Sixth Form Information Booklet Sept 2021

Page 15

BIOLOGY Why study Biology? Biology is a good pathway to many university courses and scientific careers. These include Biological Sciences, Medicine, Microbiology, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Psychology, Agriculture and Environmental Science. A Level Biology includes some Biochemistry and Mathematics, both of which are taught as part of the course. Whilst it is not essential to study other A Level sciences to be successful at A Level Biology, subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Psychology are a good complement. It is important to be aware that if you hope to study courses such as Biological Sciences, Medicine or Nutrition at University you may also be required to have Chemistry A Level. Course content The A Level course is divided into eight topics that consider the fundamental principles of all the Life Sciences. The topics build on knowledge gained at GCSE and develop a greater depth of understanding. Practical investigations and skills are a key part of the course and enable links to be made to wider world science. The eight topic areas are: 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms and exchange with the environment, e.g. gas exchange, digestion and transport in animals and plants 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms 5. Energy transfer between organisms, e.g. photosynthesis and respiration 6. Organisms responding to changes in their internal and external environment e.g. homeostasis and the nervous system 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8. The control of gene expression, nervous systems, populations, evolution and ecosystems

Assessment Examination board: AQA Biology is examined by three end-of-course written examinations, each of which is two hours long. Paper 1: 35% of A Level Questions on topics 1-4 Paper 2: 35% of A Level Questions on topics 5-8 Paper 3: 30% of A Level Questions on any content including a synoptic essay and critical analysis of experimental data. Teachers also assess practical skills (based on a minimum of 12 required practicals) against Common Practical Assessment Criteria. Pupils who achieve the required level of competency receive a practical endorsement pass grade. This is separate from their A Level grade and a pass is a requirement for some university courses. What else should I consider? Biology is a well-respected academic subject that cultivates a wide range of transferable skills. Pupils learn biological facts but also to interpret data and transfer information from one form to another. They work independently and collaborate with others for practical work and presentations. There are opportunities to develop and share personal interests within the subject. Communication skills are at the heart of Biology and pupils gain a basic knowledge of statistical tools as well as learning how to use spreadsheets for data manipulation. This aids clear communication and evaluation of data: essential skills in any walk of life. Who can give me more information? Dr J Hopper j.hopper@sherborne.com

Will I enjoy it? Biology is life! It enables us to explain living organisms from the molecular level to their interactions within communities. Pupils who enjoy Biology at GCSE should certainly consider it for A Level. Practical work, including fieldwork, is an essential part of the course and relates to the theory taught. Analysis and evaluation are also key elements of the work covered. 13


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A Social life

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page 76

Leiths

2min
pages 77-80

Boarding life

1min
pages 74-75

Adventure & Leadership

6min
pages 72-73

Drama, Music & the Arts

2min
pages 70-71

Co-Curricular opportunities

2min
page 66

Entrepreneurship

2min
page 67

A sporting life

1min
pages 68-69

Spanish

2min
page 63

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ

3min
pages 64-65

Sociology

1min
page 62

Religious Studies

3min
pages 60-61

Politics

1min
pages 56-57

Psychology

2min
pages 58-59

Physics

2min
pages 54-55

Physical Education

1min
page 53

Photography

2min
page 52

Music Technology

2min
pages 50-51

Music

2min
page 49

Language Proficiency Diplomas

1min
pages 47-48

Modern Languages

2min
page 46

Core Mathematics

1min
page 45

Mandarin Chinese

1min
pages 42-43

Mathematics

2min
page 44

History of Art

2min
pages 38-40

Latin

3min
page 41

History

1min
page 37

German

2min
page 36

French

2min
page 34

Geography

2min
page 35

Fine Art

2min
page 33

Film Studies (AS Level

2min
pages 31-32

English Literature

2min
page 30

Economics

3min
pages 28-29

Design Technology: Product Design

1min
pages 25-26

Drama and Theatre

2min
page 27

Classical Civilisation

3min
pages 18-20

Design Technology: Fashion and Textiles

2min
page 24

Computer Science

3min
pages 22-23

Classical Greek

2min
page 21

Chemistry

2min
page 17

Business

2min
page 16

Careers and Higher Education

2min
page 7

The Sixth Form curriculum

1min
pages 13-14

Biology

2min
page 15

Applying to the most competitive university courses

1min
page 11

Subject Choices

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page 12

Careers and Higher Education opportunities

3min
pages 8-10

Welcome to the Sixth Form

2min
page 5
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