Wirral Grammar School

Navigation

  Main Navigation

  School Information

  Parents

School Email Login

Website Links

Cross Lane, Bebington,
Wirral. CH63 3AQ
Tel: 0151 6440908

Curriculum Areas

Our curriculum provides for our pupils in terms of both their abilities and interests. We do not leap onto "trends" in terms of subject choices, but provide a curriculum that evolves in line with experience and a sensitive knowledge of the needs of the pupils.

In years 7 to 9 the National Curriculum is followed. Our timetable currently comprises 50 lessons taught over a two week cycle (A & B). Each lesson is 60 minutes long.

In KS4 (years 10&11) boys are able to choose certain subjects, and are guided through the process in year 9 when parents are invited to attend an Options Information Evening.

Subjects

Biology

Welcome to the Biology Department The Biology Department has a suite of 4 laboratories (3 brand new in the new building) and 1 fully refurbished in the main school building. The Biology teaching staff aim to produce a lively working atmosphere where there is respect for living things, and for the environment. Teaching styles show leadership by example supported by the encouragement of self-study. The whole range of living organisms from microbes to man are used to support teaching.

This involves the study of biochemistry, through cells and organisms, to whole ecosystems. Practical work is encouraged at all times to promote learning through the first hand experience of the living world. ICT is used where possible to complement direct observation. Regular testing monitors evaluation of progress. Exams are sat in January and at the end of each year. Reporting of progress conforms to the whole school policy and staff welcome the opportunity to talk to parents at any time of the year. The department uses the whole of the school grounds as a teaching resource. There is a pond in the grounds where studies of aquatic life are carried out. Whenever possible visits are arranged and speakers invited to enhance the depth or variety of topics covered in the department.

KS3

Biology (KS3)

The Biology Department offers modules following the QCA scheme of work, which covers the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum, but is adapted to include increasing challenges for high ability pupils.

The work builds on the pupils' knowledge of KS2. One science teacher has 6 periods each week for year 7, covering all the attainment targets. In years 8 and 9, a Biology specialist teaches the attainment target 2 modules for 3 periods per fortnight.

The work is introduced through the study of living things, where the students experience the wonder of the complexity of organisms, and gain an appreciation of the variety of life.

Scientific enquiry is integrated throughout the course. The individual skills are taught during various investigative opportunities, or as whole investigations at the end of each year.

KS4

Biology (KS4)

Examination Board : AQA-Biology 4411.

Approximately two thirds of the year group sit the separate sciences courses, taking 3 GCSE's in total. One third take the double award. Both courses follow the modular scheme, with 37.5% of the marks being awarded in year 10. Examinations in November and June of Y11 account for 37.5%. The remaining 25% of the marks comprise a Biology Centre Assessed Unit Normal class practical work followed by an externally set test taking 45 minutes.

The course encourages pupils to acquire a systematic body of knowledge, and the skills needed to apply this in new and changing situations within a range of domestic, industrial and environmental contexts. ICT is used and encouraged where appropriate.

Course Modules include: Human Biology, Evolution & Environment, Additional and Further Biology.

KS5

Biology (KS5)

OCR Biology H021 (AS) and H421 (A2)

Biology is the study of living organisms and, at both AS & A2 levels, the subject is developed and extended from the knowledge gained at GCSE. The major topics taught at AS level are a foundation module of Cells, Exchange & Transport. Followed by Molecules, Biodiversity, Food & Health. At A2 level, Communication, Homeostasis & Energy followed by Control, Genomes & Environment.

There is more scope for practical work at A level during the course. Students are practised in the skills of planning, carrying out, analysing and evaluating experiments. Assessment takes place as an examination for both the AS and A2 courses. This contributes 30% of the GCE.

Currently, the lower sixth are offered external trips when appropriate, and have the opportunity for hospital visits and to enter competitions. The upper sixth visit the Aberffraw sand dune system, Anglesey, Chester Zoo (behaviour), and Ness Gardens (plant physiology).