The Curriculum: Biology
As Biologists we wish to engender an enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of, the living world.
We provide every opportunity for the girls to develop and achieve their maximum potential, both as biologists and as scientists and so that they develop an inquisitive and investigatory approach to the world around them trying to ensure that they have respect and a caring attitude for the natural environment.
In a modern technological world, we aim to help them become confident citizens able to take or develop an informed interest in matters related to biology, health and medicine.
We help them understand the importance of a healthy life style so that they can make in formed choices relate to everyday life whilst having fun.
"We love teaching biology because the wonders and complexity of the living work continue to inspire us and so we wish to open the eyes of young people so that they can understand and enjoy the world around them as well as engendering this in other." - Wycombe Abbey Biology Department
"The thrill of introducing students to the amazing living world that we are part of and have a responsibility to conserve." - Wycombe Abbey Biology Department
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Upper III |
Characteristics of Living Organisms; Use of Keys; Cell structure; Tissues and Organs; Healthy body; Micro-organisms; Reproduction in flowering plant and humans; Study of a Habitat |
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Lower IV |
Human skeleton and movement in other animals; Teeth and their health; Diet; Breathing and energy production; Genes, Inheritance and variation; Selective breeding |
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Upper IV |
This year we start to deliver the Edexcel IGCSE course. Review of Life Processes; Variety of life; Cell Structure; Reproduction; Reproduction in flowering; Human Nutrition and digestion; Photosynthesis and mineral nutrition in plants |
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Lower V |
Human digestion; Movement of substances in and out of cells; The circulatory system, Plant transport and gas exchange in plants, Coordination and response in humans to include nervous system, hormones, excretion and Homeostasis. Fermentation and Microbes |
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Upper V |
Breathing and Respiration; Variation, Inheritance and Evolution; Biotechnology; Organisms in their Environment and Human influences |
"The human body is an incredible machine and I love taking students on voyages of discovery into it many parts and to consider how best to maintain a healthy life style." - Biology Teacher
Its an edible nephron and if you don't know what a nephron is just ask...
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A Level | We deliver the new OCR Biology syllabus in the following units...
| Unit 1 | Compare structures of animal, plant and bacterial cells as revealed by light and electron microscopes |
| Cells, Exchange and Transport (AS) | Learn how cells can divide and differentiate to form multi-cellular organisms (mitosis and meiosis) |
| Understand how cells and organisms exchange substances with their environments by discussing the systems of both unicellular (diffusion) and multi-cellular (respiratory system) organisms | |
| Learn how humans transport substances around their bodies (heart and circulatory system) | |
| Understand how plants are able to transport substances (xylem and phloem) | |
| Unit 2 | Learn the structure and function of the important biological molecules |
| Molecules, Biodiversity Food and Health (AS) | Understand the structure and replication of DNA |
| Know the roles of enzymes in the cell | |
| Understand how human produce food and its link to health (balanced diet) | |
| Learn causes of disease (HIV, Malaria, TB) and the body's immune response | |
| Understand classification systems | |
| Appreciate how evolution has let to the world's large biodiversity and how we can conserve it | |
| Unit 3 Practical Skills in Biology 1 (AS) | Assessed practical tasks |
| Unit 4 | Know the role of hormones and nerves in co-ordinating our bodies |
| Communication, Homeostasis & Energy | Understand how the kidneys, liver and lungs are involved in excretion |
| Learn the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration | |
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Unit 5 |
Know how DNA controls cells and can lead to variation |
| Control, Genomes and Environment (A2) | Understand cloning and biotechnology |
| Lean how organisms interact with their surroundings to form ecosystems | |
| Know how an organisms can respond to stimuli in its surroundings | |
| Unit 6 Practical Skills in Biology 2 (A2) | Assessed practical task |
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"Biology is amazing because we find out the answers to questions we are always asking ourselves about our bodies and other living organisms - these are all relevant to our every day life and experiences."
- Wycombe Abbey Biology Student