"Our world is built on biology and once we begin to understand it, it then becomes a technology" - Ryan Bethencourt 

KS5 Biology at OASB

When students leave OASB, they’re entering into a world of interconnectedness; one in which our relationships with the environment are being drawn into ever starker relief. For this reason, our Biology course aims to provision all students with the deep learning needed to comprehend their natural surroundings. By offering an ambitious, knowledge-rich approach to the subject, we strive to equip each learner with an appreciation of biological systems, from the microscopic scale of the cell, to that of entire biomes. By applying this same, ‘joined-up’ thinking to our lesson structure, we ensure that each learner is given ample opportunity to cultivate the broader, academic skillsets required for the university-level study of medicine, science-based degree courses, or myriad other qualifications.

Our A-Level course is structured to support student progress through the explicit teaching of key, threshold concepts. In practice, this might see students developing confidence in protein structure before investigating enzyme action; elsewhere, they may be given the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge of DNA mutations, prior to the study of evolution. This high-leverage strategy ensures that all learners, regardless of their prior attainment, can experience success within the subject. By promoting a granular, interleaved view of curriculum content, students develop a more cohesive, flexible understanding of Biology, which places a strong emphasis on extended, synoptic writing skills. In class, lessons are structured to incorporate multiple opportunities for knowledge recall, low stakes quizzing and exam-style application. Outside the classroom, students’ progress is supported through a comprehensive home learning programme, which places an emphasis on, both, the mastery of key factual information and the synthesis of extended written responses. Our young people also benefit from the opportunity to complete a Practical Skills Diploma: an accredited qualification, which sits alongside learners’ curricular expertise to deliver a holistic understanding of those skills associated with experimental design, practical science and data analysis.

By combining classroom lessons with comprehensive online resourcing, we work to create a consistent learning experience, which supports all students in striving for success. As a result of this approach, several members of our founding sixth form cohorts have taken the opportunity to study Medicine and other Life Science-related degree courses at institutions including King’s College London, University of Edinburgh and University of Manchester. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate an academic fluency and intellectual curiosity, which extends far beyond the bounds of any exam specification. By provisioning each young person with the tools required to navigate our subject, we offer an impactful experience, which delivers tangible benefits, both inside and outside of the classroom.

For further information on the KS5 Biology curriculum at OASB please email jonathan.harris@oasissouthbank.org