Biology

Fourth Form (Years 7 and 8)

Pupils in Lower and Upper 4 receive one double Biology lesson a week, lasting 80 minutes. The course followed is Exploring Science International 11-14 from Pearson Education. The course is designed to stretch our pupils whilst reinforcing their natural interest and enthusiasm. Pupils' work in these year groups leads directly into their study of the Biology component of the Key Stage Four courses from the start of Lower 5. All lessons are taught in our fully equipped laboratories. The topics covered include the Skeletal System, Cells and Organ Systems, Microbiology, Ecology and an introduction to Genetics.

Fifth Form (Years 9, 10 and 11)

Lower Five

From September 2024, all Lower 5 pupils will follow Edexcel GCSE Combined Science courses in their Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons. As part of the options process in Lower 5, pupils will select whether to continue with the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science course into Middle and Upper 5 or to take separate Edexcel IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics qualifications.


Middle Five and Upper Five

In September 2024, pupils in Middle 5 will continue to follow Edexcel IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses. The majority of pupils in Upper 5 study Edexcel IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate sciences, with Edexcel Double Award being advised for a small number of Upper 5 pupils.


For the Biology component of GCSE Combined Science:

  • Key Concepts in Biology
  • Cells and Control
  • Genetics
  • Natural Selection and Genetic Modification
  • Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines
  • Plant Structures and their Functions
  • Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis
  • Exchange and Transport in Animals
  • Ecosystems and Material Cycles. 



For IGCSE Biology:

  • Life Processes
  • Animal Physiology
  • Plant Physiology
  • Ecology and the Environment
  • Variation and Selection
  • Microorganisms and Genetic Modification.


Sixth Form

At A Level we follow the OCR Biology A H420 specification.

The A Level course is designed to be stimulating and hands on, whilst developing the scholarship and resilience to absorb and interpret unfamiliar data and to critique methodology and sources, essential skills for life beyond school and A Levels.

During the two-year course pupils compile a practical laboratory book and this forms the basis of their practical assessment, with the A Level grade being determined by three external exams at the end of the Upper 6. In June, all pupils are expected to attend a day of field studies in coastal sand dunes where they conduct coursework that will form part of their lab books and give them first-hand knowledge of a range of ecosystems.

 

There are 7 forty-minute periods of Biology each week, taught in mixed ability groups, in a combination of single and double periods.


A Level Summary Information

Where the subject can take you

Biology can open up a range of careers including medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, microbiology, marine biology, conservation, environmental management and zoology. Transferrable skills acquired such as problem solving, are useful in other areas such as law. Biology can also complement other subjects such as sports science and psychology.

Trips

A Level Biology pupils will attend a day of field studies in coastal sand dunes where they conduct coursework that will form part of their lab books and give them first-hand knowledge of a range of ecosystems. There is no additional charge made for this trip.

FAQs

Is A Level Biology a big step up from GCSE?

In a word – yes – it is a big step up both in terms of the complexity of ideas studied, the detail in which concepts must be understood and the problem-solving nature of many A Level Biology questions. Biology is considered to be one of the more challenging subjects at A Level and we find that almost exclusively those who go on to attain grade A* and A do so from a starting point of a strong grade 9 at GCSE.


Can I study A Level Biology if I have studied Combined Science or Science (Double Award) GCSE?

Yes – the A Level course takes into account the fact that pupils will gain entry from a variety of previous qualifications both UK-based and international.


Do I need to study Mathematics and/or Chemistry A Level to be successful in A Level Biology?

Not specifically – however we find that many pupils do and that these pupils often benefit from doing so. A minimum of 10% of the marks in A Level Biology will relate to mathematical skills including some challenging data-handling and statistics. Much of the A Level Biology course is biochemical in its nature – making Chemistry an excellent companion subject. Therefore a strong interest and ability in both Mathematics and Chemistry is anticipated from all A Level Biology students even if they opt not to study these subjects at A Level.

Learning Journey

Learning Journey
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