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Biology
Student websiteGCSE Course (AQA 3411)
The National Curriculum for Science requires that this course can be taken only with GCSE Chemistry and Physics.
The course aims to stimulate an interest in how organisms work and how they relate to their environment. The course develops you to think scientifically and develop laboratory skills. Studying GCSE allows further study at AS and A2 and, we hope, germinates an interest in the living world around you!
As a GCSE Biologist you can expect to encounter theory and practical sessions with use made of the microscope slides, videos, animations, experiments and up to date newspaper articles.
The course consists of 3 formally taught modules and an externally set piece of work.
You will sit 3 exams - one in Year 10 and the other two in Year 11. Each exam is worth 25% of the GCSE. The externally set work (what used to be coursework) is now worth 25% and is undertaken during class time in Year 11.
Qualifications in Biology can lead to medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, teaching, agriculture and even journalism!
I hope, should you choose GCSE Biology, that you will enjoy the course and maybe go on to become a BBC wildlife presenter!!
A-Level Course (OCR AS 3881, A 7881)
Full specificationThe aims of the course are to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of biology, and the skills needed for the use of biology in an ever-increasing biotechnological world. Also it aims to develop the understanding of scientific methods, realise the value of biology in today’s society and to sustain and develop further the enjoyment and interest in biology.
The AS biology in the lower sixth year considers the topics well known to GCSE students, but in far greater depth, of biochemistry, enzymes, cell membranes and transport, genetics and nuclear division and the ecosystem. Besides these come topics two further Units of Human Health and Disease and transport are studied. For A2, in the upper sixth year one, optional, Unit is considered in depth. We have chosen Growth, Development and Reproduction, as it fits in well with our facilities. Both AS & A2 have a fair proportion of practical work, with a final practical exam at the end of each year.
AS-Level Course
Unit 1 (15%)
Biology Foundation Core
Unit 2 (15%)
Human Health & Disease
Unit 3 (10%)
Transport
Unit 4 (10%)
Practical Exam
A2-Level Course
Unit 5 (15%)
Central Concepts
Unit 6 (15%)
Growth, Development & Reproduction
Unit 7 (10%)
Unifying Concepts
Unit 8 (10%)
Practical Exam
Beyond A-level
An A-level in Biology can lead to a wide variety of careers. It has obvious relevance for entry to a medical, dental or veterinary school and for research and teaching. In addition, there are many other professions concerned with care of the sick, such as dietetics, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, physiotherapy, osteopathy, radiography and pharmacy, for which an A-level in Biology is welcomed.
For graduates in Biochemistry, Horticulture and Agriculture, there are openings in industries concerned with fertilisers, chemicals and foodstuffs. Biotechnology is the fastest-growing industrial science. Finally, the study of Biology, involving as it does some writing, the handling of data and problem-solving and with its background connection with conservation, the environment and medicine, makes students of the subject useful employees for a wide range of possible jobs and careers.