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Biology
Biology is the study of life. The vast diversity of species makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge.
Why study biology at Haileybury?
Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels, from the micro to the macro using many different approaches and techniques. Biology is a young science and great progress is expected in the 21st century. At Haileybury, we believe this progress is important at a time of growing pressure on the human population and the environment.
In addition to careers in environmental science and biotechnology, studying biology at Haileybury prepares pupils well for medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine (MDV) applications. In 2024, seven pupils applied for MDV. The interview offer rate was 59% and the interview to offer success rate was 69%, well above the national average of 10%.
Academic pathways
Biology is offered as GCSE, A level and International Baccalaureate (IB) public examination courses.
As part of their studies, all Haileybury Lower Sixth biology pupils go on a field trip. This fieldwork course offers an unrivalled opportunity for our biologists to undertake a range of ecological investigations in various inspiring habitats. Pupils develop their practical skills, their use of apparatus and techniques, and deepen their understanding of ecological syllabus content and synoptic links through first-hand experience.
Beyond the curriculum
The Haileybury Biology Society is a pupil-led society that offers a range of experiences for our pupils outside of the classroom. These sessions include, but are not limited to, conducting experiments not covered in class, quiz competitions, guest lectures, holding environmental campaigns, and creative projects.
Haileybury Sixth Form pupils can also apply to take part in the Stan-X programme, a pioneering study of genetics that allows pupils to work alongside scientists from Stanford University. Working from an on-site purpose-built laboratory using high-tech microscopes, pupils collect evidence contributing to the research for cures for diseases such as pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Research findings co-authored by pupils and teachers are published in peer-reviewed science journals and may be presented at international meetings, as has been the case in past programmes.
For pupils wanting to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine (MDV), we offer a pupil-led Medical Society where activities are focused on both being informative for MDV applications and enhancing skills that will facilitate becoming a health professional. In addition, the teachers who oversee MDV applications will provide mock MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews) sessions to prepare pupils for the University Clinical Aptitude (UCAT) test, individually tailored interview practice once interviews have been announced, as well as one-to-one application meetings before the early UCAS deadline to give pupils the best chance of success.