Biology

Overview of the Science Department

Science at Haberdashers’ Crayford Academy is a large department which has an extremely broad range of experience in numerous Science disciplines. We are working collaboratively to provide the best quality Science education for our young people, to ensure we stay abreast of the latest scientific innovation and teaching practises and develop beginning teachers to tier full potential. We strive to include as much practical work as possible in the education we deliver so that students receive a hands-on approach to learning.  

Meet the Science teachers

Curriculum Statement

Year 7 students start KS3 Biology with a focus on cross-curricular practical skills, in particular lab safety. This provides a foundation for science that they will continue to develop throughout their time at Crayford Academy. Following this introductory unit students begin learning key concepts in Biology that underpin many of the core ideas that will be continually revisited throughout their 5-year spiral curriculum, with each year building on prior knowledge. These include: cells, transport of substances, structure and function of body systems, reproduction and finally advancements in biotechnology. In year 8 students will also complete units on health and lifestyle, ecosystems, and adaptation and inheritance. This provides a framework for the start of their GCSE in Year 9.

Both GCSE Combined Science and GCSE Biology (Separate Science) allow students to progress into studying A-Level Biology in the Sixth Form.

OCR A-Level Biology take students to the next level of understanding they will truly deepen their understanding of topics such as Biological Molecules, learning about the structure of glucose molecules and the difference between fibrous and globular tertiary protein structures. Students will marvel at the complex and beautiful processes of photosynthesis and respiration. Armed with this knowledge students will be ready to take their learning to university and beyond.

Biology lessons at Crayford Academy are curated to maximise learning in the classroom. The structure of the lesson takes the following format:

1. There is a targeted NANO at the start of every lesson. In Biology this will include a question that causes students to apply knowledge to an unfamiliar or wider context; some recall questions from previous lessons or topics to promote retrieval practice and an opportunity to practice maths skills that students need to access the curriculum.
2. Objectives – Teachers make students clear of what they are to learn and what success looks like.
3. Range of activities that encourage students to become independent learners e.g. modelling via the I do/We do/You do structure and opportunities for practise for mastery using SLOP (Shed Loads Of Practice)

At GCSE, each lesson (where appropriate) will include a GCSE exam question to challenge students to apply their knowledge in familiar and unfamiliar contexts and build familiarity with exam questions before external exams in Year 11.

Assessment

Students are frequently assessed to check for progress both during lessons and at the end of units; there are also summative assessment during specific windows during the academic year. Formative assessment during lessons looks like mini-whiteboard checks and other quick activities that allow teachers to be responsive to the needs of the class. KS4 have the opportunity to practice exam papers during whole school data drops during the year.

View our Key Stage 3 Biology Curriculum Map 

View our Key Stage 4 Biology Curriculum MapView our Key Stage 5 Biology Curriculum Map

View our KS5 BTEC Human Biology curriculum overview

What qualifications can be gained?

GCSE: Combined Science

GCSE: Biology (when taken alongside Chemistry and Physics as part of the Separate Science course.

A-Level Biology

How does Biology prepare students for the next stage of their education or employment?

GCSE Biology leads into A-Level Biology

Students that study A-Level Biology can progress to an undergraduate degree in several disciplines within Biology.

Biology graduates can enter fields such as:

• Arboricultural officer -Arboricultural officers maintain and manage trees for local councils or arboricultural contractors.

• Astronaut -Astronauts fly spacecraft or work as part of the crew.

• Biologist -Biologists study plants and animals and the way they live.

• Botanist -Botanists study all forms of plant life and have many different job roles in lots of areas.

• Dentist -Diagnose and treat teeth and mouth problems, work to prevent dental disease, and promote oral health.

• Geoscientist -Geoscientists study the structure of the  - Earth and how it was formed over time.

• Homeopath -Homeopaths create natural remedies to try and stimulate the body’s healing process.

• Landscape architect -Landscape architects plan, design, create and manage the landscapes we live and work in.

• Oceanographer -Oceanographers use knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and geology to study seas and oceans.

• Osteopath -Osteopaths are highly competent healthcare professionals recognised by the NHS.

• Pathologist -Pathologists diagnose disease by examining cells, tissue samples, and sometimes performing autopsies

• Psychiatrist -Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat patients with mental health problems.

• Surgeon -Surgeons carry out operations and medical procedures on patients.

• Zoologist -Zoologists study animals and their behaviour.

More Information

More information about our curriculum can be found by looking at our curriculum overviews