Head of Biology – Claire Coetzer
Claire Coetzer
Welcome to the Biology department at Chesterhouse. As one of the science disciplines we enjoy preparing pupils for their Cambridge examinations as well as filling their enquiring minds with facts from the world in which they live. In engaging our pupils with lessons that are relevant to the life of today – the effect of global warming on the health of individuals and population groups; the effects of urbanisation on health services; the impact that the vices of modern living have on the health of individuals and by doing so we encourage pupils to think for and apply to themselves; illnesses that have become more common in today’s living – diabetes, skin cancer, depression, etc. We are fortunate in being able to teach the Cambridge curriculum at Chesterhouse. This is a syllabus that stimulates pupils to nurture enquiry into personal health and develop global awareness of other societies. It also allows pupils to foster an appreciation of environmental issues through enhancing their skills of confidently analysing data critically and constructively.
I teach Biology in the High School alongside Lieze Puren, Andrew Boulle and Jen Patrick. I also work very closely in curriculum development with our Junior School teachers from Grade 5 onwards to ensure that the Biology syllabus flows from Junior School into the College and that pupils have a solid preparation for the IGCSE and AS Level examinations.
I look forward to working with your child
Lieze Puren
Jen Patrick
In Grades 8 and 9 we aim to make the teaching and learning of Biology relevant to everyday life and develop pupils’ knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm for the subject. We do this via work schemes that involve practical work and tasks that encourage gathering and critically evaluating data and information. We cover such topics as diseases, personal well being, conservation and environmental awareness. We realise that some pupils will not continue to study Biology after Grade 9 so we are very keen that whatever they learn will make more informed citizens.
The IGCSE course develops a better understanding of the technological world with an informed interest in scientific matters. It also develops an understanding of the influence of science on the economy, ethics, diverse communities and the environment.
The academically demanding AS Biology is a sound preparation for university and college courses in the traditional subjects such as physiology, biochemistry, forestry and food science but also in the rapidly expanding field of forensic science and molecular biology.
