Biology
Shebbear is a superb location to study Biology. We have excellent laboratory equipment, plus a greenhouse, pond and conservation areas.The department has its own preparation room, library, computer and video facilities including a multipurpose video camera attachment for microscopes.
Welcome
Staff
Overview
Facilities
In the Classroom
Beyond the Classroom
Mr Keith Petley
Welcome to the Biology department webpage. The aim of the department is to make the study of Biology both enjoyable and stimulating. The dynamics of biology are constantly changing as research progresses in all areas of the subject. Our response is to continually embrace the new developments and pass on our own enthusiasm to the students. It is almost like learning by osmosis!!
Department Staff
Mrs Sue Slugget
Department Overview
Students study Biology as a single subject from Year 3 onwards. During all our courses students have the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of biological facts, together with an appreciation of their significance in new and changing situations. We encourage practical work wherever possible in order enhance the students understanding of biological concepts. As course work continues to be a major part of any Biology syllabus we endeavour to equip Shebbear students with the skills and confidence they need to carry out investigative work in a positive and determined manner.Hopefully, when the time comes for our students to leave Shebbear College, they will have with a much deeper awareness of Biology in our changing world, as well as an appreciation of its responsible use in society.
Facilities
The department has an extensive range of computer programmes and a well stocked book and video library. We have a fine collection of Natural History specimens ranging from moths and butterflies to dragonflies, spiders and beetles. These were kindly donated to us by the widow of a former old boy, Jim Fogaty. As for living specimens there is a thriving community of stick insects, an aquarium and some very impressive desert cacti.
In the Classroom
Biology in Year 3 provides a basic introduction to the main subject concepts and builds on the work our students have studied in lower school Science. They study aspects of the Environment and Genetics and this is the commencement of GCSE. |
Biology is studied as part of a combined GCSE Edexcel Science course that also incorporates Physics and Chemistry and leads to the award of two GCSEs (Double Award) or one GCSE (Single Award) in Science. In Form 4, students study the Environment, Genetics, Hormones and the Nervous System, the Medical Uses of Drugs and Drug Abuse. In Form Five they study DNA, Stem Cell Research and the Human Impact on the Environment. |
AS Biology is the first half of the Advanced Edexcel GCE course. It can be taken on its own over one year and students then have the option of trying for the full Advanced GCE qualification. AS Biology consists of two units, each of which is assessed by a written test plus a scientific investigation. |
The full Advanced level GCE Biology qualification is made up of the AS units plus two additional units. Each is assessed by a written test. Students also carry out their own practical investigation. |
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Beyond the Classroom
Shebbear’s rural location provides great opportunities for studying ecology and agriculture. The College is within easy travelling distance of Bristol and Paignton Zoos, the Aquarium and Electron Microscopy Centre in Plymouth and the Eden Project.
