Getting Practical in Biology

Sir, are we doing a practical today??? 

By virtue of the fact that many boys enter the Biology lab with the phrase, ‘Hiya, are we doing a practical today,’ must mean it’s something they really enjoy.  

There’s no doubt that we place a huge emphasis on practical work within the Biology Department at Sherborne for all manner of reasons, and not just because the boys like it. Practical work, which includes the making of serial or simple dilutions to test enzyme action, use of biological equipment (for instance microscopes), dissection, measuring heart rates etc. etc. I could go on and on, are all essential to effectively teach. Indeed, it really helps the boys gain a depth of understanding and aids recall. And yes, it also makes learning Biology fun! However, aside from acquiring knowledge about a particular aspect of biology, be it rates of transpiration by using a potometer, or dissection of a sheep’s eye to better understand its anatomy, they are also gaining and developing other key skills. To effectively and safely undertake practical work, boys need to read, plan, communicate, use fine motor skills, analyse, overcome challenges, to name but a few. These are useful life skills; even if a boy doesn’t go on to choose A level Biology (I know, we all make mistakes), these acquired skills will hopefully mean they are able to make their Hello Fresh or Gusto meal with great aplomb or follow instructions to build their Ikea cupboard! 

So, in short, we try to ensure that the answer to their question regarding practical work is, ‘Yes, get your lab coats on please,’ a lot of the time! 

Jon-Paul Manning, Head of Biology