Teacher of Biology

INTRODUCTION

The Biology Department at Westcliff High School for Boys (WHSB) has been a high performing Department for many years. We have had consistently outstanding results in GCSE and Advanced Level Biology, with the Department obtaining particularly pleasing results at A Level. The Department has grown considerably over recent years and currently runs eight groups at Advanced Level. There are 61 students currently studying Biology in Year 12 and 53 studying in Year 13. At GCSE, 180 pupils sit the AQA GCSE course.  

The Biology Department also plays an important role in the extra-curricular life of the School. The Department offers a variety of additional clubs which pupils can attend, aimed at supporting those in need of support or extending the more able. We have a particularly effective mentoring scheme, in which Year 12 and Year 13 students mentor those lower down the School. Pupils in Year 11 and Year 13 will also sit the respective Biology Challenge and Biology Olympiad organised by the UKBC, and students often progress to the follow-on rounds at all levels. Further to this, we offer our students the opportunity to visit Reading University to experience the latest molecular biology techniques, as well as lectures at various academic institutions and guest lectures at the School. 

ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES

The Biology Department occupies four laboratories within the Science building. The Science building has just recently undergone a considerable refurbishment and now offers the most up-to-date facilities and an attractive teaching environment. On a practical level, the Biology Department is well stocked with high grade microscopes, an autoclave for microbial work, colorimeters, spirometers, peak flow meters, oximeters, dynamometers and many more resources. We also have an array of biological models, microscope slides and DVDs.

CURRICULUM

In the Lower School (Years 7-9) syllabus in Biology, pupils learn about the fundamental structures and functions of cells and organ systems in Year 7, before looking at the digestive and breathing systems. This leads onto a more detailed analysis of plant biology in Year 8, which concludes with up-to-date phases of study of health in humans and the science of microbiology. In Year 9, pupils delve deeper into the molecular world of the cell and receive lessons on the subject of enzymes and DNA as well as such broader topics as immunity. 

The AQA Biology GCSE curriculum follows on from the work that has been completed in the Lower School, both consolidating parts of it that have previously been covered to GCSE Level but also extending other parts so pupils can access the Grade 9 GCSE grade. 

In the Sixth Form, students can choose to study AQA Advanced Level Biology if they attained a Level 7, 8 or 9 in GCSE Biology. In Year 12, Biology students will study biological molecules, cells, gas exchange and genetic information. In Year 13, we cover energy transfer, responses, inheritance and evolution and control of gene expression. 

At all divisions in Biology, the Department devotes time to the development of examination technique and regularly assesses students so they are best placed to succeed at examination time. 

EXAMINATION RESULTS

Results in all Public Examinations are outstanding and those who choose to continue their biological studies at University generally do so at established Universities, including the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The Examination Board used for Public Examinations is AQA for both GCSE and Advanced Level.  

In Summer 2023, 71% of candidates at Advanced Level were awarded A*-B grades, with 18% of candidates achieving an A* grade. At GCSE, in the Summer of 2023, 87% of pupils were graded at 9-7 with 31% being awarded the very highest grade.

Job Purpose:

The teacher is required to carry out the general professional duties of a school teacher under the reasonable direction of the Head of Department and Headmaster and to perform such particular duties that from time to time which may reasonably be assigned him/her by the Headmaster. Teachers on the Upper Pay Scale (UPS) will be expected to make broader contribution to the School as a normal part of their work.