A Level Biology

Forming in-depth understanding of the intermolecular mechanisms within cells and the similarities and differences between living things. Striving to understand the enormity of the interrelationships within entire ecosystems and how a small seemingly insignificant change in one area can impact upon others. Biology offers an insight into these areas and many more to do with the understanding of life. The course provides the opportunity to explore our living world, lay the foundations for further study and careers within the biological sciences such as medicine or Biochemistry and potentially for you to solve many problems facing our biosphere and humanity.

You will enjoy this course if you have a passion for exploring the world in which you live and a desire to understand the relationships between all living organisms as they interact with each other and their various environments. You will need to apply your biological and chemical GCSE understanding to biochemical molecules, in order to be able to describe the reactions of life itself. There are a variety of opportunities that students can participate in outside of the classroom, including ecological field trips and university seminars. Participation in all events is encouraged as it positively impacts upon performance in examinations.

To achieve higher grades in this subject you must be prepared to commit to completing the many necessary hours of independent study the course demands. The learning habits you will be asked to draw upon include:

Reading up on prior accepted knowledge and new developments in this area.

Evaluating your understanding and identifying misconceptions within a topic.

Thinking and communicating with clarity, using subject specific vocabulary and numerical methods.

Questioning, posing problems and investigating new ideas

Developing creative ways to solve problems by being thoughtful, calm and strategic whilst respecting the environment and the organisms within it.

Five GCSEs grade 4 or above, including grade 7 in Biology or 7-7 in Trilogy and grade 6 in Maths.