From Charles Darwin’s 200th anniversary to swine flu, and from DNA databases to the safety of vaccines, hardly a day goes by without some item of biological interest in the news. Tomorrow’s citizens will need a sound foundation in life sciences. Our Biology Department is staffed by an enthusiastic and experienced team of four Biology specialists and a technician. Our courses include plenty of laboratory practical work and field visits. All four laboratories are equipped with multimedia projectors linked to the School’s Intranet. We have a thriving colony of free-range South American leafcutter ants (Atta cephalotes) as well as fish, tree frogs, gerbils, orchids, and many other plants. We are fortunate in having grassland, woodland and freshwater sites within the School grounds. The course starts with the study of cells and biological molecules, the building blocks of life. Working up from these basic components, the increasing complexity of cells, tissues, organs and body systems is introduced. The second year of the course builds logically upon these foundations to cover topics on genetics, responses to stimuli, the environment and the biochemistry of respiration and photosynthesis in greater depth. Practical work is a central theme of the A-Level and many new skills will be developed. Those meeting the standard, are certified with a ‘Practical Endorsement’. At least 15% of examination marks will be assessment of practical skills and 10% of the assessment covers mathematical skills. All students are required to complete field work as an essential component of the course. We use a variety of locations, including Bruce Lock- the School’s unique on-site nature reserve. This will provide vital practice for the elements of the Year 13 course involving ecological techniques and the statistical analysis of data. There is no coursework. • Essential principles are presented in contexts designed to stimulate the enthusiasm and interest of students. • Emphasis is placed on the way scientists work and the contributions of science to modern society. • Students will understand concepts and principles whilst developing key advanced level scientific skills. • Students’ practical skills will be developed through AQA Required Practical Activities and tasks chosen by the teacher. These will be assessed through the AQA examination papers. • Students will be taught using a variety of teaching styles, including the use of IT, as appropriate. They will learn key study skills, which will allow them to take more responsibility for their own learning and progress. • The department runs the “Burke and Hare Club” an academic society that provides pupils with the opportunity to give presentations on an aspect of science that is of particular interest to them. • The department also supports pupils aspiring for degrees in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science with preparation with the UKCAT/BMAT aptitude tests: a vital part of selection by Universities.