Janice W

I love biology, how can you not ? It is the science of life. It’s amazing 🤩. The areas of biology that I am most interested in are: physiology, Mendelian and Molecular genetics

I have been a biology teacher for twenty years. During which time I have taught level 1 applied Science (key stage 3), GCSE, AS and A2 Biology, AS and A2 Human Biology, HNC Applied Biology, HND Biology .

All my lessons are planned and I provide my students with work packs Each pack is identified by a Topic number and letter example pack 1 is B1a- cell structure pack 3 is B1c - Transport in cells. The packs are fully differentiated providing lots of stretch and challenge for students to develop higher skills. I also provide an answer pack. I have made mind maps for each topic so students can make links to encourage synoptic thinking. I believe regular assessment is key to success. The numbering of the packs makes it easy to follow the course and prepare for assessment. I do an initial assessment which is skills based and not knowledge based this enables me to identify strengths and weakness. I encourage self evaluation by asking students to rag rate their understanding of each aspect of a topic. The self evaluation is included at the beginning of each pack . Students will complete regular topic tests which will build up to mocks. In between lessons I expect students to be completing the work packs.

I have been an associate examiner with AQA for the past six years. During this time I have been assigned AS biology paper 1 and A2 biology paper 1. I assess all my students with the same rigour as I assess the candidates . This experience has been of enormous benefit to my students as they know an 8/9 off me is an accurate assessment of their achievement .

Over the years I have taught many young people who didn’t achieve at school, or were home schooled and completed their GCSE in a year( revision course) a year later have progressed onto A level and have gone on to Russell Group Universities including Oxford, Kings College London and Imperial College London. They have continued to study for Their doctorates and are active in research today all over the world . Others have entered medicine. Veterinary, biomedical and biochemical sciences and bioengineering.