| I suggest...the term Genetics, which sufficiently indicates that our labours are devoted to the elucidation of the phenomena of heredity and variation. |
| William Bateson in his address to the Third Conference on Hybridisation, 1906 |
William Bateson began his Science education at Rugby School in the nineteenth century and later founded and named the science of Genetics. Rugby School has remained at the forefront of science education in the UK and the Biology department continues this rich tradition of offering innovative and inspirational teaching.
Biology is a popular and dynamic subject studied by nearly 600 pupils each week at Rugby School. This is a vibrant department consisting of 7 full-time and 3 part-time enthusiastic teachers supported by two excellent technicians. Biology is taught in four recently refurbished and generously-equipped laboratories with a fifth as a teaching and project laboratory. There is also a pupils’ resources room.
Curriculum
All F, E and D Block pupils study Biology to IGCSE level (Edexcel). This academically rigorous course covers a diverse range of topics and provides a stimulating and challenging experience in which practical investigation and modern day contexts play prominent roles. The IGCSE course lays an optimum foundation for further success at A-level and beyond.
Uptake at A level is generally high, with about 60 pupils studying A level Biology (OCR) in a linear format over two years. A further group of about 12 pupils study AS Human Biology (OCR). The A-level course consists of 4 taught units and 2 units that assess practical skills. A significant number of pupils proceed to study a variety of Biology related degrees at university including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Natural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences and Physiotherapy.
Outside the Classroom
There are many opportunities to attend a wide variety of interesting lectures and visits. The Bateson Society provides pupils with an excellent opportunity to consider the numerous aspects and developments in Biology and explore their applications and implications for society without any curriculum constraints. The LXX pupils attend the residential field trip in the Trinity term, during which they receive expert ecological tuition in situ and develop a wide variety of practical field study skills. A-level pupils are selected to enter the Biology Olympiad competition.
| Teaching Staff |
| M. A. Monteith, B.Sc. (Head of Department) |
C.M. Douglas, B.Ed. |
| L. Greatwood, B.Sc. |
L. Hampton, B.Ed., M.Sc. |
| Dr. N. Hampton, M.A., Ph.D. |
J. Jarvis, B.Sc., M.Sc. |
| C. Shelley, B.Ed., M.A. |
A. Tooke, B.Sc. |
| H. Grant, B.Sc. |
E. L. Sale, B.Sc |
| Technicians |
| M. Allan, B.Sc. (Senior Biology Technician, Technical Manager) |
A. Graham, M.Sc., B.Sc |