Biology

The Middle School Science curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and build a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and practical skills.

In Years 7, 8, and the first term of Year 9, students engage with a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares them for the transition to Cambridge International Triple Science IGCSE, along with the skills needed for success at Sixth Form.

Year 7 introduces students to the fundamental concepts of science, including the particle model, forces, and waves. Students explore topics such as cells, body systems, and elements, compounds, and mixtures, developing an understanding of how science explains the world around them. Practical activities and projects, such as a space-focused investigation, encourage collaboration and hands-on learning.

Year 8, students deepen their understanding of key scientific principles. They study motion and pressure, separation techniques, and chemical reactions, alongside topics such as the periodic table and reproduction. This year also emphasises the development of scientific inquiry skills, encouraging students to conduct experiments, record data accurately, and analyse results critically.

Year 9 begins with the final stage of Middle School content, focusing on ecology, energy, and acids and alkalis. From term two, students transition to the Cambridge International Triple Science IGCSE curriculum, with a strong emphasis on building key skills in biology, chemistry, and physics. This phase ensures they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed for success in their IGCSE studies.

The Cambridge IGCSE Biology course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and processes that underpin the living world. Students explore a broad range of topics, including cell structure and function, human physiology, genetics and inheritance, ecology, and the effects of human activity on ecosystems.

The course places a strong emphasis on developing both theoretical knowledge and practical scientific skills, with students learning to design investigations, interpret data, and evaluate scientific evidence.

Assessment is through a combination of written examinations and either a practical laboratory test or an alternative to practical paper. Cambridge IGCSE Biology fosters critical thinking, scientific enquiry and a methodical approach to problem-solving, laying an excellent foundation for further study.

Syllabus Cambridge IGCSE™ Biology

IB Biology

IB Biology studies life at every scale, from molecules and cells to whole organisms, populations and ecosystems. The course is organised around four themes: unity and diversity, form and function, interaction and interdependence, and continuity and change. Through these themes students cover cell biology, genetics, human physiology, ecology and evolution, with Higher Level students studying each area in greater depth.

Practical work runs through both years. Students carry out laboratory and field investigations, learn to process and evaluate data, and take part in the collaborative sciences project, working with students from other science subjects on a shared problem. They also discuss the ethical questions raised by areas such as genetic modification and medical research.

Assessment is through two written examinations and an individual scientific investigation of the student's own design, which is worth 20% of the final grade. IB Biology is offered at Standard and Higher Level and provides the foundation for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, biomedical science and environmental science.

IB Diploma Programme Subject Brief Sciences: Biology

Biology is the study of life, from the chemistry of a single cell to entire ecosystems. Many of the problems people face this century, such as feeding a growing population, fighting disease and responding to climate change, will need biologists to solve them. A Level Biology gives students the knowledge and practical skill to understand these problems and how science approaches them.

Students study six units over two years. In Year 12 they cover molecules, diet, transport and health, and cells, development, biodiversity and conservation. In Year 13 they move on to energy, environment, microbiology and immunity, and respiration, internal environment, coordination and gene technology. One unit in each year focuses on practical skills, and students complete at least 18 core practicals during the course.

All six units are assessed by written examination, with papers that include multiple-choice, short and extended answers and calculations. A Level Biology is the starting point for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biomedical science and many related degrees.