Biology
The Biology Department at Charterhouse seeks to inspire and support pupils in all aspects of this diverse subject, whether for its relevance to every day life, for pure scientific curiosity or for the pursuit of careers such as medicine or research.
Department overview
Charterhouse has a strong tradition for Biology. Our brand new teaching laboratories will be adorned with laboratories are adorned with historic specimens, such as a duck billed platypus, a narwhale tusk and a mammoth’s tooth. The labs are equipped with the most modern microscopes and electrophoresis equipment, and they are supported with a team of three expert technicians. Our philosophy is to deliver a curriculum that is enriched with the many aspects of the subject that are relevant to life and to society. Teaching is delivered through a rigorously scientific and practical approach that seeks to inspire young biologists.
All pupils study Biology to IGCSE and Biology is a very popular choice for Specialists, being studied by a quarter to one third of all sixth form pupils. Many go on to study Biology at internationally renowned courses in the UK or abroad or related courses such as Medicine or Biomedical Sciences. We have a Medics Society, Perception Society (neuroscience and psychology), Polunin (university Biology thinking) and a Dissection Society, all of which are very popular with pupils.
For full details of the curriculum, please use the link below.
Department staff
Our teaching staff have deep expertise in a variety of aspects of the subject from Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Medicine / Dentistry, Gene technology and Marine Biology.
- Mr Peter Bagley, MA, FCA - Head of Department
- Mrs Suzanne Allen, MA (Cantab), PGCE (University of Cambridge)
- Dr Ganesh Balasubramanian, PhD
- Mr Nigel Coopper, BSc, MA
- Mr Jason Ellis-Woodley, MSc
- Abigail Higgins, BSc
- Mrs Jani Lambeth, BSc, PGCE
- Mrs Pippa Nelson, MSc
- Dr John Warren, MA, VetMB, PGCE, MRCVS
Mr Peter Bagley, MA, FCA - Head of Department
Mrs Suzanne Allen, MA (Cantab), PGCE (University of Cambridge)
Mrs Allen studied Natural Sciences (general) Tripos, specialising in cell biology, biochemistry and medicinal biochemistry. She joined Charterhouse in 2004 after teaching at Wellington College, Peterhouse, Zimbabwe (Head of Science) and Shrewsbury School. Mrs Allen was appointed Head of Saunderites in 2008. Her interests include athletics (Cambridge Blue), hockey, hill walking and travel.
Dr Ganesh Balasubramanian, PhD
Dr Balasubramanian completed his PhD at the University of Nottingham where he subsequently worked as a lecturer and postdoctoral scientist. His has expertise in molecular biology, biotechnology and genetic engineering and takes special interest in psychology and neuroscience. He worked in the City for the global financial services firm, Ernst & Young LLP, prior to joining Charterhouse as teacher of Biology and Assistant Master of Scholars. Some of his favourite pastimes include reading an immersive book, a good game of cricket or listening to soothing classical music.
Mr Nigel Coopper, BSc, MA
Mr Coopper studied Biological Sciences at the University of Warwick specialising in Ecology and Environmental Sciences, where he also completed his PGCE. He joined Charterhouse from Gordon’s School in Woking. He is heavily involved in the CCF running the School’s Army section, as well as being a keen sportsman, coaching hockey and cricket.
Mr Jason Ellis-Woodley, MSc
Mr Ellis-Woodley joined the Biology department this year having previously taught Biology at Reed’s School where he was also a Head of Year. Mr Ellis-Woodley has a Sports Rehabilitation background and has previously worked in Premiership Rugby Union. He teaches IGCSE Biology and our Sports Science elective. He joined Charterhouse from Reed’s School he having studied for his PGCE at The University of Buckingham. Mr Ellis-Woodley is also the Director of Hockey at Charterhouse and Deputy Head of Gownboys.
Abigail Higgins, BSc
Mrs Jani Lambeth, BSc, PGCE
Mrs Lambeth joined Charterhouse in 2019 after 8 years at Bede’s Senior School where she taught Biology, Science and PE, and was also a Housemistress. Prior to her time at Bede's, Mrs Lambeth was Head of Year 7 & Head of Year 10 (concurrently) at Wisewood School and Community Sports College, and prior to that, taught at Felsted School. As well as teaching Biology and Chemistry, Mrs Lambeth is also Head of Sutton and Senior Head of Houses.
Mrs Pippa Nelson, MSc
Following an undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of British Columbia, Canada, Mrs Nelson went on to study foetal endocrinology (primarily involving research in foetal and neonatal lung physiology) at postgraduate level. Her interests include climbing, hill-walking (Gold Duke of Edinburgh award assessor), cross-country and tennis.
Dr John Warren, MA, VetMB, PGCE, MRCVS
Dr Warren joined Charterhouse in 2019 from Compass International School in Doha, Qatar where he taught Biology and Chemistry, was the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Coordinator and was the Phase Leader with pastoral responsibility for Years 7, 8 & 9. He was educated at Sherborne before reading Veterinary Medicine at Girton College, Cambridge, where he was also a choral scholar, a lacrosse half blue and an Officer in the TA. He practised as a vet in Hong Kong, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, then spent eight years in banking in Doha before completing his PGCE in 2015. In his spare time, Dr Warren volunteers as a Scout Leader.