Year 8
During HT1 students developed their knowledge of cells and completed the Biology topic plants and photosynthesis. Students were able to explain in details how plants absorb sunlight to make food by a process called photosynthesis. During this time students carried out various experiments to identify how to substances move in and out of cells, investigate how seeds are dispersed and looked at the structures of animal and plant cells under the microscope.
William and Johnny (Year 8)
Will and Johnny observed a real life plant cell under a microscope. They were able to follow a method to prepare their own microscope slide of an onion cell and use a microscope correctly to observe the cell. This fundamental knowledge is developed throughout key stage four and is commonly assessed in the examinations.
Year 9
In Year 9 students begin their GCSE studies, this starts in HT1 with students developing their understanding of the fundamental topic of cells. Students described the differences between the different types of cells alongside showing their understanding by viewing the cells under the microscope. The topic ended with students describing the different types of cell transport, this included their first GCSE required practical. Students investigated how different solutions of salt affected osmosis in plant cells.
Riley (Year 9)
Riley investigated how different concentrations of salt solution affected osmosis in potato cells. During this practical, Riley demonstrated excellent working scientifically skills throughout and produced excellent results. Riley was then able to plot his results accurately on a graph.