4.2 Organisation

Unit Summary

This unit is aligned with the AQA GCSE Trilogy specification and is designed for flexible delivery. It builds on knowledge and scientific enquiry skills developed in earlier units, allowing learners to progressively understand cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems in both humans and plants.

Students then study muscle tissue, epithelial tissue, digestive organs, and the digestive system, linking structure to function. Practical investigations, such as the Food Tests required practical, allow students to apply theory in real contexts, testing for carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in food.

The unit covers enzymes as biological catalysts, including their role in digestion and other biochemical reactions. Students explore catalysts and enzymes, the factors affecting enzyme activity, and complete the enzyme required practical, developing skills in planning, observation, and data analysis.

The human circulatory system is studied in depth, including blood, the heart, and blood vessels, with a focus on how structure supports function in transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. Students also explore the breathing and gas exchange system, linking respiratory structures to efficient oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

In plants, students examine tissues and organs, including leaves, roots, and stems, and study how transport systems (xylem and phloem) allow movement of water, minerals, and sugars. The unit covers transpiration and factors affecting transpiration, helping students understand water movement and the influence of environmental conditions.

Working scientifically is central to the unit. Students plan and conduct experiments, construct and interpret models of cells, tissues, and organs, and analyse data to draw evidence-based conclusions. 

Assessment for Learning (AfL) strategies—including retrieval practice, diagnostic questioning, model evaluation, and structured discussion—are woven into lessons to support deep, long-term learning. Students are encouraged to connect ideas across the curriculum, linking cellular structure, tissue organisation, enzyme activity, and transport systems to real-life biological applications.