Biology Department Report 2006

The Biology class of 2006 had a very exciting year which was marked by several distinct changes. The boys, who had become accustomed to Mrs Wright?s style of teaching, now had to deal with the first male biology teacher the school had seen for many years. Stepping into the shoes of such an experienced teacher was no easy feat! Glenwood?s Matrics had achieved a 100% pass in Biology in 2005. Nevertheless, the boys and I were soon moving down the road of learning.

The Biology Lab was equipped with the latest in SMART Board technology. This innovative interactive white board, which allows access to, and visuals from, the internet, videos, photographs and even a computer microscope, gave the class the leading edge. The boys were held with rapt attention when watching computer animations that explained difficult concepts and processes.

Practical and traditional learning tools were not forgotten with the introduction of the new technology. The boys created their own wet mount slides and then viewed them under microscopes. Various experiments and scientific investigations were carried out to help make the subject more relevant and alive. These included food tests to determine the biological components of edible substances, testing for starch in the leaves of plants to determine whether photosynthesis had occurred, and even running around the sports fields and then investigating breathing and heart rates.

As always, the pressure was on for the Matric students and many of the boys attended workshops before the start of the school day to fine tune their understanding of topics prior to the Trials Examination. Their progress was steady and they were well prepared for the final KZN examinations at the end of the year. The CASS requirements kept the Grade 12?s busy and some top quality work was produced.

The Grade 11?s had an industrious year too. They were the final grade to have taken the subject known as Biology, as the Grade 10?s had started the new FET Life Sciences program. The Grade 11's were suitably prepared for the following year.

2006 saw the advent of the Grade 10 Life Sciences program. Grade 10 was the first year of the 3 year FET qualification and the boys responded well to the different and challenging demands that the course offered. They enjoyed constructing models to represent an animal or plant cell, produced projects of a high standard, and made use of the SMART Board to give interactive presentations. Central to the FET learning process was self discovery and critical thinking.

The Biology department was very fortunate to have Mr Small?s invaluable subject knowledge and assistance. On occasion, the classes were split into smaller sizes to allow for an improved learning environment. My time at Glenwood High School has been challenging and extremely beneficial. I wish Mr Small all the best for 2007.

Mr B. Miller
Subject Head