Biology

Curriculum Intent

In the Biology Department at Sunbury Manor our vision is of delivering teaching not only to a high standard but tailored to the needs of the individual students. Our school motto of "Learning and Achieving Together" underpins the ethos of the department, whereby the overarching principles of inclusivity, enjoyment and growth will help each pupil develop into a young adult equipped with the tools of knowledge, at their own pace.

Our course is structured in such a way that all aspects of the curriculum are covered in a logical format which will begin with the fundamental bases of each topic which are then incrementally built upon. For example, in teaching 'Living Organisms' we will start with the fundamentals of the cell and build on that into the intricacies of the organisation of living plants and animals, culminating in the human body. For 'Nutrition, Digestion and Excretion' we include an understanding of healthy diets, obesity, and malnutrition, with an appreciation of the base components of diet such as carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals, protein, and fibre. In teaching 'Respiration and Gas Exchange' the processes of aerobic and anaerobic respiration are taught, including then an understanding of the circulatory system. This topic also delves into the photosynthesis of plants. We cover 'Inheritance and Genetics' where we start with an understanding of DNA and build on that by teaching the causes of variation and inheritance, moving on to adaptation and evolution, with a review of Darwinian theory.

As a broader component we also look at humans and their environment. Our taught units are all regularly reviewed and updated so that the latest scientific information is incorporated. The whole course has been designed to include 'spiralised learning' which is a teaching mythology that allows consolidation of knowledge and subject linkage.
Our course in biology is aimed to set our pupils in good stead for the many vocational options that will require such knowledge. These are wide and varied such as jobs in the civil service, jobs involving environmental services, jobs in the horticultural sector, jobs with animals, the sports and leisure industry and clinical jobs such as nursing and medicine. To this end we aim to provide or pupils with a vision of where they might see themselves through bringing in outside speakers, arranging trips, a science club, and work experience for the Year 10 students.

The department is in the process of setting up a joint venture with St George's Hospital to have a work experience program for any year 10 students who may be interested in a career in medicine or nursing. This will all stand our pupils in good stead for their career development whatever vocation they wish to pursue.
Our department is well equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories for practical procedures, with a team of four biology teachers. Our ultimate goal is always to help our pupils grow and achieve whilst enjoying their development through the formative years of their lives, maintaining our ethos of "Learning and Achieving Together".

Curriculum Overview

 

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

 

Y7

 

Cells

Interdependence

Movement

Human Reproduction

Plant Reproduction

Variation

 

Y8

 

Digestion

Interdependence

Respiration

Photosynthesis

Evolution

Inheritance

 

Y9

 

Cell Structure

Organisation and the Digestive system

Non-communicable diseases

Photosynthesis

Ventilation and

Respiration

Organising

and

Ecosystems

 

Y10

 

Cell division and

Magnification

Organising animals and plants

Communicable diseases and prevention

Non-communicable diseases

Respiration

Consolidation for summer mocks

 

Y11

 

Organising and Cell division

The human Nervous system

Reproduction and Hormonal control

Variation, Evolution, and Genetics

Revision

 

 

Key Stage 4 Specification

Subject Leader:

Miss Homewood

Contact:

lhomewood@sunburymanor.surrey.sch.uk

Exam Specification:

AQA Trilogy

QN code:

601/8506/5

 

 

Summary of course content

  1. Cell biology

  2. Organisation

  3. Infection and response

  4. Bioenergetics

  5. Homeostasis and response

  6. Inheritance, variation and evolution

  7. Ecology

Assessment

2 exams in total

  1. Biology paper 1 (1 hour and 15 minutes)
  2. Biology paper 2 (1 hour and 15 minutes)

What type of activities take place in lessons?

Practical work and theory

What type of homework tasks will be set?

Research, revision, exam questions

How will it help me in the future?

Awareness and greater understanding of the world around you.

How will this course build on what I have studied in Year 9?

All work done in KS3 will be built upon to  a higher level of understanding

What skills will I develop?

The ability to carry out and evaluate practical processes and analyse the results collected.  Literacy and numeracy skills and the ability to work as part of a team are also developed.