Biology Newsletter

Biology Newsletter – Term Highlights

This term has been an exciting and enriching one for Biology students across the school, filled with practical learning, academic growth, and impressive student engagement.

Students from multiple year groups have taken part in lung and heart dissections, with each cohort bringing their own level of curiosity and skill to the lab. Year 8 had the opportunity to dissect a cow’s lung, learning about the mechanisms involved in the ventilation system. They brought this knowledge to life by creating imaginative stories based on the processes of inspiration and expiration—showcasing both their scientific understanding and creative thinking.

Year 10 displayed excellent dissection skills, carefully navigating the respiratory tract and identifying each structure and its function. They then built on this by exploring the heart in detail, confidently locating its major components and discussing their roles in the circulatory system.

Across all year groups, it has been wonderful to witness the development of oracy skills. Year 9, despite being busy with examinations, have shown remarkable growth in articulating scientific concepts and applying their knowledge to exam-style questions. Their early start in IGCSE Biology has given them a strong foundation in topics such as cell biology and the movement of molecules across membranes. Inspired by the dedication of Year 11, Year 9 students eagerly requested to tackle a challenging Paper 4 past paper—an impressive display of initiative and ambition. Their willingness to embrace challenge and build confidence at this stage is truly commendable. Well done, Year 9!

Year 11 have been absolutely outstanding. This cohort has shown resilience, maturity, and a determined work ethic throughout the year. They not only completed the IGCSE Biology course but also took part in intervention sessions, further refining their understanding. It has been a privilege to see them grow in confidence, particularly in their approach to past paper practice. Their recent reflections on the IGCSE Biology papers they’ve completed so far show a clear understanding of expectations and a commitment to success. We're incredibly proud of how far they’ve come.

Year 12 students have progressed significantly as they transitioned into A-Level Biology. They have approached the subject with increasing confidence, especially in their Paper 3 practicals, where their technique and accuracy have clearly improved. Recently, they’ve been delving into the biochemistry of respiration and studying infectious diseases, showing maturity and depth in their learning. With mock exams approaching, they are revising intensively and taking responsibility for their progress—traits that bode well for their future success.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all our students for consistently upholding lab safety standards and conducting themselves with maturity. It’s been a pleasure to watch them enjoy their learning while maintaining a professional and respectful attitude in the lab.biology.newsletter