Biology
Okehampton College - Devon
01837650910
Mill Road, Okehampton, EX20 1PW
Course summary

If you are interested in the answers to these questions, then A-Level Biology is for you. It is a new approach for post-16 students in which you will study biology through real-life contexts linked to the rapid advances in biological research. In year 1 students will study the 4 topics of Lifestyle, Health and Risk, Genes and Health, The Voice of the Genome, and Biodiversity and Natural Resources. These topics tackle several issues including cardiovascular disease, genetic inheritance, the roles of stem cells, and the use of chemical extracts from animals and plants. In year 2 the topics On the Wild Side, Infection, Immunity and Forensics, Run for your Life, and Grey Matter look at the themes of extinction of species, the evolutionary battles that take place between invading pathogens and their hosts, muscle physiology and performance, and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. An A-level in Biology is seen as a real achievement, which will take you onto university courses, including the top universities, for all degree courses including medicine, veterinary sciences, dentistry, pharmacy, biological sciences, biochemistry, and biomedical science. Indeed, universities want the independent, motivated learners that the Salters-Nuffield A-Level Biology course provides!

Entry requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSEs grades 4 and above. Specifically grade 6 or higher in Biology or grade 6-6 in Combined Science, grade 6 in English, and grade 5 in Maths.

How you'll be assessed

There are 3 papers each worth 33.3% of the A-level qualification: • Paper 1: The Natural Environment and Species Survival (topics 1 – 6). • Paper 2: Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination (topics 1 – 4 and 7 – 8). • Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology (topics 1 – 8 and a scientific article will be pre-released 8 weeks before the examination). There is a Practical Endorsement component, which is reported separately, and based on core practical tasks completed throughout the two-year course. Here you will develop the lab skills needed for a science-based degree or career.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth West
Local AuthorityDevon
Ofsted RatingRequires improvement
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressMill Road, Okehampton, EX20 1PW