- Essential principles are presented in contexts designed to stimulate the enthusiasm and interest of students.
- Emphasis is placed on the way scientists work and the contributions of science to modern society.
- Students will understand concepts and principles whilst developing key advanced level scientific skills.
- Students’ practical skills will be developed through AQA set investigations and tasks chosen by the teacher. Their ability will be assessed via AQA examination papers.
- Students will be taught in mixed sets with a variety of teaching styles. They will learn key study skills, which will allow them to take much more responsibility for their own learning and progress.
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in and between organisms (A-level only)
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A-level only)
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A-level only)
- The control of gene expression (A-level only)
All students of Biology going on to Year 13 will be required to attend a residential Field Trip as an essential component of the course. This will provide vital practice for the elements of the Year 13 course involving ecological techniques and the statistical analysis of data. At the same time it will help to develop their understanding of the subject and, hopefully, deepen their interest in it.
Students should have achieved a GCSE grade 6 in separate science or 7,7 in trilogy if they are to be successful at A Level Biology.
If you are keen to study Biology then some of the subjects that go particularly well with it are Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sports Science and Home Economics (Food), but it must be emphasised that Biology is a ‘stand-alone’ subject; you do not have to do any other science beyond GCSE to enjoy it or to do well. As with any other A-level subject, enthusiasm and hard work are the keys to success.
| Key Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam board | AQA |
| Assessment | Examination (100%) |