This is a thriving and vibrant department, headed by Miss E.K.Barson. The innovative department has five highly qualified teachers and is well equipped with a very wide range of resources, from traditional anatomical models and living specimens to the sophisticated technology required to handle materials used in high tech procedures such as genetic profiling. The Biology department is a leading force in the field of ICT. Each of the four laboratories has its own interactive whiteboard, access to laptops via a wireless network and data logging equipment.
Monmouth Science Initiative
Monmouth School Science Department has embarked on an exciting venture to promote science in Wales and to stimulate pupils to actively consider a career in research based science. For more information about this exciting new venture, please visit the MSI page.
Field Trip
At the end of the summer term 2011, thirty A Level Biology students spent four days at Slapton Ley Field Studies Centre in South Devon. During their visit, students refined their research skills as they investigated a wide range of habitats that included freshwater, shingle banks and rocky shores, and used these opportunities to reinforce some important biological concepts. The students visited Farmer Mike’s organic farm in order to see conservation and organic farming in action.
Nuffield Bursaries
Three sixth form Biologists were awarded Nuffield Bursaries. They carried out four week long research projects at Cardiff University during their summer holidays. The students were invited to attend a presentation evening at Techniquest, Cardiff where Nobel Prize winning Sir Martin Evans presented them with their certificates.
Brain Bee
In July 2011, 8 budding 4th form Biology students entered Cardiff University’s Brain Bee Competition. 60 pupils from secondary schools and sixth form colleges in Wales entered the competition. Our boys were all placed in the top twenty which is an excellent result, particularly as they were competing with students two academic years above them.
Exam Successes
The department boasts a 100% pass rate at GCSE. Each year, we have several students who go on to read medicine at university and have had considerable success with Oxbridge applications.