Studying Biology at a British School in Mallorca (Majorca) is a young naturalist´s dream. With the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a fabulous coastline and the Albufera wetland in the north of the island, there is much to stimulate the budding scientist.
An option for Secondary School pupils as part of their bi-lingual education at this international school in Mallorca (Majorca) is to study Biology from Key Stage 4. Pupils follow the Biology IGCSE curriculum.
IGCSE
The course follows the syllabus 0610 outlined by the University of Cambridge International Examination Board.
Year 10
Topics covered in Year 10 include classification of living organisms, cells, the skeleton and movement, nutrition, breathing, respiration, circulation, microorganisms, the nervous system, health and homeostasis. Pupils particularly enjoy dissections. There is an end of year exam for all pupils at both core and extended level.
Year 11
Pupils continue the Biology syllabus with tropisms, photosynthesis, transport, reproduction, energy and ecosystems, adaptation, humans and the environment, growth and evolution.
Pupils take mock exams in January, at both core and extended levels. This helps us decide on the level of entry appropriate for each pupil for the Biology IGCSE exams in May and June. The course includes practical work, including laboratory based experiments, microscope work and field trips whenever possible.
Of the British Schools in Mallorca (Majorca), King Richard III College has the added advantage of a beautiful coastline rich in marine life right on our doorstep – an excellent natural resource to enhance our classwork.
A LEVEL
Those students who wish to pursue a scientific career such as medicine, dentistry, natural sciences, research or teaching will find the curriculum for Biology at A Level varied and fascinating.
As pupils studying at an international school in Mallorca (Majorca), their bi-lingual education enables them to enter university in English or Spanish speaking countries. Courses can be taken for one year (AS) or two (AS and A2) as each year is examined separately. Topics covered include cells, nuclear division, biological molecules, membranes, transport, enzymes, genetic control, immunity and infectious diseases before the official exams start in May.
The CIE A2 course (9700) starts in September with respiration, photosynthesis and genetics. The winter term, with mock GCE examinations, includes selection and evolution, biodiversity and conservation and biotechnology. The official Biology A Level examinations are in May and June. The AS and A2 courses both involve practical work, including laboratory and microscope exercises.