'Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius.'     E. O. Wilson

There are three members of staff from a combination of human physiology, biochemistry and zoology backgrounds teaching this subject at St Mary's. In LIV Form, girls are taught Biology within the General Science curriculum and from MIV Form, Biology is taught as a separate Science. All classes are small, and except for the Fifth Form, are of mixed ability.

Our motto is: ask questions. For example:

• Why is the biology of cells so similar, yet every living thing so utterly unique?
• What are the curses and blessings of biotechnology?
• How does your body control the internal environment so precisely?
• How important are two completely physical processes – diffusion and osmosis – to all living things?
• Why should we exercise?
• Does the Greenhouse Effect actually occur in a greenhouse?
• What’s the difference between a vaccination and a booster?
• Why do petunia seeds need a flash of light before they grow, but bean seeds do not?
• How is the life cycle of a locust so radically different from that of a painted lady butterfly?

GCSE

Since September 2010, St Mary’s girls study the separate Science AQA 4011 Biology GCSE. 

AS and A Level

 The Biology Department follow the OCR Biology Advanced Subsidiary GCE HO21, and Advanced GCE H421.

Ms Sarah Bravington (Head of Faculty)