Subject Overview
Biology is a fascinating subject offering students the opportunities to understand in detail how their bodies work and interactions between organisms in the world. There are some extraordinary advances in areas such as cell Biology and genetics which we can introduce to students as areas where Biology is currently being transformed. We can also explore some of the wider issues we face in society with conservation, disease and effects of pollution being topics areas we are able to cover and link to current events around us. Biology as a subject has connections to many other subjects in the school and as pupils develop they gain skills to review and interpret information, produce clear scientific writing, good mathematical skills linked with interpreting data all of these skills are beneficial to many future areas of study.
We are fortunate that we have many opportunities and options to convey the academic concepts within Biology with visual or practical learning experiences. This can be in many different ways, in carrying out practical work we have a dedicated technician and two well equipped Biology laboratories allowing us to carry out a wide range of practical activities. The farm and Blean woods also allow us to carry out field work with only a small walk to be onsite collecting data. Other options include the use of targeted video clips or simulations, or carrying out model or movie making to develop further insight into areas of study. Teaching staff all use technology effectively in lessons with Google classroom being a key interactive tool we also use different online quizzes allowing variety and engagement in the material covered.
Within the department we have very positive relationships with the pupils we teach such that they are open to asking questions and seeking support for work they do not understand either via email or attending clinic. As they go into the Senior school they are encouraged and supported to go out of their comfort zones and take risks. We help students to develop to be able to see the links between different parts of the course and think synoptically.
| KS3 | GCSE | iGCSE | Pre A level / Pre IB | IB | A Level | Cambridge Technical | Pre U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
What skills will I learn?
Biology as a subject has connections to many other subjects in the school and as pupils develop they gain skills to review and interpret information, produce clear scientific writing, good mathematical skills linked with interpreting data. All of these skills are beneficial to many future areas of study.
What else will I get to do / Trips?
Outstanding highlight of the year was the trip to Honduras: In July 2019 the Biology department ran a conservation trip to Honduras with Operation Wallacea. Students spent time working alongside conservation scientists to collect data for Cloud forest biodiversity research in an area named one of the top 50 most irreplaceable forest sites in the world. Here they encountered endemic and critically endangered species and carried out an extensive range of sampling techniques when working with a number of different field specialist in herpetology, ornithology and invertebrates to name a few.
Students also completed a Caribbean coral reef ecology course on an island off the mainland, some students learnt to scuba dive whilst others utilised scuba diving and snorkelling sampling techniques and focussed on finding solutions to major themes facing Caribbean coral reefs. We are currently planning our next conservation trip to Borneo in July 2021 in which students will be assessing the capacity of the forests for Orangutan populations, investigating the impact of palm oil plantations and completing Indo-pacific coral reef ecology course.
- Field Trips to gain on site experience of Biological Sampling Techniques.
- University workshops to gain a deeper knowledge of Genetics and Antibiotic discovery.
- Biology in Action and Royal Society Summer Science exhibitions in London allows students to hear speakers at the cutting edge of their field explaining what is exciting within their areas and inspiring students to go onto University study in Sciences
The next step..
Medicine, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy, Marine science, Nursing, Biomedical courses, Veterinary Science, Conservation, Animal Husbandry, Teaching as a 6th form course the skills gained allow students to make good progress on many other degree courses such as Geography, Psychology.
Meet the Head of Biology
Jody Moseling BSc (Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (University of Kent at Canterbury), PGCE (Canterbury Christ Church University)
Visiting aquariums and natural history museums around the world as a child sparked my enthusiasm for Biology but it was cemented when travelling around Southern and Eastern Africa volunteering in wildlife sanctuaries, the highlight of which was hand rearing orphaned lions.
Prior to teaching I worked as an analyst in the laboratories of a pharmaceutical company, this was a key time in my experience, not only for appreciating the importance of integrity and precision in Science but it also developed my interest in Biochemistry. I was also volunteering at various youth groups and initiatives and soon realised I wanted to work more closely with young people and this prompted the career change to teaching. Now in my twentieth year of teaching in both grammar schools and the independent sector I have led innovative teacher training courses and enjoyed being involved with a range of STEM events. A career highlight was leading a group of Kent College students to Honduras in 2019 to work with Conservation Scientists and Marine Biologists in cloud forests and coral reefs. Honduras was awesome and beautiful and working with the scientists was inspiring.
Working with the students at Kent College is an honour. In the Biology department we aim to deliver thought provoking and relevant lessons that cover broad ranging issues from climate change and pandemics to our own genetic make up and the biochemistry of immunity.
Have a question?
If you would like to discuss details of your child's care with us, send us a message and we will gladly answer your questions.