Biology AQA
Why study Biology?
The Biology Department has two well equipped laboratories and unparalleled ecology facilities; students thrive in these stimulating and lively environments. Biology A Level is recognised as a facilitator subject by Russell group universities. It pairs very well with a range of other subjects but especially: Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Physics,PE and Psychology.
What is Involved?
Students perform numerous practicals which they are expected to recordin their lab books. In addition, they complete 12 Required Practicals in which their skills are assessed. Students are expected to perform their own dissections besides covering the theory of the eight topics, class discussions, debates and extended reading occur throughout the course.
The new A Level specification contains a 10% Maths element, predominantly examined through statistical analysis of experimental data. A residential field trip to Wales is organised every year to ensure students cover coastal ecology and practise the often challenging three statistical tests. The field trip is run by the Field StudiesCentre and will incur an extra cost of approx. £225.
Entry Requirements
To succeed with the demands of A Level Biology students should have an A*/A or grade 7 and above attriple award IGCSE Biology but a B or grade 6 will be considered under certain circumstances.
Course Structure
The eight topics covered are evenly split between two highly experienced teachers:
1. Biological molecules
2. Cells
3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
5. Energy transfers in and between organisms
6. Organisms responding to change in their internaland external environment
7. Genetics, populations evolution and ecosystems
8. The control of gene expression
Students sit three exam papers, each paper is two hours in length:
• Paper 1 examines topics 1 -4 (covered during year 1 of the course)
• Paper 2 examines topics 5-8 (predominantly covered during year 2 of the course)
• Paper 3 is synoptic and covers topics 1-8. This paper contains a data analysis question and an essay,students are given a choice from two titles. Students are given lots of guidance and practice to help planand structure scientific essays.
Department Support
The department provides 2 online portals; Kerboodle and Dynamic Learning. These contain resources including animations and videos to support the theory. Multiple choice and interactive quizzes allow practiseof exam style questions with instant feedback. Lessons are available on firefly and extended reading is provided for each topic. A lunch time drop in clinic is provided for further support. The department offers a number of additional opportunities including links with universities, lectures and workshops with world renowned scientists. There is an opportunity to compete in national competition through the Royal Society ofBiology. We have a Bioethics debating society and students take a leading role in dissection club.
