Biology Curriculum Plan.
Curriculum Intent:
Our biology curriculum nurtures curiosity and understanding of the living world through engaging, practical, and accessible learning experiences. The curriculum is designed to help students relate biological concepts to their lives, promote wellbeing and respect for living things, and build scientific skills year-by-year toward formal qualifications and lifelong scientific literacy.
Year 7
Introduction to Life Science
Focus
Understanding living organisms and basic biological processes
Skills
Identifying characteristics of living things
Using scientific vocabulary (e.g. cells, organs, reproduction)
Lab safety and using basic scientific equipment
Making observations and simple conclusions
Main outcomes
Describe life processes and classify living organisms
Use microscopes and carry out simple investigations
Record observations using diagrams and basic data tables
Year 8
Systems in Living Organisms
Focus
Exploring the structure and function of the human body and ecosystems
Skills
Understanding organ systems (e.g. digestion, respiration)
Interpreting food chains, webs, and basic environmental impacts
Planning fair tests and recording scientific data
Main outcomes
Identify and describe major body systems and their functions
Explain how humans affect ecosystems and how organisms interact
Conduct structured investigations and draw conclusions
Year 9
Foundations for GCSE Biology
Focus
Cells, health, and biological processes in more detail
Skills
Developing precision with scientific methods
Evaluating health and disease, cells and functions
Analysing data and drawing reasoned conclusions
Main outcomes
Describe the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs
Understand pathogens and the basics of immunity
Develop exam-style skills through scaffolded practice questions
Year 10
AQA GCSE Biology Foundation Content (Part 1)
Focus
Cells, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics
Skills
Applying scientific knowledge in structured formats
Planning investigations and recording results accurately
Developing recall of core biology vocabulary and processes
Main outcomes
Explain key cell processes and body systems
Describe disease mechanisms and immune responses
Apply understanding to GCSE-style structured questions
Year 11
AQA GCSE Biology Foundation Content (Part 2) + Exam Preparation
Focus
Homeostasis, inheritance, ecology, and evolution
Skills
Analysing case studies and unfamiliar contexts
Revising key concepts and practising exam technique
Using scientific language with accuracy and clarity
Main outcomes
Complete GCSE specification content
Demonstrate understanding through mock exams and past paper practice
Sit AQA GCSE Biology (Foundation Tier) with confidence and preparation
Differentiation & Support
Use of word banks, sentence starters, and dual-coding visuals
Scaffolded practical tasks with step-by-step guidance
Interactive models and video resources for complex processes
Hands-on learning to support kinaesthetic and visual learners
Pre-teaching of key vocabulary and concepts in small groups
Adaptive questioning and group tasks for peer support
Modified worksheets and personalised support plans where needed
Assessment
Baseline assessments on entry to identify starting points
Low-stakes quizzes at the end of each topic to check recall
Practical assessments (e.g., investigation write-ups, lab skills checklists)
End-of-term assessments modelled on exam questions
Peer and self-assessments to promote metacognition
GCSE mock papers in Year 10 and Year 11
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths: Graphing results, interpreting data, understanding ratios (e.g., enzymes, genetics)
English: Scientific report writing, developing explanations, presenting findings
Life Skills: Health and hygiene, nutrition, human development
PSHE: Mental health, puberty and reproduction, impact of drugs and disease
Animal Care: Classification, behaviour, ecosystems, basic anatomy
Outdoor Learning: Local biodiversity, microhabitats, conservation studies
Resources Needed
Microscopes and prepared slides
Human anatomy models and posters
Petri dishes, test tubes, beakers, and measuring cylinders
Biological specimens (e.g., leaves, seeds, preserved samples)
Interactive biology apps and revision websites (e.g., BBC Bitesize, Seneca)
Whiteboards and visual organisers for sequencing and labelling tasks
Risk assessments and PPE for practical’s (e.g., gloves, goggles)
This biology curriculum ensures all students can build curiosity, respect for living systems, and the scientific skills needed to explore, question, and explain the world around them