Key Stage 4 Biology
Curriculum Overview
Students at Key Stage 4 have two periods a week studying GCSE Biology either as a separate AQA qualification or part of the Trilogy Combined Science qualification.
| | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
|---|
| Year 10 | Cell Biology | Organisation | Health and disease | Plant Biology | Ecology |
| Year 11 | Homeostasis and response | Inheritance, variation and evolution | Revision |
|
Year 10
In “Cell Biology” students learn about cell structure and the use of microscopes, different cell types, cellular transport and cellular respiration.
In “Organisation” students learn about the digestive system, enzymes, and the circulatory and gas exchange systems, including the effect of exercise.
In “Health and disease” students learn about communicable and non-communicable diseases, including plant diseases, the body’s defences against disease and treatments for these diseases.
In “Plant biology” students learn the structure of leaves, the process and role of photosynthesis, and transport in plants.
In “Ecology” students learn about the structures of ecosystems, including element and energy flow and the role of decay. They study the feeding relationships within an ecosystem and the adaptations of the organisms in relation to abiotic and biotic factors. Students study practical ecology techniques. They also learn about the effect of pollution on biodiversity and also consider positive interactions humans can have in an ecosystem.
Students will develop their practical skills through a range of tasks.
Year 11
In “Homeostasis and response” students learn about plant and human hormones. They study the control of body temperature, blood glucose levels and water balance. Students learn about the menstrual cycle and fertility technologies. They also learn about the brain and the nervous system, including reflex actions and the eye.
In “Inheritance, variation and evolution” students learn about reproduction on a cellular level and the structure of DNA. They consider how proteins are made and the effect of mutations. Students learn to predict inheritance theoretically and study the work of pioneers of inheritance and evolutionary theories. They consider how variation links with natural selection and the evidence to support this theory. Finally students study biotechnologies.
Students will develop their practical skills through a range of tasks.
Assessment at GCSE
– Paper 1: 50% of qualification. 105 minute written examination in which students are required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Topics 1-4 and the associated experimental and data skills.
– Paper 2: 50% of qualification. 105 minute written examination in which students are required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Topics 5-7 and the associated experimental and data skills.
Further Reading/Resources
– The BBC Bitesize website summarises the GCSE knowledge and includes useful explanatory videos and activities to check understanding, as well as sample past paper questions. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zpgcbk7
– The Freesciencelessons YouTube channel has a range of videos covering a wide range of GCSE Biology topics with clear explanations and animations. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqbOeHaAUXw9Il7sBVG3_bw/playlists
