Biology
At Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, the Biology curriculum across Key Stage 3 (KS3), Key Stage 4 (KS4) and Key Stage 5 (KS5) offers students a rich and engaging exploration of the living world. Through a progressive and comprehensive programme of study, students develop a deep understanding of biological principles, from the microscopic workings of cells and DNA to the vast complexity of ecosystems.
Throughout their Science lessons students learn to conduct experiments, observe carefully, analyse data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. These skills are transferable to many areas of life and underpin scientific literacy.
Students are encouraged to think critically about the impact of human actions on ecosystems and biodiversity. The curriculum promotes responsible behaviour and prepares students to address pressing environmental challenges with knowledge and empathy.
The Biology curriculum at LGGS is designed to nurture scientific curiosity, develop practical and analytical skills, and instil a sense of ethical and environmental responsibility. It lays the foundation for further study and careers in healthcare, biotechnology, conservation, agriculture and research, preparing students not only for academic success but also to be thoughtful, informed citizens in a rapidly evolving world.
Key Stage 3
Course Overview
At Key Stage 3, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of Science, encompassing Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Students are taught all three science subjects by one teacher, which allows them to see the links between each branch and develop a holistic understanding of science. The curriculum at LGGS aims to provide students with a robust foundation in scientific knowledge, skills, and vocabulary and to inspire a genuine interest in science. At LGGS, we encourage our students to foster curiosity and a love for learning, ensuring that they are equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary for future scientific endeavours. Through engaging and interactive lessons, students explore a variety of topics that help them understand the world around them and develop critical thinking skills.
What can I do to support my child?
In KS3 Science, students are explicitly taught how to revise actively. Time is set aside after each cycle of topics to consolidate and allow students to practice their active revision skills. This builds good study habits and puts them in a strong position going forwards into KS4 and 5 studies.
We recommend the following strategies to help support your child in their Science studies:
· Encourage regular review of class notes and/or textbooks and revision guides.
· Encourage your child to attend the subject-specific drop in sessions at lunchtime if they have questions or are struggling
· Encourage them to sign up for our peer mentoring system (Science Aid)
Additionally, the following websites have excellent, free resources available to use:
Physics Simulator (good for visualizing phenomena such as electricity)
YouTube channels:
Free Science Lessons (Freesciencelessons - YouTube)
Miss Estruch (Miss Estruch - YouTube)
Malmsbury Science (Malmesbury Education - YouTube)
You will need to search for the topic you need – they are fairly comprehensive.
How will students be assessed?
Topics in KS3 are generally short, so students will be taught three short topics (one topic from each of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics) then sit a combined test on all three. These assessments will help track their understanding and progress in the subject without overloading students by testing too frequently.
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
Exam Board and details
Exam Board: AQA GCSE (9-1) Biology (code 8461)
Specification:
AQA | Biology | GCSE | GCSE Biology
Course Overview
Biology is a compulsory subject at KS4 and is fundamental in helping pupils understand the living world. The course focuses on the key biological concepts, developing theoretical knowledge, practical scientific skills and critical thinking which prepares students for many different areas of further study. They will foster a strong understanding of how living organisms function, interact, and evolve through a wide range of topics including:
· Cell Biology
· Organisation
· Infection and response
· Bioenergetics
· Homeostasis and response
· Inheritance, variation and evolution
· Ecology
Students will also complete required practicals to develop their experimental skills and understanding of scientific methods. The course aims to challenge students and help them make significant progress in their understanding of Biology, preparing them for further studies and future career opportunities.
How will students be assessed?
Students will be assessed through two written exams at the end of the course:
· Paper 1: Covers topics 1-4 and is 1 hour 45 minutes long, worth 100 marks, and accounts for 50% of the GCSE.
· Paper 2: Covers topics 5-7 and is 1 hour 45 minutes long, worth 100 marks, and accounts for 50% of the GCSE.
Both papers include multiple-choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions.
Additionally, there will be end-of-topic tests approximately each half term to track students' progress and understanding.
Key Stage 5 (A Level)
Exam Board and details
Exam Board: AQA Biology (code 7402)
Specification:
AQA | Biology | A-Level | A-level Biology
Course Overview
Biology remains an extremely popular choice of subject into KS5 and is applicable to a range of interests. The course provides an in-depth exploration of key biological principles, building on GCSE knowledge with greater complexity and analytical depth. Students study biological molecules, cell structure, exchange of substances, genetics, ecosystems, and evolution, alongside cutting-edge topics like gene expression, biotechnology, and the impact of new scientific developments.
Alongside developing understanding, we aim to enhance problem-solving, data analysis, and critical thinking skills, which are highly valued in many careers. The course also fosters an appreciation for the complexity of life, addressing real-world challenges such as disease, climate change, and genetic engineering.
The curriculum is separated into eight main topics:
· Biological molecules
· Cells
· Organisms exchange substances with their environment
· Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
· Energy transfers in and between organisms
· Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
· Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
· The control of gene expression
Practical Endorsement: Practical work is at the heart of Biology, and the A Level Biology course places significant emphasis on developing excellent practical skills. Students will complete a series of required practical activities that will be assessed by their teachers. The practical endorsement is reported separately on the A Level certificate and is based on direct observation of students' competency in a range of practical skills, including:
· Use of appropriate apparatus and techniques (to include mass, time, volume, temperature, length and pH).
· Use appropriate instrumentation such as a colorimeter, potometer, microscope and graticule.
· Produce scientific drawing from observation with annotations.
· Use qualitative reagents to identify biological molecules.
· Separate biological compounds using thin layer/paper chromatography or electrophoresis.
· Safely and ethically use organisms to measure plant or animal responses and physiological functions.
· Use microbiological aseptic techniques, including the use of agar plates and broth.
· Use sampling techniques in fieldwork.
· Safely use instruments for dissection of an animal organ, or plant organ.
How will students be assessed?
Students will be assessed through three written exams at the end of the course:
· Paper 1: Covers topics 1-4 and relevant practical skills. The exam is 2 hours long, worth 91 marks, and accounts for 35% of the A Level. It consists of both short and long answer questions, as well as extended response questions.
· Paper 2: Covers topics 5-8 and relevant practical skills. The exam is 2 hours long, worth 91 marks, and accounts for 35% of the A Level. It consists of both short and long answer questions, as well as a 15-mark comprehension question.
· Paper 3: Covers topics 1-8 and relevant practical skills. The exam is 2 hours long, worth 78 marks, and accounts for 30% of the A Level. It consists of structured questions, including practical techniques, critical analysis of given experimental data and one 25-mark synoptic essay which is chosen from two titles.
Additionally, there will be end-of-topic tests approximately each half term to track students' progress and understanding.