Biology
‘Outside of lessons, I worked on my Biology experiment, replicating a portion of my DNA, and I read ‘Heart of Darkness’.’ — L8th former
Biology has changed almost beyond recognition since the revolutions in genetics, cellular and molecular biology. It advances at an astonishing rate, as reflected in the very high proportion of stories about Biology in the media which cover both the latest discoveries and the controversial areas of biotechnology, genetic modification and medicine. This, coupled with the enthusiasm of our pupils for this subject, makes it a uniquely relevant and exciting area of study.
The department’s staff all have specialist interests and draw on experience from previous careers in science or science communication. Our teaching emphasises a practical approach to scientific enquiry, with a very extensive repertoire of experimental work and dissection from the outset.
GCSE
St Paul’s was one of the first independent schools to adopt the more rigorous and demanding Edexcel IGCSE. The course provides an exciting, challenging and detailed introduction to a wide range of Biological topics. We cover a great deal of practical work and consider this course to be an excellent preparation for A level, allowing us much greater scope to explore topics in depth during the 8th form.
AS and A level
Around 60 students take AS Biology each year and about three-quarters will continue to A2. All Pauline medical school applicants take Biology to A2 and many other boys go on to non-medical, Biology-related degrees including Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Genetics and Natural Sciences. A significant number of non-specialists choose Biology at A level. Success in public examinations is excellent and Paulines are regular winners of Gold medals in the National and International Biology Olympiad competitions. In 2007, a Pauline biologist finished as the top European entrant in the International Biology Olympiad.
The department arranges various extra-curricular activities. MedSoc, the St Paul’s medical society, meets weekly during Monday lunchtimes. Both medical and non-medical Oxbridge preparation classes are offered in the Autumn term, as well as mock interviews. PaskSoc, the Eighth form Biology Projects club, offers the opportunity to experience cutting-edge molecular biology techniques in collaboration with King’s College, London, and the Sanger Centre.
At A level, we follow the OCR GCE AS and A2 courses (H021, H421). Since we do not sit exams in January, we are able to restructure the course so as to deliver material in the most stimulating and educationally sensible way. In both years, boys have two teachers who will cover different areas of the syllabus. This provides greater variety and prevents a loss of context, especially when dealing with the more abstract topics. The A2 course builds on the foundations of AS and includes exciting and innovative practical exercises in biotechnology and the manipulation of DNA in our superbly equipped laboratories.After St Paul’s
High profile Old Pauline biologists include the neurologist, Dr Oliver Sacks and reproductive physiologist, Professor Lord Robert Winston.
Biology staff
Camille Shammas
Fiona Burke
Jonathan Wong
Michael Thain
Sam Roberts
Academic News
International Olympiad in Informatics
Zhaoxin Wang selected for British team. More
National Schools’ French Debating
Dan Moosdeen-Mui and Francis Thomas win this year’s competition. More
Anglo-Japanese International Science Conference
The first such conference for students was held at St Paul’s this month. More
Target Two Point Zero triumphant
St Paul’s wins Bank of England & Times Interest Rate Challenge. More
Hans Woyda, 2012
St Paul’s has again won the final of this London Mathematics competition. More
