In what format are the external exams? The B1 exam can be carried out in one written test or two multiple choice tests. We have entered students for both tests and we are awaiting results to determine future policy.
When are the external exams? The B1 exam is conducted during the Fourth Year (in one or two exams – see above). The B2 exam is taken in the January of Fifth Year, B3 plus either B1 or B2 resit if needed is taken in June of the Fifth Year.
Biology Sixth Form
Sixth Form Curriculum
The A-level specification is due to change in September 2008. We have chosen to teach the AQA Biology specification from that date as it extends the skills and issues covered in the GCSE specification.
Biol 1: Biology & disease Biol 2: The variety of living organisms Biol 3: Practical & investigative skills Biol 4: Populations & the environment Biol 5: Control in cells & organisms Biol 6: Practical & investigative skills
The 2008 AQA A-level specification retains the best elements of the previous specifications thereby providing continuity and enabling existing work to be utilised. To this is added stimulating and challenging topics that students will find interesting. The new specification is designed to emphasise the way in which scientists work and the contributions of science to modern society.
Sixth Form Extra-curricular Projects
The Biology Olympiad is routinely entered with great success. In 2001 LRGS won the National Olympiad as the top school. Students regularly gain awards including the gold award for being in the top 50 students nationally. The students wishing to pursue a career in medicine or vet sciences are invited to undertake a course that extends their understanding of extra-curricular issues related to their chosen interests and develop specialised skills not covered in the normal specification. Expert outside speakers are regularly invited into school to give stimulating lectures and thought provoking discussions.
Sixth Form FAQs
Where can I find out more? The examination board (AQA) has a very useful website in which the full specification, past papers and mark schemes, guidance and examiner’s reports can all be found. The address is www.aqa.org.uk
When will it be assessed? The course is split into two separate parts, the AS completed in the Lower Sixth Year and A2 completed in the Upper Sixth Year. There are assessment points in January and June of each year in which to take or retake the separate module examinations. The internal assessment will be carried out at convenient points throughout the course.
Primary Biology teaching
KS2 Biology
There is a great deal of Biology in the Key Stage 2 curriculum and we try to enhance this with a series of lessons aimed at Years 5/6. We can accommodate classes of up to 30 children. Primary schools can book up to three weeks of Biology.
