Year 9

The GCSE course starts in year 9. However, the aims are to give all year 9 pupils a taste of the study of biology and common grounding before advancing to more challenging topics in year 10. The key aims of year 9 are:

To provide a well rounded understanding of central themes that underpin the study of biology such as cell structure, enzyme structure and function, relation of surface area to volume ratio and adaptation, and evolution.

To emphasize the role of biology in modern society by looking at a variety of topical issues such as:

• The claims of slimming programs
• The effect of statins on cardio-vascular disease
• The spread of antibiotic resistant disease causing bacteria such as tuberculosis and MRSA.
• Different types of drugs and why some people use illegal drugs for recreation
  Looking at the effect of cannabis on health and its link to addiction to hard drugs

The year is also used as an opportunity to develop many of the important skills associated with the creation of theories and models from empirical evidence and valid data analysis. As a result the year has a large practical component.