Biology is a very popular subject to take for both iGCSE and IAS/IAL at Qatar International School. Students who take the subject at IAL often go on to study medicine or dentistry at top universities around the World.

Students perform well in the subject with 75% achieving grades 9-4 and 46% achieving 9-7 at IGCS.

The Biology Department consists of 7 members of teaching staff each with a range of expertise. The department is supported by a team of highly experienced laboratory technicians. 

At IGCSE, students are taught three lessons of Biology per week which increases to six lessons per week at IAS/IAL level. Lessons include both theory and core practical work and take place in our well designed and resourced laboratories.

The IGCSE course is a two year course which students start in year 10. They are assessed at the end of year 11. There are 6 units which we break down into 9 topics. 5 of which are taught in year 10 and the remaining 4 taught in year 11.

In 2020 the year 10 students were the first to study the International GCSE Edexcel syllabus, which will be assessed in the summer of 2022 using the 9-1 grading system. 

At IAS students follow the International Pearson Edexcel syllabus. Students study 3 units at IAS, unit 1 is assessed in January and units 2 and 3 in the summer.

At IAL students study a further 3 units, unit 4 can be sat in January. Units 5 and 6 are sat in the summer.

In the Biology department and across the sciences we aim to encourage pupils to learn how knowledge and understanding in science are rooted in evidence whilst discovering how scientific ideas contribute to technological change – affecting industry, business and medicine and improving quality of life. Pupils trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance and applications, contributing towards their awareness of being a valued global citizen.

Mrs G. Hendriks – Head of Department      Miss C Farrell Deputy Head of Department