A-Level Biology

Many of the important and contentious issues which modern society must address relate to the study of Biological Sciences. Political and ethical issues involving health, the environment, animal welfare, food production, DNA manipulation to name but a few, are all a part of our modern world. The ever present challenge to test, track, treat and cure disease lies at the heart of Biology.

A level study allows you to develop your Biological knowledge, problem solving and analytical skills and develop informed opinions.

It is a well respected A level and will provide you with the foundation for pursuing many career paths. As well as studying theoretical aspects, the course includes a large practical component ranging from the sub cellular level DNA manipulation through to ecology field work.

Field trip at the end of Year 12 to Nene Park working with their Trust to undertake ecological skills for the Practical Endorsement.

The units we cover:

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 respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7) Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8) The control of gene expression.

Paper 1: Units 1-4 (35%),

Paper 2: Units 5-8 (35%) ,

Paper 3: Units 1-8(30%).

An additional Practical Endorsement based on 12 required practicals is submitted as evidence of practical competency skills.

Students must have achieved five strong passes (at least Grade 5) at GCSE level, including:

• English Language to at least a Grade 5;
• a Grade 7 in the separate Biology or a minimum of Grade 7-6 in Trilogy/Combined Science with a Grade 7 average on your Biology papers;
• Maths and Chemistry should also be a minimum of Grade 6 at GCSE.