Biology
Biology is taught in a modern, purpose built laboratory.
The aim of the department is to encourage students to take an interest in the living world and to think about the applications of biological science. We hope to foster a curiosity about science. A look at any newspaper or magazine will reveal how many areas of our lives relate to biology: gardening, sports science, global warming, genetically modified foods, cloning, stem cell research and the issues surrounding assisted reproduction are just a few of the important issues that our pupils will learn about in increasing depth as they move through the school. Whether they study biology at university or not it is our aim that Wychwood girls will be well informed and able to make decisions about important biological issues that they may meet in the future.
Teaching involves practical work where this is appropriate, discussion, computer modelling and fieldwork. Pupils will often work in small groups but because class sizes are small they will also learn to have the confidence to complete practical and written work independently. In the sixth form we complete a very popular field trip on the Pembrokeshire Coast.
AQA Biology is offered in Lower and Upper Transits (Years 10 and 11), following the GCSE science examination taken in the Lower Transits (Year 9). At A level our students are entered for OCR Biology and a significant proportion of girls go on to study medicine, veterinary science or other sciences at university.
Wychwood School’s position near to the centre of Oxford means we can make use of the wonderful facilities offered by the University Museum of Natural History, Science Oxford and The University Botanic Garden. Our senior students can take part in free lectures offered at these centres and others.
The biology department has a significant role to play in the Eco-Schools project.
A Level Field Trip to France, April 17th-24th April 2010
Print