Biology
Why Study Biology?
At Beaulieu, we believe a high-quality science education provides the foundation for understanding the world through biology, chemistry, and physics. Science shapes our lives and drives global progress, so students are taught essential knowledge, methods, and applications of science. They learn to explain phenomena, predict outcomes, and analyse causes, fostering curiosity, rational thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Following the Jersey curriculum, students develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding while gaining practical experience through enquiry-based learning, including observation, experimentation, and data analysis. They build precise scientific vocabulary, apply mathematics to scientific problems, and explore the social and economic impact of science.
Science at Beaulieu is taught in context to engage and motivate students, with ‘Working Scientifically’ embedded in lessons rather than taught separately. Discussion and spoken language are central, helping students articulate ideas clearly and address misconceptions. By the end of each key stage, students are expected to know, apply, and understand scientific concepts, processes, and skills, preparing them for future study and life in a scientifically driven world.
Year 7
In Biology, students explore a broad range of topics such as Cells, Body Systems, and Reproduction. Each unit ends with an assessment that helps track progress and inform group placement. Practical lessons strengthen scientific enquiry and mathematical skills, while students also learn to interpret data, form reasoned conclusions, and evaluate evidence—deepening their understanding of the living world.
Year 8
Students explore a broad range of topics, including Working Scientifically, Health and Lifestyle, Ecosystems and Adaptation, Biological Processes, and Inheritance. Each topic concludes with a formal assessment to monitor progress. Practical and mathematical skills are developed through hands-on investigations, while students also learn to analyse data, form informed opinions, and evaluate scientific evidence.
Years 9-11: (GCSE Trilogy Science)
Biology at Beaulieu gives students a deep understanding of living organisms, how they function, and how life processes interact to sustain the natural world. Through engaging lessons, experiments, and independent study, students develop scientific thinking, analytical skills, and an appreciation of the relevance of biology to everyday life and global issues.
In Year 9, students are introduced to key biological concepts, including Cell Structure and Transport, Cell Division, and Organisation and the Digestive System. Each topic concludes with an in-class assessment, and end-of-year mock exams help consolidate learning and prepare students for GCSE study.
In Year 10, students explore Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics — topics that explain how organisms are structured, how the body defends itself against disease, and how energy is produced and used. This knowledge builds a strong foundation for the more advanced concepts studied in Year 11.
In Year 11, students study Photosynthesis, Respiration, The Human Nervous System, Hormonal Coordination, Reproduction, Variation and Evolution, and Genetics. Assessments throughout the year track progress, while final GCSE exams consist of two written papers (1 hour 15 minutes each). Paper 1 covers Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics; Paper 2 covers Homeostasis and Response, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution, and Ecology. Each paper is worth 50% of the GCSE and includes multiple-choice, short answer, calculation, and extended response questions.
Years 9-11: (GCSE Biology)
Biology at Beaulieu gives students a deep understanding of living organisms, how they function, and how life processes interact to sustain the natural world. Through engaging lessons, experiments, and independent study, students develop scientific thinking, analytical skills, and an appreciation of the relevance of biology to everyday life and current global issues.
In Year 9, students are introduced to key biological concepts, including Cell Structure and Transport, Cell Division, and Organisation, including the Digestive System.
In Year 10, students explore Infection and Response, The Human Nervous System, and Bioenergetics — topics that explain how organisms are structured, how the body defends itself against disease, and how energy is produced and used. This knowledge builds a strong foundation for the more advanced concepts studied in Year 11.
In Year 11, students study Hormonal Coordination, Reproduction, Variation and Evolution, and Genetics. Assessments throughout the year to track progress.
Year 12-13: (OCR A Level Biology A )
A Level Biology A will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of biology. It covers the key concepts of biology and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. This combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes the prospect of studying ‘A Level Biology A’ highly appealing. You will learn about the core concepts of biology and about the impact of biological research and how it links to everyday life. You will learn to apply your knowledge, investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts.
The course features clear, straightforward assessment through examinations and is structured around key concepts in biology. Students have regular opportunities to develop practical skills through a wide range of experiments and investigations.
In Year 12, the programme covers Foundations in Biology, Exchange and Transport, Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease. In Year 13, students go on to study Communication, Homeostasis, Respiration, Photosynthesis, Genetics and Evolution, and Ecosystems. Practical skills are embedded throughout the course to strengthen scientific understanding and competence.