Biology - Parents Page
Why include Biology In Home Schooling
Biology means the study of life. It helps us understand how all living things are connected.
At Orchard Training’s Garden Club, we learn biology through the plants we grow. In our forest gardening project, we look at how different plants support each other, how to attract pollinators, use crop rotation, make compost, care for soil, and study the pond ecosystem.
Biology also links to Health Education, where we learn about keeping our bodies and minds healthy through sleep, eating well, and exercise.
In PSHE, when students are old enough, we cover reproduction, healthy relationships, and staying safe.
Through our projects on dogs, horses, and pets, we explore what animals need to live and grow well.
If you want to continue, you can go on to take GCSE Biology with us or a vocational qualification in animal care.
Recording the Learning
For our learners on the Autistic Spectrum, it’s really important to learn how to look after themselves. When living independently, they need to know when it’s okay not to worry, when to treat something at home, and when to see a doctor or visit a Walk-in Centre. The hardest topics to talk about are often puberty and death, because they involve big changes. Being prepared in advance can help reduce anxiety. If you need support with these conversations, please contact us—we have materials and experience to help.
For our dyslexic learners, writing long amounts of information isn’t useful. Instead, recording ideas using audio or video on a phone is enough evidence.
Another good way to record information is by mind mapping. Here’s how:
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Start with a picture of the topic in the centre, using at least 3 colours.
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Add images, symbols, or codes as you go.
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Choose key words—write one per line.
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Connect all lines back to the centre. Make them thinner as they spread out.
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Match the length of each line to the size of the word or picture.
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Use lots of colours to make it clear and interesting.
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Develop your own style of mind mapping.
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Use colour and shapes to show links between ideas.
Following A Set Programme of Learning
There are lots of great TV programmes to help you learn science. Look out for Professor Alice Roberts, who is brilliant at explaining science.
Older learners should watch anything by Sir David Attenborough, which is all about animals, plants, and the environment. For younger learners, Steve Backshall has exciting shows on CBBC about wildlife, habitats, and how humans affect nature. All three presenters share a passion for science that really shines through.
When you’re old enough, why not join St John Ambulance?
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Badgers (ages 7–10): Take part in fun activities, learn first aid, earn badges and certificates, enjoy arts and crafts, play team games, and build leadership skills.
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Cadets (ages 10–17): Volunteer at events, learn life-saving skills, join residential camps, teach first aid, and even compete in international competitions. You can work towards the Grand Prior Award while making friends and helping your community.
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Interested? Contact your local St John Ambulance office to find your nearest unit.
You can also join us on trips to London to the Royal Institution for exciting science lectures.
Including Biology in the Learning Routine
At Orchard Training, we include biology in our projects where it fits naturally and can be enjoyed. For example, in our British Waterways Project, we explore the environment, why it’s important to keep rivers clean, and what wildlife lives there.
You don’t need expensive equipment to learn biology. Each project gives you a list of resources and places to visit, all planned with a home-school budget in mind.
The biggest cost is usually trips to places of interest. Some are free, but others charge. The main expense is travel and tickets, so it’s best to plan ahead, combine the trip with other activities, and bring a packed lunch—just like a proper school trip!
As members of the RHS School Programme and the National Vegetable Society, we explore biology hands-on in our homeschool garden. We grow vegetables, record how plants develop, and spot the different insects and animals that visit. By watching how plants and wildlife live side by side, we discover how nature works all around us.