The aim of A-level Biology is to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for Biology and to allow students to develop their knowledge and understanding of biological facts and principles drawn from different areas of the biological sciences. Through studying Biology, students will gain an appreciation of how society makes decisions about scientific issues, and how the sciences contribute to the economy and society. Year 12: This is a stand-alone qualification, which is taught alongside the full A level but which does not count towards it. There are four taught modules. The first module is the Practical Skills module which covers skills of planning, implementing, analysis, and evaluation. Foundations in Biology cover fundamental concepts needed throughout the course, for example; cell structure and cell division, and biological molecules. During Exchange and Transport, students learn about transport in animals and plants. In Biodiversity, Evolution, and Disease topics covered include classification, evolution, and how biodiversity can be maintained as well as communicable diseases and the immune system. The two papers are taken at the end of the year: Breadth in Biology – multiple choice and short answer questions covering all four modules Depth in Biology –structured and extended answer questions again covering all four modules Year 13 Students will study the same four modules as those on the AS course in the first year and in the second year will study two further modules. Communication, Homeostasis, and energy include many of the central aspects of Biology: photosynthesis, respiration, excretion, and communication through nerves and hormones Students will also study plant and animal responses. The ways in which our knowledge of genetics and the genome are used are explored within Genetics, Evolution, and Ecosystems. Also in this unit students will study Biotechnology and cloning and issues of sustainability. The final examination, at the end of two years of study, consists of three papers; Biological Processes – a variety of questions covering modules one, two, three, and five. Biological Diversity covering modules one, two four, and six Unified Biology – covering all six modules
Two GCSEs graded 9 to 7 in Combined Science (OR GCSEs graded 9 to 7 in Biology AND Chemistry OR Physics) AND Mathematics graded 9 to 7.
In both Year 12 and Year 13, practical skills will be assessed through completion under controlled conditions of a minimum of 12 internally assessed practical activities. At A level the students will be awarded a certificate of practical competence. This will not count towards their final grade. At the AS level, there is no separate practical assessment though students will still be taught the relevant practical skills.
About Education Provider
| Region | East Midlands |
| Local Authority | Derby |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Fox Street, Derby, DE1 2LF |
The aim of A-level Biology is to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for Biology and to allow students to develop their knowledge and understanding of biological facts and principles drawn from different areas of the biological sciences. Through studying Biology, students will gain an appreciation of how society makes decisions about scientific issues, and how the sciences contribute to the economy and society. Year 12: This is a stand-alone qualification, which is taught alongside the full A level but which does not count towards it. There are four taught modules. The first module is the Practical Skills module which covers skills of planning, implementing, analysis, and evaluation. Foundations in Biology cover fundamental concepts needed throughout the course, for example; cell structure and cell division, and biological molecules. During Exchange and Transport, students learn about transport in animals and plants. In Biodiversity, Evolution, and Disease topics covered include classification, evolution, and how biodiversity can be maintained as well as communicable diseases and the immune system. The two papers are taken at the end of the year: Breadth in Biology – multiple choice and short answer questions covering all four modules Depth in Biology –structured and extended answer questions again covering all four modules Year 13 Students will study the same four modules as those on the AS course in the first year and in the second year will study two further modules. Communication, Homeostasis, and energy include many of the central aspects of Biology: photosynthesis, respiration, excretion, and communication through nerves and hormones Students will also study plant and animal responses. The ways in which our knowledge of genetics and the genome are used are explored within Genetics, Evolution, and Ecosystems. Also in this unit students will study Biotechnology and cloning and issues of sustainability. The final examination, at the end of two years of study, consists of three papers; Biological Processes – a variety of questions covering modules one, two, three, and five. Biological Diversity covering modules one, two four, and six Unified Biology – covering all six modules
Two GCSEs graded 9 to 7 in Combined Science (OR GCSEs graded 9 to 7 in Biology AND Chemistry OR Physics) AND Mathematics graded 9 to 7.
In both Year 12 and Year 13, practical skills will be assessed through completion under controlled conditions of a minimum of 12 internally assessed practical activities. At A level the students will be awarded a certificate of practical competence. This will not count towards their final grade. At the AS level, there is no separate practical assessment though students will still be taught the relevant practical skills.