Biology

This is a course that has been kept up-to-date, dealing with topics in ways that are easily seen as relevant to everyday life. We teach Edexcel Biology A, which maintains the best of the Salters Nuffield approach. The course aims to: • Use topical contexts which will motivate and excite students • Be accessible, with use of clear language, yet intellectually demanding • Emphasise application of knowledge rather that rote-learning • Have activities and practical work integrated throughout the course • Make use of a full range of teaching and communication approaches • Use student-centred and novel activities that show how biologists think and work in their professional lives Each student has an individual account with ‘snabonline’ which allows you to work at your own pace, using interactive resources. Students can easily follow interests using the links and resources provided. The department also uses a range of data-logging equipment to go along with more traditional practical work, including dissection.

The Edexcel A Level course

In the Edexcel A Level course there are now three final examinations, each worth 100 marks. Paper 1 Covers material from the Lower Sixth course and 2 A Level units. “The Natural Environment and Species Survival” Paper 2 Covers material from the Lower Sixth course and 2 A Level units. “Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination” Paper 3 Covers material from the whole course and includes questions based on a pre-released article. “General and Practical Applications in Biology” Practical work is fully integrated into the units, with the use of living materials as a central focus of the activities. It includes practical study of a wide variety of living organisms, including humans and other animals, plants and micro-organisms. The approach mirrors the aims of the course, where investigation and process are emphasised rather than prescriptive methods. With the removal of practical coursework from A Level it is worth noting that every other exam board has now adopted the idea of ‘core practicals’, which has been a hallmark of our A Level for many years.

Fieldwork remains an important aspect of Biology and several core practicals require it. We complete a residential course at the end of the Lower Sixth. You will be expected to attend this field trip and there will be a cost for accommodation, meals and transport which is around £160.