CPD taster - Inspiring post-16 biology

This is a CPD taster created to give teachers a better understanding of what to expect when joining one of our secondary science courses. Below you will find a video and a task for you to do in your own time. Once you have done the activity, book on to Inspiring post-16 biology (NY501).

Are you established in your A level biology teaching, but want to make your teaching more effective, rewarding and engaging? Maybe you have been asked to lead on the biology curriculum in your setting and are looking for an opportunity to think more deeply about post-16 biology? 

This course looks at ways to support your students with application and analysis skills, plus cutting edge ideas, as well as understanding underlying themes in biology. You will improve your confidence in running effective and safe biology practicals, including building the enquiry skills and consideration of novel contexts that are so important in the current biology specifications.

In the video, Mary Howell, Professional development leader for biology, explains more. There are then 2 short tasks which give a sample of the types of activities you will be guided through on this CPD course.

Task 1: Familiarising yourself with the Curriculum Framework

In the video, Mary talked about the Royal Society of Biology Curriculum Framework which considers not just developing students' understanding, but also practical competencies; mathematical skills; the processes of scientific enquiry; development of scientific explanations; and ideas about the impacts of biological science on society and the natural world. In this task, we invite you to reflect on the biology curriculum and this framework, and consider how these might inform future developments in your setting.

1. Download the Royal Society of Biology article about the Curriculum Framework.
2. Read the article and, using these prompts, note down a few points you could share with your colleagues as part of a discussion.
   1. Do you think it suggests any key areas for action or development in your practice?
   2. Do you agree with the chosen content and emphasis in the article?
   3. Do you think there is anything that should be added?

Task 2: Exploring resources to support enquiry

In the video, Mary also talked about wanting young people to be curious and informed about the living world. You can use resources in lessons to support students to see the links between what they are learning and the real world. In this short task, you will evaluate resources from the IntoBiology website, a sister website to Science and Plants for Schools. 

1. Watch the video 'From the cell to the planet in 90 seconds', developed by the Gatsby Plant Science Education Programme and linked to from the IntoBiology website. Consider how you would use this with your students.
   

   This is an additional video, hosted on YouTube.

2. Choose one of the following sections of the IntoBiology website to explore. Consider how you would use such resources to support your post-16 classes.
   1. Inspiring Science (or one of the sub-sections)
   2. Project Ideas
   3. Careers & Courses

Next steps

In the summary video, Mary discusses how you could use additional resources such as those on the IntoBiology website to engage and inspire your students, and explains what else you can expect from attending the Inspiring post-16 course.

Book your place on Inspiring post-16 biology (NY501).