Biology is the study of life and is therefore relevant to us all. Biologists are scientists who study the natural world and all the living things in it, from the largest mammals down to our very own microscopic DNA.

Biology at Fort Pitt is taught by four specialist teachers, all of whom are passionate about the subject. We seek to develop enthusiasm for the study of Biology amongst students, as well as working towards excellent grades at GCSE and A Level.

The study of Biology can lead to many and varied careers including Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Science, Marine Biology, Nursing, Sports Science, Neurology, Physiotherapy, Environmental Science.

Enrichment

Endeavour is a fun science club for younger years and runs weekly throughout the year.

The Fort Pitt Medical Society is run on a monthly basis for students in Years 11-13 who wish to study Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or Dentistry at university.

trips and events

Trips vary but might include ecological field trips, zoological visits and university taster days.

Subject Leader: Mrs B Huntley (bhuntley@fortpitt.medway.sch.uk)

Curriculum Content

Key Stage 3

At KS3 we follow a scheme of learning designed to support the content covered at KS4 and engage students through varied practical work. Students are taught science in KS3 by rotating through chemistry, biology and physics topics. Thinking and questioning is actively encouraged. Students have 6 lessons of science per fortnight.

Topics studied are:

YEAR 7

• Chemistry: Particles, Elements Atoms and Compounds, Reactions, Acids and Alkalis.
• Biology: Cells, Body Systems, Reproduction.
• Physics: Forces, Sound, Light.

YEAR 8

• Chemistry: The Periodic Table, Separation Techniques, Metal and Materials, The Earth.
• Biology: Health and Lifestyle, Ecosystems, Adaptation and Inheritance, Cellular Processes.
• Physics: Space, Electricity and Magnetism, Energy, Momentum and Pressure.

ASSESSMENT

Student progress is assessed throughout the year. During each topic, students receive an assessed piece of levelled home learning and an end of topic quiz.  In addition to this, year 7 will take five application based 1 hour exams over the year. Year 8 will take six application based exams to help prepare them for the GCSE.

Key Stage 4

Biology 9-1 GCSE

Exam Board: Edexcel

The course is very wide ranging in content and includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, cellular biology, ecology and genetics.

Year 9

• Key concepts in Biology
• Cells and Control
• Genetics
• Natural Selection and Genetic Modification

Year 10

• Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines
• Plant Structure and Function
• Ecosystems and Material Cycles

Year 11

• Animal Coordination and Control
• Exchange and Transport in Animals

Key Stage 5 – Biology B

Exam Board: Edexcel

Students will study biochemistry, cellular biology, classification, exchange and transport, energy, microbiology, genetics, control and ecology.

Year 12

• Biological Molecules
• Cells and Viruses
• Classification
• Exchange and Transport

Year 13

• Cellular Respiration
• Photosynthesis
• Microbiology and Pathogens
• Modern Genetics
• Origins of Genetic Variation
• Control Systems
• Ecosystems