Biology

All our pupils study Biology alongside the other sciences of Physics and Chemistry in their earlier years at St Edmund's, and they will take the GCSE in Science (and optionally in Additional Science, or in each of the three Science subjects separately). At A Level, pupils sit Biology as a separate subject examination.

In the Lower Fifth, we aim to build a solid platform on which pupils can progress to GCSE studies, and our intention is to engender in them an enthusiasm for the living world, whilst also encouraging a scientific approach to the subject . We include practical work in our lessons in order to help develop our pupils' experimental and investigative skills. Topics covered at this stage include enzymes, microbes, biotechnology and health, diet, the skeleton and muscles, the nerves and senses, and ecology.

Pupils sit GCSE Science at the end of the Middle Fifth, and may then go on to sit Additional Science at the end of the Upper Fifth; the most able will sit GCSEs in all three science subjects separately at this stage. At A Level, pupils will build on their GCSE studies, and cover a broad range of topics including physiology, the study of the internal workings of organisms. They will continue their study of ecology, and also address social issues such as the impact of humans on the environment, and the ethical implications of genetics.

We believe it important to complement laboratory study with field trips, particularly in the area of ecology, and organise various field trips in support of this. For younger pupils, we run ecology days in the Wild Wood, and to Reculver on the north Kent coast; Blean Forest and Church Woods are in walking distance of the school, both offering rich opportunities to study wildlife in its natural habitat. Those pupils studying Biology in the Sixth Form take part in an annual four-day residential trip to the Isle of Wight; this forms an essential part of their course work, and offers an excellent opportunity for them to collect data for their studies. Practical work is particularly important at the A Level stage, and forms 25% of the pupil's final mark.

We have a history of excellent A Level results for Biology at St. Edmund's, and pupils have gone on to study related subjects at some of Britain's top universities.

Biology field trip to the Isle of Wight