Throughout the world Biology is the fastest growing science and we believe it is absolutely vital that students of all ages have as up-to-date an understanding as possible. To make this a reality staff attend conferences and practical training workshops at medical schools and universities. All our laboratories are connected to the internet and have up-to-date ICT equipment and audiovisual aids to facilitate value-added web-based teaching and learning. As a member of a variety of scientific institutes we receive up-to-date literature for circulation to students and take groups to interesting and relevant presentations and workshops.
Biology is predominantly a practical subject and a high proportion of the teaching time is devoted to experimental techniques and skills-based activities. From an early age students are given the opportunity to design their own investigations both inside and outside of the laboratories. A wealth of living and preserved biological material ensures that the subject is popular throughout our ability range. In the summer, ecology classes take place within the extensive school grounds and KS3 students visit Claylane Environment Centre and the Whipsnade Zoo. Year 9 students are given the opportunity to extend their ecological and environmental studies at a very popular camp at Skern Lodge during the Easter vacation. ‘A’ level Biologists enjoy a 5 day residential course in October at Halsannery Field Centre in Devon, where their coursework module is completed.
As a department we are very proud of the achievements of our students and we have continued our trend of ever improving GCSE results. A high proportion of our pupils go on to study a related subject at university.
