Biology
Biology at Rainhill High School helps pupils understand the living world, from the structure of cells to the complexity of the human body, inheritance, evolution and ecosystems. Pupils develop a secure understanding of how organisms function, reproduce, adapt and interact with their environment.
Across Key Stage 3, pupils study cells, body systems, reproduction, digestion, respiration, DNA, variation, plant biology and ecology. They develop practical skills through microscopy, investigations and the analysis of biological data.
At GCSE, pupils build on this knowledge through topics including cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics, homeostasis, inheritance, variation, evolution and ecology. They learn to apply biological concepts to real-world issues such as health, disease, biodiversity and climate change while developing the knowledge and skills needed for further study.
Year 7
Term 1 – Living Systems
Pupils begin by exploring cells as the basic units of life. They learn the functions of key structures such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria and cell membrane, and compare plant, animal and bacterial cells. They develop microscopy skills and understand how cells form tissues, organs and organ systems. The term concludes with the skeletal and muscular systems, including how antagonistic muscles enable movement.
Term 2 – Reproduction
Pupils learn the structures and functions of the male and female reproductive systems. They study fertilisation, embryo and foetal development, and the role of the placenta. The unit introduces puberty, hormones and the menstrual cycle, along with the concept of gestation.
Term 3 – Diet and Digestion
Pupils study what makes a balanced diet and the functions of nutrients including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. They learn about the consequences of poor diet and explore how the digestive system breaks down food. The role of enzymes, villi and beneficial gut bacteria is introduced, alongside diffusion and osmosis in absorption and transport.
Year 8
Term 1 – Breathing & Respiration
Pupils study the gas exchange system, learning how oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed. They explore the structure and function of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli, and how features such as thin, moist walls and large surface area support diffusion. Pupils investigate breathing mechanics, lung capacity and how factors like exercise, smoking and asthma affect the respiratory system. They also compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration, including fermentation and its uses in food production.
Term 2 – DNA & Variation
Pupils discover how characteristics are inherited through DNA, genes and chromosomes. They distinguish between genetic, environmental and combined variation, learning how data on variation is collected. The unit introduces adaptation, evolution, natural selection, extinction and biodiversity. Pupils also learn about key scientific contributions to DNA discovery and explore sampling techniques used in ecological studies.
Term 3 – Plant Biology
Pupils investigate photosynthesis and how plants use glucose for growth and other processes. They study leaf and root adaptations, including palisade cells, stomata and root hair cells. The unit reintroduces diffusion and osmosis before exploring plant reproduction, including flower structure, pollination, fertilisation, seed formation and seed dispersal. Pupils learn how many crops depend on insect pollination.
Year 10
Cell Biology
Pupils explore what cells are, how they are structured and how they divide and grow. They also learn how substances move in and out of cells and how microscopes allow us to study life in detail.
Organisation
This topic looks at the major systems of the human body, including digestion and circulation. Pupils learn how enzymes help with digestion and how lifestyle choices influence overall health.
Infection and Response
Pupils study how diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. They learn how the body defends itself, how vaccines work, and how medicines such as antibiotics are developed.
Bioenergetics
This section covers how plants make their own food through photosynthesis and how all living organisms release energy through respiration.
Year 11
Homeostasis and Response
Pupils study how the body maintains stable internal conditions, including the regulation of body temperature, blood glucose concentration and water balance. They also learn about the nervous system, hormones and the coordination of responses to internal and external changes.
Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
This topic explores how genetic information is passed from one generation to the next through DNA and genes. Pupils investigate inherited and environmental variation, natural selection, evolution and the evidence supporting evolutionary theory.
Genetics and Reproduction
Pupils learn about selective breeding, genetic engineering and modern biotechnology. They consider the advantages, disadvantages and ethical implications of developments in genetics.
Ecology
Pupils investigate how organisms interact within ecosystems, including food chains and food webs, biodiversity, adaptations and the cycling of materials. They also explore the impact of human activity on the environment and the importance of conservation and sustainable resource management.
Revision and Examination Preparation
During the final term, pupils revisit all Biology topics through focused revision, required practicals and exam-style questions to consolidate their knowledge and prepare for their GCSE examinations.
Mrs J Thorogood – Principal
Rainhill High School, Warrington Road, Rainhill, Merseyside, L356NY
A paper copy of the information on our website is available on request.
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