Biology A Level

 **** IMPORTANT ****

Closing Date for applications is Friday 12th February 2021. 

Any applications received after this date will be treated as a late application.

What is the course about?

AQA A-level Biology has been designed to  progress naturally from GCSE and take recognisable topics a stage further. Some, such as Reflex Actions and Geotropisms, are studied in greater detail, while others use Mathematics so that the qualitative understanding becomes more quantitative.

For whom is the course suitable?

The course is aimed at interested students who have achieved at least a level 6 in Biology or GCSE Combined: Trilogy (Biology Component) - however a level 7 is recommended.

Choose Biology if:

· You intend to follow a career for which biological sciences are highly relevant (e.g. nursing, medicine, etc.)

· You intend to study some aspect of Biological Science at university in conjunction with other areas (e.g. Chemistry, Physical Education, Environmental Science).

· You have enjoyed studying Biology, or wish to provide balance with Arts and Humanities subjects

Teaching Methods and Homework commitment:

A wide range of teaching methods are used, including formal delivery with note-taking, presentations, group discussions, group teaching, and many opportunities to conduct your own experiments. Students are expected to complete exercises and assignments in conjunction with their own note-taking from textbooks and write up practical assignments. Students will be expected to complete additional assignments, e.g. presentations on current events from information obtained from reading and research. There will be a fieldwork component that is an essential part of the course and attendance by all students is compulsory. The fieldwork gathers the information needed for two of the required practicals. There is a cost included towards which students will have to contribute. This trip can be subsidised by the school for students who receive a bursary. 

What could I go on to do at the end of the course?

For most careers in Biology as a specialist activity, you will probably need one of the following combinations:                

Bio/Chem/Phys                           Bio/Chem/Maths                        Bio/Chem.                                                                                                                                                                                        Many other careers are open with these combinations:                                     Bio/Geog                       Bio/PE                        Bio/Maths/Phys

Example careers: Agriculture, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Dentistry, Environmental,  Health, Forensic Science, Laboratory Technician, Medicine, Nursing, Radiography, Teaching, Zoology.

Method of Study and Assessment:

Subject Content:          

Year 1 Topics 1-4 — 1.Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms 4. Genetics

Year 2 Topics 5-8— 5. Energy Transfer 6. Organisms responding to change 7. Genetics, populations,  evolution and ecosystems 8. The control of gene expression

A Level Course

Paper 1 – Any content from 1-4 (inc relevant practical skills)

Written exam –2 hours  35% of A Level

Paper 2– Any content from  5-8 (inc relevant practical skills)

Written exam – 2 hours  35% of A Level

Paper 3– Any content from 1-8 (inc relevant practical skills)

Written exam –2 hours  30% of A Level

Practical Assessment (15% of the marks in written papers will relate to practical work) 

 A rich diet of practical work is essential to develop students’ manipulative skills and understanding of the process of scientific investigation. It also contributes to teaching and learning of the concepts within this specification. For this purpose, students will be required to record all of their practical work in a separate folder which will be provided by the school and which will remain on the school site at all times. Questions in the papers have been written in the expectation that students have carried out at least six required practical activities.

Mathematical requirements

In order to be able to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of Biology, students need to have competence in the appropriate areas of mathematics. Overall 10% of the marks in assessments for Biology will require the use of mathematical skills. These skills will be applied in the context of Biology and will be at least the standard of higher tier GCSE mathematics.

Website URL: For more information please go to http://www.ccgrammarschool.co.uk