Why do we learn biology?
Head of Department
Our approach
Year 12
Year 13

Why do we learn biology?

Biology is the study of living organisms past, present and future. Pupils following the Bolingbroke Academy Biology course will explore a range of relevant and cutting edge biological concepts and skills that will prepare them perfectly for a biologybased course at University. The two year programme focuses on how modern breakthroughs in Biology have impacted ecosystems, human health and our understanding of the living world around us.

Head of Department

Head of Science

Ms E Duncan

e.duncan@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

Our approach

Pupils will extend their knowledge of biological molecules, cells and genetic inheritance. They will consider in more detail how the process of natural selection has shaped Biology and consider the factors that make humans different to the rest of the living world. Pupils will explore the nervous system, the endocrine system and osmoregulation and will learn how these body systems enable organisms to thrive in their environments. Modern gene technologies such as PCR, electrophoresis and gene therapy will also be studied.

Additional activities within this subject:

  • Opportunities to attend Biology inspiration lectures.
  • Trips to and links with universities to help you decide that all important next step.
  • Visit to The Gurdon Institute to study the biology of development, and how normal growth and maintenance go wrong in cancer and other diseases.
  • Subject Tutorial support sessions

Year 12

Autumn 1 Autumn 2

Biological Molecules
Cells   

  • Monomers and Polymers
  • Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins
  • Enzymes  

Nucleic Acids  

  • DNA and RNA  
  • DNA Replication  
  • Energy and ATP  

Cell Structure  

  • Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells  
  • Cell Specialisation  
  • Studying Cells  
  • Mitosis, the Cell Cycle and Cancer  

Cells  
Organisms Exchange Substances with their Environment 

Transport Across Membranes  

  • Structure of Cell Surface Membrane  
  • Diffusion, Osmosis, Active Transport, CoTransport    

Exchange  

  • Surface Area to Volume Ratio  
  • Features of Exchange Surfaces  
  • Gas Exchange: Fish / Plants / Humans  
  • Mechanisms of Breathing  
  • Lung Diseases  
  • Digestion and Absorption  
Spring 1 Spring 2

Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships Between Organisms    

Organisms Exchange Substances with their Environment  

DNA, Genes and Protein Synthesis  

  • Genes, DNA, Chromosomes
  • Transcription  
  • Translation    

Mass Transport  

  • Haemoglobin  
  • Circulatory System – Mammals
  • Cardiovascular Disease  
  • Heart and Cardiac Cycle
  • Transport in Plants
  • Measuring Transpiration

Cells    

Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships Between Organisms 

  • Cell Recognition and the Immune System  
  • Phagocytosis  
  • T-Cells and BCells  
  • Monoclonal Antibodies  
  • Immunity  
  • Vaccinations  
  • HIV    

Genetic Diversity  

  • Mutations  
  • Meiosis  
  • Diversity  
  • Types of Selection  
  • Microbial Growth    

Biodiversity  

  • Species and Taxonomy  
  • Sampling  
Summer 1 Summer 2

Revision and Consolidation

Revision for mock exams in June.

Organisms Respond to Changes in their Internal and External Environments  (Year 13 Content) 

Response to Stimuli  

  • Survival and Response  
  • Plant Growth Factors    

Homeostasis  

  • Principles of Homeostasis  
  • Hormones in Control of Blood Glucose  
  • Diabetes  
  • Hormones in Control of Blood Water Potential  
  • The Kidney and Osmoregulation  

All Year 12 subjects Next Year 12 Subject - Chemistry

Year 13

Autumn 1 Autumn 2

Organisms Respond to Changes in their Internal and External Environments    

Energy Transfer in and Between Organisms

Response to Stimuli  

  • Choice Chambers    

Homeostasis  

  • Production of Series Dilution  
  • Urine Sampling    

Nervous Coordination  

  • Neurones and Nerve Impulses  
  • Action Potentials  
  • Synapses  
  • Skeletal Muscles    

Photosynthesis  

  • Structure of the Leaf  
  • Chloroplasts  
  • Photosynthetic Pigments (Chromatography)  
  • The Light-Dependent Reaction

Energy Transfer in and Between Organisms

Genetics Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems  

The Control of Gene Expression

Photosynthesis  

  • The Light-Independent Reaction  
  • Factors Affecting Photosynthesis    

Respiration  

  • Glycolysis  
  • Link Reaction  
  • Krebs Cycle  
  • Oxidative Phosphorylation  
  • Rate of Respiration  
  • Respiratory Pathways    

Inherited Change  

  • Monohybrid Crosses  
  • Dihybrid Inheritance  
  • Co-dominance  
  • Sex-linkage  
  • Autosomal linkage  
  • Chi Squared    

Energy and Ecosystems  

  • Food Chains/Energy Transfer 
  • Nutrient Cycles  
  • Natural and Artificial Fertilisers  
  • Nitrogen Cycle  
  • Phosphorous Cycle 
Spring 1 Spring 2

The Control of Gene Expression  

Genetics Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems

Gene Expression  

  • Gene Mutations  
  • Stem Cells and Totipotency  
  • Regulation of Transcription and Translation  
  • Epigenetics  
  • Gene Expression and Cancer  
  • Genome Projects    

Populations and Evolution

  • Hardy-Weinburg  
  • Variation in Phenotype  
  • Natural Selection  
  • Isolation and Speciation    

Recombinant DNA Technology  

  • Producing DNA Fragments  
  • In-Vivo Cloning  
  • In-Vitro Cloning  
  • Genetic Fingerprinting  
  • Genetic Screening    

Populations in Ecosystems  

  • Variation on Population Size  
  • Competition and Predation  
  • Succession  
  • Conservation 

Revision and consolidation  

Revision for final exams. 

All Year 13 subjects Next Year 13 Subject - Chemistry