The Lower School curriculum has been specifically designed to introduce fundamental biological concepts, from the classification of organisms and their reproduction, to feeding relationships and the causes of disease. There are increasing demands for students to be competent in practical investigations, and so the lessons allow for our girls to develop critical skills and competencies in this area. The aims of Lower School Biology are to engage, to stimulate and to prepare girls fully for the rigours of studying the well-renowned Edexcel IGCSE. 

Edexcel IGCSE Biology provides a rigorous, demanding, and inclusive biology specification, which helps you not only love our natural world, but to be inspired by it. The fascinating relationships and interactions that exist between animals, plants and microorganisms provide the basis of what is taught in lessons. The breadth and depth of content allows you to develop the skills essential for further study at A Level, as well as helping you to understand scientific developments in the field. 

There are five core syllabus areas covered in the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus, including: 

• The nature and variety of living organisms
• Structures and functions in living organisms 
• Reproduction and inheritance 
• Ecology and the environment 
• Use of biological resources 

Students will sit two externally assessed papers: 

Biology Paper 1 

2 hours in length, worth 61.1% of the final grade. This paper features a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. This paper assesses core material from the specification (not in bold). 

Biology Paper 2

1 hour 15 minutes in length, worth 38.9% of the final grade. This paper features a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. This paper assesses all content from the specification (including sections in bold). 

Girls can develop their surgical skills in the Dissection Club, enhance the school environment in the Conservation Club and delve deeper into the fascinating world of forensic science and criminal investigation in the hugely popular Forensics Club. Girls can participate in monthly A-Z biology quizzes, annual photography competitions, weekly enrichment sessions looking at topical news stories, and themed trips (ranging from the Old Operating Theatre and Hunterian Museum, London, to Costa Rica). The ‘Guest Speaker’ programme has secured talks from distinguished professionals including: Lord Robert Winston, President of the Genetics Society; Professor Laurence Hurst and wildlife campaigner, Virginia McKenna.