Biology
Biology has always been a popular subject at Dauntsey's and the biology department has a long history. It came into existence in 1929 when the Farmer Laboratory ( now Hemens and Farmer day boy Houses) was built. It was one of the first purpose-built school biology departments in the country. Biology of a very different sort to that taught today was studied and full use was made of the rich natural history resources of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside. There was a flourishing School House Natural History Society which collated a mass of data on local flora and fauna some of which is housed in the Devizes museum and our own archives in the school library.
We currently teach all students in the first five years for two periods a week ( 1st and 2nd years / years 7&8 ), three periods a week ( third years / year 9) and for three or four periods a week in the GCSE years ( years 10 & 11) depending on option choice. The GCSE course ( AQA Biology ) is started in the third year and is completed in two sections with an exam at the end of both the fourth and fifth years.
Biology is very popular at AS and A level ( AQA Biology ) with usually 40-50 in the Lower 6th and 30-40 in the upper 6th. U6th students attend a three day field course at Slapton Field Study Centre in South Devon in October of each year.
The Biology laboratories are of an excellent standard and provide the ideal learning environment. Each of the four laboratories is spacious and well appointed. All have interactive whiteboards and projection facilities. There are two, large greenhouses to provide both decorative plants and material for experimental work. There is a large preparation and storage room as well as a specialist library and projects room. The corridors are light and airy and provide space for a range of displays in illuminated cabinets provided by the Old Dauntseians Association.
The biology staff workroom is manned throughout the day and students always have access to specialist advice and help either directly or by e-mail. The department takes particular pride in providing a pleasant and supportive learning environment for all students.