The Abbey Grammar School
77a, Ashgrove Road
Newry
Co Down, BT34 1QN
N Ireland
+44 (0) 28 3026 3142
Biology is the study of living organisms. It is concerned with studying microbes, classifying organisms and investigating different species and their interactions with each other and the natural environment.
The 21st century offers biologists many challenges. Today’s biologists are involved in researching and understanding some of the most controversial advances in human knowledge including the cloning of embryos, designer babies and genetically modified food.
Biologists are also involved in finding solutions to worldwide problems such as:
Biology is a fascinating subject that allows us to make a difference to tomorrow’s world by helping us understand the world we live in today.
Curriculum information
Key Stage 3
In years 8, 9 and 10 students study Science and cover topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Biology topics covered include Cells, Human Reproduction, Food and Diet, Lungs and Breathing, Circulatory System, Photosynthesis and Ecology.
In each of the units listed, students have the opportunity to carry out a wide range of experiments in order to develop their practical skills. The assessment of practical skills forms a significant part of the assessment in GCSE Biology and it is essential that students have every opportunity to develop and refine these skills as early as possible.
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
Students can choose to study either GCSE Biology or the Biology component of the GCSE Double Award Science or GCSE Single Award Science. All of these follow the CEA specifications.
The GCSE Biology specification encourages students to develop practical skills and knowledge of science. It improves their understanding of the relationship between hypotheses, evidence, theories and explanation. It also gives students opportunities to apply their knowledge and understanding of the nature of science and the scientific process.
Students carry out nine prescribed practicals over the two year course, giving them opportunities to develop their observational, practical, enquiry and problem-solving skills. They also learn to evaluate claims based on science, both qualitatively and quantitatively, by critically analysing the methodology, evidence and conclusions.
The specification has three units:
Students sit the unit 1 exam at the end of year 11.
Students sit the unit 2 exam at the end of year 12.
Unit 3: includes a practical skills assessment (Booklet A) and a practical theory exam (Booklet B). For Booklet A, students carry out two practical tasks in the laboratory. Booklet B is a written exam, with questions based on any of the nine prescribed practical tasks and any other practical tasks from the specification.
Students complete unit 3 in year 12.
In Double Award Science (Worth 2 GCSEs) students follow the CEA Double Award Specification. Double Award Science has three key assessment components:
The specification has seven units. The Biology units are:
Students sit the unit 1 exam during year 11.
Students sit the unit 2 exam during year 12.
For each of the three sciences, Unit 7: Practical Skills includes a practical skills assessment (Booklet A) and a practical theory exam (Booklet B). For each of the three Booklet As, students carry out one practical task in the laboratory. Each Booklet B is a written exam, with questions based on any of the prescribed practical tasks and any other practical tasks from the specification.
In Single Award Science students follow the CEA Single Award Specification. Single Award Science has three key assessment components:
The specification has four units, unit 1 is Biology, worth 25% of the overall grade.
Unit 4: Practical Skills includes a practical skills assessment (Booklet A) and a practical theory exam (Booklet B). In booklet A students carry out two pre-release practical tasks (from two of Biology, Chemistry and
Physics) in the final year of study. Booklet B is a written exam, with questions based on any of the prescribed practical tasks and any other practical tasks from the specification.
Key Stage 5 (GCE)
Studying GCE Biology gives students a greater understanding of and respect for living organisms. Students acquire and develop skills that are valued in further and higher education, as well as in the workplace. These include analysis, evaluation, problem solving, research and an ability to understand complex processes, along with practical skills such as using a microscope, fieldwork and handling apparatus.
Knowledge of biological processes is useful in a wide range of areas, including health, food production, conservation and, increasingly, technology.
The specification encourages students to:
GCE Biology has two levels: AS and A2. There are three units in each level. Students can take the AS qualification or complete both levels to achieve the full A level qualification. The AS units make up 40% of the full A level qualification, and the A2 units make up 60%.
At each level, students must study all three units.
Departmental links
Departmental News
Biology Olympiad 2024
The Biology department entered A-Level Biology students into the UK Biology Olympiad competition. The competition was held from 29th January – 8th February 2024. Over 13,000 students, from 800 schools worldwide, took part in the competition.
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded certificates from the Royal Society of Biology.
Silver Certificate
Fionn O’Malley,
Bronze Certificate
Arann Trotter and Owen O’Neill.
Commended
Niall Fitzpatrick and Shane Donnelly.
UK Biology Challenge May 2024
The UK Biology challenge ran from 3rd May – 17th May 2024. Over 43,685 students from 621 schools worldwide took part. Mrs McGinley and Ms Magowan opened the competition to students in years 10.
Congratulations to all our year 10 students who were awarded certificates from the Royal Society of Biology.
Highly Commended -Daire McCumiskey, Ruairi McGurgan, Shea McKevitt and Cahair McShane.
Commended – Luke Browne, Christopher Holohan, Cormac Mulvenna, Roan O’Callaghan and John O’Neill
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