Biology

On entering the Biology Department, there is a real sense of life as befits this branch of Science. The displays of pupils' work, illustrations of learning topics, and living examples of flora and fauna in the large greenhouse and animal room immediately give a sense of the enthusiasm we have for our subject.

Closer inspection of the dedicated course exhibits and specialised laboratory space for senior pupils, also illustrates the Department's philosophy of starting with a very supported learning environment and gradually giving more initiative and independence to the pupils as they progress through the Senior School.

Each stage of a pupil's time in Biology will offer a wide range of topics, from large scale ecology and study of the workings of the human body through to the microscopic level with cell and molecular biology.

Learning starts with a thorough and flexible course in S2. Our course was written in-house to allow us to use the Department's diverse resources as much as possible. It presents the learner with a range of topics which prepares them for further study in Biology and also provides a useful grounding for those who do not wish to continue with the subject. In S3 and S4, we offer both Standard Grade and Intermediate 2 Biology. The senior years are offered courses that prepare them to sit Intermediate 2, Higher or Advanced Higher. Teaching in these is varied to suit the group of learners in the class but there are more opportunities for individual initiative and investigation.