Biology
About the Department
Biology is the study of living things and in the Department we are engaged in examination, exploration and discussion of all aspects of life. From molecular building blocks that cannot be seen without electron microscopes, through the physiology, reproduction and behaviour of single-celled and multicellular organisms and finally to the study of habitats, ecosystems and biomes, we encourage pupils to develop a detailed understanding of and appreciation for all aspects of life on our planet.
We believe that Biology has something of interest for anyone, and our overriding aim as a department is to give every pupil the chance to find this out for themselves.
Teaching and Learning
We offer WJEC GCSE Biology at Foundation and Higher tiers, as well as GCSE Science & Additional Science (Foundation and Higher tiers). The teaching of the GCSE course starts in the Spring term of Third form, allowing modular examinations to be taken at regular intervals through Fourth and Fifth forms.
In the Sixth Form, the options are OCR AS Biology either as a stand-alone course in Lower or Upper Sixth years, or as an AS qualification leading to OCR A2 Biology in the Upper Sixth.
Activities and Enrichment
The Sixth form Science Society allows senior pupils the opportunity to attend lectures outside school as well as welcoming a number of external speakers to Loretto. Individuals who intend to pursue courses in Medicine/Veterinary Science/Life Sciences are required to attend specific presentations related to their subject. There is a weekly workshop session currently running on Monday afternoons. A number of informal presentations for senior pupils are also made during the year.
Staff
Dr. Michael Topping - Head of Department. Joined Loretto: September 2000.
Education: BSc (Hons) Zoology (University of Aberdeen); PhD Zoology (University of Western Ontario); PGCE (Distinction) Biology (University of Aberdeen).
Teaching: Second & Third Form Biology; WJEC GCSE Biology and GCSE Science & Additional Science; OCR AS and A2 level.