Biology is an incredibly popular subject in post-16 studies due to its diverse nature, excellent academic results and future career opportunities. The Department ensures our class sizes are small so that the needs of every individual student can be met, maximising progress. The International Baccalaureate Diploma course is followed for our Year 12 and Year 13 students with both the Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) courses being available. The IB Biology course builds on the knowledge gained from GCSE, turning our students into great biologists; being able to investigate the living world at all levels using many different approaches and techniques. At one end of the scale is the cell, its molecular construction and complex metabolic reactions. At the other end of the scale, biologists investigate the interactions that make whole ecosystems function. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, the emphasis is on a practical approach; undertaking a wide array of practical work such as DNA fingerprinting, genetic modification, immobilised enzymes, dissections and much more. Ecological theory and practical skills are taught on a four-day field course at a Field Studies Centre. Students will also complete a piece of coursework (worth 20% of their final grade) known as the individual investigation, where they will design their research question, develop the method, collect the data and analyse the results. This helps the students develop independent working skills and allows them to understand what it is like to be a true research scientist, an excellent preparation for university. Through the Nature of Science part of the course, students learn to not take information at face value, they begin to understand the theories that our biological concepts are based on, and how these theories have been established; through scientific communication, global cooperation and thorough testing. This leads to many discussions on the discoveries that remain to be made and the progress that will occur in the 21st century; discoveries that may well be made by one of our students.
The maximum score for the IB Diploma is 45 points, with six subjects graded out of seven points and an additional three points for the Core elements of TOK and the Extended Essay.
About Education Provider
| Region | West Midlands |
| Local Authority | Birmingham |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Boys |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £17,046 |
| Address | Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2UA |
Biology is an incredibly popular subject in post-16 studies due to its diverse nature, excellent academic results and future career opportunities. The Department ensures our class sizes are small so that the needs of every individual student can be met, maximising progress. The International Baccalaureate Diploma course is followed for our Year 12 and Year 13 students with both the Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) courses being available. The IB Biology course builds on the knowledge gained from GCSE, turning our students into great biologists; being able to investigate the living world at all levels using many different approaches and techniques. At one end of the scale is the cell, its molecular construction and complex metabolic reactions. At the other end of the scale, biologists investigate the interactions that make whole ecosystems function. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, the emphasis is on a practical approach; undertaking a wide array of practical work such as DNA fingerprinting, genetic modification, immobilised enzymes, dissections and much more. Ecological theory and practical skills are taught on a four-day field course at a Field Studies Centre. Students will also complete a piece of coursework (worth 20% of their final grade) known as the individual investigation, where they will design their research question, develop the method, collect the data and analyse the results. This helps the students develop independent working skills and allows them to understand what it is like to be a true research scientist, an excellent preparation for university. Through the Nature of Science part of the course, students learn to not take information at face value, they begin to understand the theories that our biological concepts are based on, and how these theories have been established; through scientific communication, global cooperation and thorough testing. This leads to many discussions on the discoveries that remain to be made and the progress that will occur in the 21st century; discoveries that may well be made by one of our students.
The maximum score for the IB Diploma is 45 points, with six subjects graded out of seven points and an additional three points for the Core elements of TOK and the Extended Essay.