“Biology is the study of complicated things that have the appearance of having been designed with a purpose” Richard Dawkins (1941 – present)
The aims of the Biology department are to foster inquisitiveness and develop thinking skills through an active and inclusive program of study across all years. Practical skills are continually developed and remain a core area of lessons on a daily basis. Pupils are encouraged to utilise all their skills across all three of the science disciplines.
A level
By studying Biology pupils will develop a good understanding of biological facts and concepts, understand why they are significant, and appreciate the responsibilities that accompany the technological advances within this subject. A Level Biology will give pupils an insight into up-to-the-minute topics such as cells, transport systems biotechnology, climate change, biodiversity, animal and plant physiology, genetics and evolution. Pupils will learn to apply their knowledge and solve problems in a range of contexts.
Course Content and Assessment – Examination Board: OCR, Code: H420
Module 1: Development of practical skills in Biology
Module 2: Foundations in biology
Module 3: Exchange and transport
Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease
Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy
Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
The written examinations for the A Level are:
Paper 1: Biological processes (Written exam: 2 hours 15 mins, 37% of the qualification)
Paper 2: Biological diversity (Written exam: 2 hours 15 mins, 37% of the qualification)
Paper 3: Unified biology (Written exam: 1 hour 30 mins, 26% of the qualification)
Practical and investigative activities are an integral part of the course but are no longer assessed through controlled assessments. There will also be fieldwork opportunities.
Biology is a science that contains elements of Chemistry and Mathematics and there is also a good deal of common ground with Geography. Biology A Level can be fruitfully combined with Arts and Humanities too.
A non-examined practical endorsement is a compulsory requirement of the A Level course in this subject, with pupils being assessed through twelve core practical assignments that develop skills such as microscopy, dissection, sampling techniques, measuring rates of enzyme-controlled reactions, using a colorimeter and potometer, and performing chromatography and electrophoresis. Performance in these practicals is reported separately and has no bearing on the A Level grade awarded.
Co-Curricular
As part of the Biology A Level course pupils will attend trips to complete the fieldwork element of the course, currently this involves a day trip to the FSC centre in Epping Forest, and a second trip to Wakehurst, Kew Gardens. Pupils will have the chance to complete the sampling techniques practical requirement.
We also encourage pupils to become a member of the Scientific Journal Club which is led by our Science Prefects, giving pupils the opportunity to read and discuss current articles related to the world of Science, pupils can even present their own ideas to the group for future discussions.
We also run a Women’s Health Society, and there are prefect roles available for helping in the running of this. Here pupils will expand their knowledge on a wide range of issues that specifically affect women from a scientific perspective. As Women’s Health Ambassador pupils will also run a buddy system for Year 7 and 8 to come and ask questions, pupils will receive full training for this in advance.
Pupils will have the chance to take part in the Biological Olympiad and Intermediate Biology Olympiad during the A Level course, which are competitions run by the Royal Society of Biology, aimed at encouraging those pupils who have a strong interest in the subject outside of the classroom.
Careers and Higher Education
Biology A Level will prepare pupils for higher education courses and for a variety of careers. For Biological Sciences at degree level we recommend that pupils take Chemistry as well. Biology is fundamental for Medicine; and it is mandatory for applications to several of the most popular universities.
