Defences against pathogens, the human immune system and vaccination

This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Health and disease, where they explored the relationship between lifestyle factors and disease. It deepens their understanding by examining the body's defences against pathogens, focusing on the immune system and how vaccines help prevent diseases. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Medicines and new treatments for disease, where they will apply their knowledge to explore how modern medicines, such as antibiotics and monoclonal antibodies, are used to treat diseases, reinforcing their understanding of disease prevention and treatment.