Biology

How did life evolve? Are GM foods safe? Should I immunise my child? How do we conserve biodiversity? What are the potential benefits from gene technology? How do drugs affect the body? Is global warming happening and what are its effects?

These are just some of the questions facing us in the 21st century, where new developments in Biology mean a knowledge and understanding of the subject are becoming ever more important. In the Biology department we aim to nurture our pupils' natural curiosity in the living world, and develop those skills needed to study the subject at GSCE, A Level and beyond. We start with a course that develops practical skills based on the excellent facilities in and around the school, including our own environmental area and pond. A strong teaching team, excellent laboratories and support from the full-time technician provide a secure and stimulating teaching environment where our pupils feel confident that they can achieve their potential.

Biology is extremely popular at A Level, and many go on to follow university courses related to the subject. There is an annual field trip to the Isles of Scilly for our 6th form pupils to study seashore and sand dune ecology, and more adventurous expeditions have taken place to distant locations such as Honduras, Sierra Leone and South Africa. There are regular Science Society events including seminars with prestigious visiting lecturers, many of whom are world experts in their field. Professor Mike Majerus, Professor of Evolution at Cambridge University, and Carmel McQuaid, climate change manager for Marks and Spencer, are recent guests of the department.

Staff profiles

Jim Scott, BSc (Honours) in zoology from Durham University is head of biology and head of science. He runs squash at King's and has led expeditions to Sierra Leone, Honduras, Greece and the Isles of Scilly.

David Cole graduated with a BSc (Honours) in chemistry from Swansea University. He is the Commanding Officer of the King's CCF, is master in charge of hockey, and coaches athletics. He has previously been housemaster of Bishop Fox and head of careers, and his wife is housemistress of Carpenter house.

Imogen Hobday graduated with a BSc (Honours) in human biology from Plymouth University. She is senior sixth form tutor and is in charge of netball at King's. She has previously been house assistant in Bishop Fox and Meynell.

Samuel Florey graduated with a BSC (Honours) in biology from Bath University, and joined the department in September 2010.

Click here for details of the 3rd form curriculum.

Click here for details of the GCSE course.

Click here for details of the A Level course.