PSP Biology by Playful Scholarship Portfolio - Curriculum

PSP Biology

Playful Scholarship Portfolio - Curriculum

Only available to students of Wimbledon High School GDST.

The Biology PSP Pathway from Year 9 onwards develops scientific reasoning, practical confidence, and a critical understanding of life processes — equipping students for advanced study and application of Biology in medicine, research, environmental science, and beyond.

Pathways PSP Biology (Years 9–11)

Students begin their discrete study of Biology in Year 9, building on prior learning in Lower School Science. They explore key principles across cell biology, organisation of body systems, infection and response, bioenergetics, ecology, genetics, and evolution. Through required practicals and applied tasks, students develop secure command of experimental method, data interpretation, and scientific writing. Mathematical skills are embedded throughout, including calculations involving surface area to volume ratios, percentage change, and rates of reaction.

Students are introduced to independent research tasks and reflect on ethical questions surrounding vaccination, biodiversity, climate change and many other topics. They learn to plan, conduct, and evaluate investigations, preparing them to apply biological thinking across real-world contexts and unfamiliar problems.

Advanced PSP Biology (Years 12–13)

At A Level, students extend and refine their biological understanding through the study of biological systems at multiple levels, from molecules to whole organisms and their interactions.

Topics are

1 Biological molecules

2 Cells

3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5 Energy transfers in and between organisms

6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8 The control of gene expression

Students plan and undertake required practicals using high-level techniques and analyse data using statistical tests such as correlation coefficient, chi-squared and Student's t-tests.

Scientific literacy is developed through extended writing, independent research, and critical evaluation of experimental design and published data. Students engage with bioethical debates and consider the environmental and societal implications of developments in gene editing, conservation, human impact on the environment and disease management.

Studying Biology supports aspirational progression to many scientific careers. Students applying to Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, and related fields benefit from a strong grounding in physiological systems, genetics, and practical competencies. Many extend their study through the Biology Olympiad, essay prizes, STEM lectures, and work experience placements. The emphasis on precision and evidence-based argument, complements the development of personal statements, interview preparation, and admissions test success — equipping students for the intellectual and professional demands of competitive university courses.