Biology
Biology is a rapidly expanding and fascinating subject.
Recent advances in molecular biology, biochemistry and the new science of epigenetics have brought with them an ever-increasing range of career opportunities with exciting possibilities in medicine, forensic science, developmental biology and agriculture to name but a few.
At St Edward’s, we consider a practical approach to biology to be a crucial aspect of providing a sound basis for further study, as well as being the best way to stimulate interest in, and enjoyment of the subject. Our choice of courses reflects this philosophy. In the lower school, pupils are prepared for the Edexcel IGCSE Double or Triple Science Award. In the Sixth Form pupils study either Edexcel Biology B A Level or the International Baccalaureate (Standard or Higher Level).
Sixth Form pupils frequently opt to undertake IB Extended Essays in Biology and are well supported by our highly experienced team of teachers and technicians. All our IB pupils take part in a five-day ecology field course, which is held annually at Slapton Ley in South Devon, thereby gaining hands-on experience of data collection in the field.
The Biology Department is heavily involved in the offering of super-curricular activities, including Biology Society, and Dissection Club. The Biology Society is pupil-led and open to all year groups, dedicated to exploring biology through creating twice-yearly magazine issues and presenting talks to fellow biology-enthusiasts. The most recent two editions of the magazine are titled ‘Under the Sea’ and ‘Arthropoda’. Dissection Club is aimed at the Upper School and is a chance to practice dissection to enhance biological curiosity and knowledge.
In addition to our societies, we also welcome local scientists to lecture and this is open to all pupils. We have recently enjoyed talks from Dr Matthew Maton-Howarth (Retrieval Fellow in Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine at the John Radcliffe) on the Physics of Ultrasound and Sir Paul Nurse (Nobel Prize winning Geneticist) who looked to explore with us one of the most difficult questions in Biology, ‘What is life?’.
We also host an annual Biology Symposium on the theme of cutting-edge science, in collaboration with the Oxford International Biomedical Centre. This is attended by Teddies Sixth Form Biologists in addition to pupils from local schools.
Head of Department: Beckie Thomas