Year 7 students learn about cell structure and use microscopes to view a range of cell types. They enjoy learning about stem cells and their potential uses. Students explore reproduction in animals and plants and discuss cloning. There is a strong emphasis on developing ‘scientific method’ skills such as forming hypotheses, observing, planning experiments, recording and analysing results and finally reaching conclusions.

Year 8 students learn about the energy dynamics of communities by studying food webs. They identify trophic levels, and calculate the transfer of energy between them. They explore the biochemistry and energy content of the food that we eat which progresses to learning about the use of bacteria and fungi in food production and then to microbes and disease. From year 9, students prepare to follow AQA’s GCSE specification. Topics include: hormones, nervous coordination, the eye, DNA, cloning, stem cells, genetic screening, and plant nutrition.