Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Biology
Introduction
This course is for anyone who wants to go into the medical field or enjoys learning about organisms and molecules.
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
AQA
Course leader
Mrs S Summers and Ms W Jones
Assessment
- Examination: 100%
- 35%: Paper 1 (topics 1-4) 2 hours
- 35%: Paper 2 (topics 5-8) 2 hours
- 30%: Paper 3 (all topics with synoptic essay) 2 hours
- Non-examined assessment: %
- Practical endorsement (pass or fail)
Curriculum
Course content
The two year course covers many aspects of human, animal, plant and cellular biology including physiology, biochemistry, ecology and genetics. There are also 12 required practicals which are assessed in the exams and allow students to pass the practical endorsement aspect of the course as well as the A-level.
Topics
- Biological molecules.
- Cells.
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment.
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
- Energy transfers in and between organisms.
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments.
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.
- The control of gene expression.
Skills and requirements
Entry requirements
- Grade 6 in GCSE maths.
- Grade 5 in English language.
- Grade 6 in GCSE biology or a 6-6 in combined science.
Beyond the classroom
Past activities have included:
- Intermediate Biology and Biology Olympiad competitions.
- Science Week–wide range of speakers, competitions and events.
- Medical Society (MEDSOC) club.
- STEM Challenge events.
- ‘Student of the half term’ rewards system to recognise and celebrate achievements and progress of all students.
- High quality textbooks available to students to help with independent work.
- One day of field work.
Future pathways
Our students progress onto a very broad range of science related courses at universities across the country. Students apply for university courses leading to careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, natural sciences, psychology, nursing, midwifery, biomedical science, physiotherapy and research. Some go on to non-science related courses and careers such as law where their achievements in science have served to develop skills such as problem solving and critical thinking.
