Biology
Fourths
In their first year at Charterhouse, the boys are introduced to basic biological principles. The syllabus is flexible enough to enable exploration of a variety of projects, many of which result from the interest of the boys. This usually includes a survey of the five Kingdoms, often involving dissections of invertebrate animals such as squid, prawns and fish. After Christmas, we begin the main syllabus, starting with digestion and transport (blood and the heart). During their first year in biology, the boys are also encouraged to learn or improve upon computer skills, such as use of Word, PowerPoint and Excel Spreadsheets.
Removes and Fifths - GCSE
All three sciences are compulsory at GCSE and each follows the IGCSE Edexcel syllabus for their subject. The Biology syllabus covers a wide range of topics, such as basic cell structure, function of the major organ systems, genetics and reproduction. It also includes less traditional topics, such as genetic engineering and microbiology and biotechnology.
There is no coursework element, but pupils will sit a 1 ¼ hour paper which covers practical knowledge and understanding in addition to a two hour theory paper on the syllabus.
Specialists - OCR A Level
GCSE Requirements
Because this course builds on the knowledge, understanding and practical skills that are developed in GCSE and IGCSE it is expected that pupils will have taken Biology at this level.
Outline of the course
The course is divided into six modules as follows:
Unit 1 Cells, Exchange and Transport
Unit 2 Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health
Unit 3 Practical Skills in Biology 1
Unit 4 Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
Unit 5 Control, Genomes and Environment
Unit 6 Practical Skills in Biology 2
Although the linear nature of our teaching means that these can be taught in any order, we will be following the guidelines stated in the syllabus and teach units 1-3 in the first year and units 4-6 in the second year.
The course will include much practical work and the examinable practical units will be covered by the experiments the pupils perform as we go through each year. We are currently looking into the possibility of a residential trip in the second year of the course to fulfil the practical requirements and allow the pupils to do some more serious fieldwork.
The course is exciting and should challenge pupils both academically and in their practical skills. It covers a wide range of topics from basic cell structure to receptors in the brain and their effect on human behaviour.
University courses and subject combinations
Biology at AS or A2 is essential for the majority of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Courses. It is relevant and helpful for any study of Biology at university.
BIOLOGY – SHORT COURSE
OCR AS level in one year
GCSE Requirements
Because this course builds on the knowledge, understanding and practical skills that are developed in GCSE and IGCSE it is expected that pupils will have taken Biology at this level.
Outline of the course
The course is divided into the following three modules:
Unit 1 Cells, Exchange and Transport
Unit 2 Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health
Unit 3 Practical Skills in Biology 1
These modules allow pupils to progress in Biology some way beyond the basics learnt for GCSE. The first module looks in depth at the structures of cells, and at how both cells and whole organisms can interact with their environment. This is examined at the end of the first year by a one hour exam.
The second module adds further detail of biological molecules and then shows how an understanding of molecules and cells informs us in our health and wellbeing and provides the enormous diversity we see in living organisms. We study diet, exercise, the causes of diseases and their treatments. The exam for the second module comprises 50% of the course and lasts one hour and 45 minutes.
The third module is entirely practical. Throughout the year we carry out a great deal of practical work and learn new skills in this area, some of which are examined in class time in a series of short practical tasks. There is no terminal exam for this module, leaving only two written papers at the end of the course.
The course is exciting and should challenge pupils both academically and in their practical skills. It sits well with most subject combinations and allows those taking arts subjects to enjoy a science to a higher level.
E P Nelson