Biology - A Level

Student entry into our Sixth Form requires 5 grade 4 GCSE's or above including English and Maths.

If you studied the applied subject at GCSE we are asking for a grade 5 in that subjects (Grade 6 in Maths)

A Level Biology will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of biology. It covers the key concepts of biology and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. This combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes the prospect of studying A Level Biology highly appealing. You will learn about the core concepts of biology and about the impact of biological research and how it links to everyday life. You will learn to apply your knowledge, investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts

A Level Biology is an excellent base for a university degree in healthcare, such as medicine, veterinary or dentistry, as well as the biological sciences, such as biochemistry, molecular biology or forensic science. Biology can also complement sports science, psychology, sociology, chemistry, physics, geography, environmental science and many more

Your course will cover cell structure, biological molecules, cell division, cell diversity and organisation, transport in animals and plants, communicable disease, classification, biodiversity, hormonal and nervous communication, bioenergetics, patterns of inheritance, cloning and biotechnology, ecosystems, populations and sustainability, following the OCR Biology A course.

Assessment for A level Biology will occur at the end of the two years, with a total of six hours of assessment split over three papers (2 x 2hours 15 minutes and 1 x 1 hour 30 minutes). There is a wide range of question types including multiple choice, short and extended answer questions. These give the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of theory and practical skills.

There is no coursework assessment. Instead, students will conduct a range of experiments and become competent in following procedures, applying techniques, working safely, making observations and researching, referencing and reporting on practical work, all of which will lead to the achievement of a practical endorsement

Student entry into our Sixth Form requires 5 grade 4 GCSE's or above including English and Maths.

To study this course requires a minimum Grade 5 in triple Biology; Grade 6/6 in Combined Science and Grade 5 in Maths.

Studying Biology opens up a lot of career and further study opportunities; medicine, pharmacology, biochemistry, conservation, genetics, teaching, marine biology, zoology and forensic science. Universities and employers will value an A level in Biology due to the investigative and evaluative skills you will develop and the level of responsibility for independent study.