Learning and Teaching
PLANNING
Biology courses content reflect national arrangements documentation. The national arrangements specify learning outcomes. Lesson content and sequence have been specified for S-grade Biology. The structured notemaking sheets guide content and sequence for Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher Grade classes. Teaching & learning activities are outlined and structured through the use of pupil summary notes.
Assessment information is used to target pupils, identify weaknesses and plan next steps.
Lesson pacing has to be brisk and planned activities, including homework, are planned to make best use of pupil/teacher time.
QUALITY OF THE TEACHING PROCESS
We aim to ensure that teacher exposition and explanations are clear and unambiguous. Pupil-teacher dialogue strives to be professional, meaningful, and promote confidence within the learner.
A variety of resources, (including ICT) teaching strategies and learning activities are used to meet the needs and learning styles of individuals.
The purpose of lessons and activities are shared with pupils generally in the introduction to each lesson and previous learning is usually briefly revisited.
Independent learning is encouraged by the use of the structured notemaking sheets for Higher and Advanced Higher classes.
HOMEWORK
Appropriate homework, which links well with class work, is regularly set.
S3/4
Written formal homework is issued on a regular basis to consolidate and complement classwork. Opportunities are given to rehearse knowledge and practise problem solving skills. The S3/4 Standard Grade Home Learning Activities can be downloaded by going to the Learning Zone on the School Website. By clicking on Home Learning and then Biology you will find links to documents in MS WORD format. (If you do hot have an up to date version of MS Office you can download Open Office for free)
Additional, stimulating tasks are assigned by individual class teachers as appropriate. Tasks set by class teachers may involve pupils accessing information from a variety of sources.
S5/6
Homework is issued to pupils on a very frequent basis throughout all courses. Assignments include laboratory reports, data interpretations, extended writing tasks and opportunities for consolidation of knowledge / understanding and problem solving.
Homework is appropriately reviewed, marked and recorded by the class teacher.
MEETING PUPIL NEEDS
Tasks, activities and resources are matched as far as practicable to individual needs.
Pupils have opportunities to influence their own learning targets and have access to the resources and support needed to achieve those targets, e.g. a pupil may borrow Bitesize revision materials, powerpoint presentations and attend ad hoc lunchtime revision sessions. After school supported study periods are offered.
Biology staff within Cleveden Secondary aim to be as approachable as possible and are keen to support learning by being available to answer questions outwith class time when a need is identified.
Our pupils are from a diverse range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds and account is taken of pupils’ background when dealing with specific challenges which arise.
Where practicable, suitable provision is made for individuals or groups with differing abilities ensuring progress and development for all pupils. In S5/S6 great emphasis is given to placing pupils appropriately based on S-grade performance. In S3/S4 great emphasis is given to placing pupils appropriately based on performance in S2 assessments.
ASSESSMENT & REPORTING
Assessment is based on course plans which follow national/local guidance and specify learning outcomes, resources, teaching & learning activities and assessment arrangements.
A range of formal and informal assessment methods are used including self-assessment and peer marking techniques.
Formative and diagnostic assessment takes place and arrangements are put in place during departmental meetings to ensure consistency, validity and reliability in marking. Many opportunities for collegiate discussion of marking schemes and cross marking are provided throughout the session.
Pupils have opportunities to discuss their progress, achievements and next steps in learning. Assessments are revisited during class time and as a result, experience in appropriately and fully answering questions is developed.
Assessment information is used in course evaluation and in planning teaching and learning strategies. Successes and concerns relating to assessment results are discussed at departmental meetings.
Up to date assessment records are kept for each pupil. Pupils and parents are informed of progress, achievements and next steps by provision of a progress and a profile report. Comments on reports are consolidated during parent’s evenings.
CURRICULAR & VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE
The department provides information to pupils preparing for subject choice. Impartial recommendations are offered within the context of allowing the pupils (in consultation with their parent/guardian) to make an informed choice.
Information on subject links with FE/HE courses and careers related information is displayed within the department and a comprehensive selection of material is available from the school resource centre either on line or in the printed form.
EXTERNAL LINKS
The Biology Department has productive links with other schools/departments, Glasgow University, Strathclyde University, Glasgow Caledonian University and the Biochemical Society. The department holds school’s membership with the Society for General Microbiology and also with the Biochemical Society.
ETHOS
Within the department we strive to ensure that the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and purposeful and that there is a strong emphasis on pacing and achievement.
We aim to foster and sustain very good staff-pupil relationships and high morale. It is essential that pupils are co-operative, conscientious and courteous. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their work / behaviour and show understanding, concern and tolerance for others, especially during practical work.
Our expectations are that standards of behaviour will be extremely high and disciplinary matters will be dealt with in a firm but caring manner which minimises disruption to learning.
Biology staff aim to consistently promote high standards and expectations in relation to work, attainment and behaviour.
The frequent use of praise to reward and motivate is essential. All staff strive to be attentive to the needs of individual pupils.
Many of our pupils have high aspirations and this is reflected in their coursework and and examination results. Teachers are expected to consistently strive to actively promote a strong ethos of achievement with all classes.
SELF EVALUATION
A systematic audit of the work of the department is an ongoing process and reflects national guidelines and school procedures. All staff are expected to be involved in the evaluation of their work and in the work of the department.
Self-evaluation procedures involve the monitoring of classroom practice and the use of assessment information.
Implementation of the development plan is monitored and evaluated annually. Details of this have been published in the standards and quality report.
Identification of development needs within the Biology department take account of national, local and school priorities together with the large, growing and ongoing maintenance agenda.
PLANNING FOR IMPROVEMENT
The Biology department development plan reflects school and departmental aims and takes account of national, local authority and school priorities.
Staff are consulted on an annual basis and their views and development needs inform the priorities and targets contained in the departmental improvement plan.
The Departmental Improvement Plan is clearly linked to the School Improvement plan and to local authority and national priorities.
Within the plan, we try to ensure that targets are clear, manageable and include success criteria, timescales, persons responsible, resources, costs and monitoring arrangements. The plan is designed to improve standards of attainment and the range and quality of educational experiences offered to pupils.
PERSONNEL
It is expected that all Staff endeavour to demonstrate a high level of competence and commitment. The ability to initiate, communicate and contribute to the work of the team is essential.
All staff must strive to develop the personal qualities to create confidence, motivate others and promote teamwork. Staff are encouraged to enjoy good relationships with colleagues and pupils and have a positive influence in their areas of responsibility and class teaching.
Staff should strive to be influential and produce good quality work.
It is anticipated that all Biology staff should contribute to whole school management/ developments and work effectively as a team.
