Biology

‘If you need a reason to think A Level Biology relevant you have not been paying much attention for the last couple of years’.

Virus structure and the specific immune response; vaccination and the science of clinical trials; the importance of peat bogs in the global climate – these are all part of our A Level among many other topics.

Course Overview

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; be accessible, yet intellectually demanding; emphasise application of knowledge; integrate activities and practical work throughout the course; make use of a full range of teaching and communication approaches and use student-centred, novel activities that show how biologists think and work in their professional lives.

Each student has an individual account with ‘Pearson Active Learn’ 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.

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 variety of living organisms, including humans and other animals, plants and microorganisms. The approach mirrors the aims of the course, where investigation and process are emphasised rather than prescriptive methods.

Skills Required

You will find, with other subjects, that A Level is more demanding than GCSE. We ask you to achieve a grade 7 or above in Biology to progress to A Level and you will find a good grade in Maths and Chemistry a real help too. If you are interested in the subject and want to stretch your intellectual and practical skills then Biology is for you.

Methods of Assessment

Paper 1

Covers material from the Lower Sixth course and two A Level units.

“The Natural Environment and Species Survival”

Paper 2

Covers material from the Lower Sixth course and two 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”

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 £180.