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Biology A level (S9414)

Paston College

Grammar School Road, North Walsham, Norfolk, NR28 9JL

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Friday, 01 September 2023

Paston College

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Application Instructions

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

4 A level programme

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

Vocational programmes

Minimum of five grade 4 at GCSE (or old grade C) or Merit/Distinction in a relevant BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 grade 4 (or old grade 4) at GCSE. You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

Level 2 programme

Minimum of three grade 4 at GCSE (or old Grade C).

This programme is designed for those students who just miss our entry requirements for level 3 study. It includes an opportunity to improve your GCSE English Language and Maths grades, alongside a Workskills course to develop the skills required for progression into employment or onto a level 3 programme.

Course Details

THIS COURSE AIMS TO ENGAGE AND INSPIRE YOU WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOLOGY TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES SUCH AS GENETIC MODIFICATION, ADVANCES IN DRUG THERAPY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE WAYS IN WHICH HUMANS ARE EXPLOITING THE PLANET.

TO ENABLE YOU TO UNDERSTAND THESE ISSUES, WE ALLOW YOU TO EXPLORE KEY AREAS OF BIOLOGY IN DEPTH TO DEVELOP THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO THE BIOLOGICAL WORLD AROUND YOU. THE COURSE IS TAUGHT BY HIGHLY MOTIVATED, SPECIALIST BIOLOGY TEACHERS WITH RELEVANT RESEARCH EXPERIENCE.

In the first year you will explore topics such as cell structure, biological reactions, enzymes and DNA which help you to make sense of the big picture. You then study a range of biological organisms and their adaptations for gas exchange and the digestion and transport of nutrients. In the second year you will investigate new themes but build on the core concepts learnt in the first year of the course. You will cover respiration to help you understand the energy transfer from plants to animals in food chains and the concept of ecosystems and the human impact on the environment and future implications. You will also investigate reproduction and the diversity of living organisms and molecular biology advances that assist with classification and understanding evolution

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

You will have the opportunity to measure biodiversity and explore sand dune succession during the field trip that forms part of the ecology unit. You will also be able to use cutting edge technology such as gel electrophoresis to analyse DNA samples and to generate a genetic fingerprint using your own DNA.

IS IT SUITABLE FOR YOU?

If you have ever wondered how your body works and is able to carry out complex functions, are interested in the world around you and are fascinated by the diversity of living organisms, Biology is the course for you.

HOW YOU ARE ASSESSED

There are three written examinations at the end of the course that are based on the following topics: energy for life, continuity of life and requirements for life.

Additionally, your practical work will be assessed leading to a practical endorsement qualification alongside your A Level grade.

THIS COURSE GOES WELL WITH…

Biology can be studied with a wide variety of other A Level courses but we recommend you take it alongside at least one other science or social science subject.
You can go on to do…

A wide range of degree courses and can lead to careers in medicine, veterinary, forensic science, science journalism, ecology and many more. It also develops analytical and practical skills relevant or a variety of careers.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Grade 6/B in GCSE Biology or Additional Science and grade 5/high C or low B in GCSE Maths.

Entry requirements

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Your next steps...

You can go on to do…

A wide range of degree courses and can lead to careers in medicine, veterinary, forensic science, science journalism, ecology and many more. It also develops analytical and practical skills relevant or a variety of careers

For more courses like this, check our courses page.