Biology
Staff
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Ms Lisa McCluskey (Head of Department and Outdoor Pursuits coordinator))
Mrs Fiona Knight (Senior Leader)
Ms Ursula Maguire (Communications officer, Public relations and Yearbook coordinator)
Mr James Davey (Head of Careers)
Mr Niall Boyle
Miss R. Laverty (RSE coordinator)
Mr Adam Cunningham (Technician)
Key Stage 3
Biology is an integral part of the Junior Science curriculum in Years 8 and 9, fulfilling all aspect of the Entitlement Framework. During these formative years, students delve into a range of dynamic and stimulating Biology topics, all while honing their skills in laboratory-based investigations. These topics not only underline the significance of Biology in everyday life but also illustrate its connections with other subjects taught at the College.
By Year 10, students transition to specialised Biology instruction under the guidance of a subject expert. This focused approach lays a robust foundation for their advanced studies in Biology, equipping them to excel in GCSE Biology, whether pursued independently or as a component of the Double Award Science program.
GCSE
Students can continue the study of Biology throughout Key Stage 4 by taking either Double Award Science or GCSE Biology.
Double Award Science allows students to take all three sciences at GCSE level but only uses two of their GCSE choices. They will be taught by subject specialists and complete practical exams in all three Sciences in Year 12.
Alternatively, students can opt to study GCSE Biology on its own for 5 periods a week.
More information is available at:
https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-biology-2017
Whichever route they choose and provided they achieve an acceptable grade, students will be able to progress onto A level.
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A-Level
A Level Biology is both rigorous and rewarding. This course deepens students' understanding of biological concepts and their practical applications in industries such as healthcare, business, and environmental science, directly enhancing our quality of life. It fosters the development of essential skills including communication, digital literacy and problem-solving, while continuing to refine the practical laboratory skills initiated in Year 8. This comprehensive approach not only enriches students’ knowledge but also prepares them for diverse future endeavours in science and beyond.
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Post 16 Biology is a very popular course within the College. Each year a large number of students choose to study A level Biology and all six specialist teachers are involved in the delivery of the Post 16 curriculum. This popularity is due in part to the wide variety of career opportunities open to students of Biology but also reflects the excellent work carried out by teachers within the department. The exam results of the Biology department are excellent and consistently above the N.I grammar school averages.
CCEA are the examining body in all Biology courses. More information on GCE Biology can be found at:
https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-biology-2016
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Post A-Level
A-Level Biology students have chosen to enter a wide range of higher-level courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, pharmacology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Biological Sciences, Zoology, Sports Science, Paramedic Science, Dietetics, Agricultural Technology and Marine Biology to name a few.
Enrichment/Extracurricular
There are many opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and love of Science and Biology through our KS3 Science Club, Gardening Club and our primary school link project ‘Flight School’. The Biology department further promotes our students’ interest beyond the classroom through international competitions such as the British Biology Olympiad, Intermediate Olympiad, and Biology Challenge. The Biology department also engage in National Biology Week Activities such as the ‘Big Spelling Bee 2023’. To support the development of students’ ecological sampling skills there is an annual A-level field trip to investigate species distribution in Tollymore Forrest.
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CEAIG
Careers directly related to Biology include medical professions, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Engineering, Research Science (life sciences), Microbiology, Marine Biology, Conservation, and Ecology, Environmental Management, Food Science, Agricultural Engineering, and Zoology. The transferable skills developed would also be useful in a diverse range of careers including Law, Business Analysis and Psychology (Biology is a requirement for some Psychology degrees).
Useful link https://successatschool.org/advice/subjects/careers-in-biology-where-can-gcse-a-level-biology-take-you/392