Biology

Biology draws on many scientific disciplines to examine the miraculous nature of life in all its forms. Studying it takes us on a journey from the physiology that explores the functions of our own bodies through biochemistry that explains the chemical composition of life on earth all the way to the ecology that defines the unique niche that each organism occupies in the world. 

At Harrodian, we teach our pupils to understand their own biology and that of the animals and plants that surround them. We study the delicate nature of global ecosystems and encourage pupils to examine the importance of preserving them. We explore the rising importance of new biological advances such a genetic engineering and stem cell research at technology’s cutting edge. You can see how our annual Science Week reveals the everyday relevance of Biology in our lives every Spring Term by following this link.

Studying Biology at GCSE and A Level establishes foundations on which students can build careers in medicine, agriculture, ecology, neuroscience and psychology. It also breeds skills that are essential in any professional field, such as logical and sequential problem analysis and articulate explanation.

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Photograph by Manuela Zanotti 
GCSE

Pupils study the AQA GCSE curriculum. For full course details and assessment information please visit the AQA site AQA Biology GCSE or refer to the Harrodian GCSE prospectus.

Course Introduction

Biology takes GCSE pupils to the laboratory to examine how organisms work, into the microscopic world to explore cells and the submicroscopic to explore molecules inside cells. There are seven units (topics) in the GCSE, divided into three years as follows:

Year 13s:
  • Cells
  • Organisation
Year 14s:
  • Infection and response
  • Bioenergetics
  • Homeostasis
Year 15s:
  • Inheritance, variation and evolution
  • Ecology and biodiversity

A Level

Students study the AQA A Level course. For full details of the course and its assessment please go to the AQA Website AQA A Level Biology or see the Harrodian Sixth Form Prospectus.

Course Introduction

Students learn to demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods in biology, developing competence and confidence in practical, mathematical and problem solving skills.

Course Requirements:

Grades 7-9 in GCSE Biology with good mathematical and practical skills

Brief Course summary
  1. Biological molecules
  2. Cells
  3. Exchange of substances
  4. Genetics, variation and species relationships
  5. Energy transfers (A Level only)
  6. Responding to change (A Level only)
  7. Genetics, evolution and ecosystems (A Level only)
  8. Gene expression (A Level only)

For more specific year-by-year information, please refer to our Curriculum Handbooks/Information Booklets. 

Staff

Head of Biology: Andrew Nolan

Other teachers of Biology: please select the relevant department on the dropdown menu to view our full staff list by clicking here.