Biology

Course summary

The aim of the AQA course is to stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment of Biology and to equip students for further studies requiring a scientific background by developing safe experimental and investigative abilities, and to acquire a systematic body of biological knowledge, including the uses and limitations of Biology. AS and A-level Biology are now de-coupled. None of the marks obtained for the AS qualification, if taken, are carried forward for the A-level qualification. This means that the A-level examinations will examine the full course after two years of learning. These are assessed by the teacher during lessons and laboratory books are moderated by an external assessor from the examination board. If a student passes the practical requirements of the course, they will receive practical endorsement on their A-level certificate, in addition to their grade achieved in the theory. However, a student may still achieve a very high grade in the course without receiving practical endorsement if their practical work or record keeping is not of a satisfactory standard. Practical questions also appear on the written examinations, as such we do lots of practical work to ensure our students are fully prepared to answer such questions.