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TEST BTEC National Diploma Biology

SunnySide School

Martineau Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 2DH

National Diploma (BTEC)
Level 3
Science and Mathematics

Available start dates

Available start dates

Sunday, 05 September 2027
Cloudyside
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Application Instructions

THIS IS NOT A REAL SIXTH FORM - IT IS USED FOR TRAINING PURPOSES - DO NOT APPLY!

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English and mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A' Levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A' Levels.

Although a 6 or B grade is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level, all students applying to the Sixth Form will benefit from an interview in order to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study maths require a grade 6 & further mathematics require a grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

Course Summary

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English and mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A' Levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A' Levels.

Although a 6 or B grade is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level, all students applying to the Sixth Form will benefit from an interview in order to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

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Course Details

This course aims to develop your interest and enthusiasm for biology, helping you develop an understanding of the systems of your body, the complexities of plants and contemporary issues such as genetic modification. You will hone your analytical and investigative skills through hands on science whilst studying a subject that is both challenging and stimulating.

Course details:

Content is in six modules, each divided into key topics:

Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology

Practical skills assessed in a written examination

Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

Module 2: Foundations in biology

Cell structure

Biological molecules

Nucleotides and nucleic acids

Enzymes

Biological membranes

Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation

Module 3: Exchange and transport

Exchange surfaces

Transport in animals

Transport in plants

Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease

Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system

Biodiversity

Classification and evolution

Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy

Communication and homeostasis

Excretion as an example of homeostatic control

Neuronal communication

Hormonal communication

Plant and animal responses

Photosynthesis

Respiration

Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

Cellular control

Patterns of inheritance

Manipulating genomes

Cloning and biotechnology

Ecosystems

Populations and sustainability

Students gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement.

Entry requirements

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE in a similar type of subject, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE in a similar type of subject to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

Your next steps...

A level Biology opens the doors to a diverse range of higher degree courses such as Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell biology, Medicine, Nursing, Environmental Science, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Radiography. Biology can also be taken as a joint degree with subjects like Psychology and Education. If higher education is not for you thenA level Biology provides a stepping stone to vocation training, for example, hospital laboratory technician, dental nurse and pharmacy dispenser.



For more courses like this, check our courses page.