A-level Biology

Course duration: 2 years
Coursework: 20% assessed practical skills
Contact teacher: Miss Hargreaves
Entry requirement: B in Biology/Double Award GCSE Science

Content

A-level Biology is a very practical and enjoyable A-level. The course has been designed to engage and inspire students by showing how an understanding of many contemporary issues require a grasp of fundamental biological ideas. You will learn about:

• Lifestyle, transport, genes and health
• Development in plants and animals, plants and the environment.
• Practical Biology and research skills (including a report from a field trip)
• The natural environment and species survival
• Energy, exercise and coordination
• Practical skills and investigative skills

Course organisation

The units will be taught in one of two ways.

• A concept-led approach. This approach begins with a study of the laws, theories and models of biology and finishes with an exploration of their practical applications in the real world.
• A context-led topic approach. This approach begins with looking at a real-life example that draws on many different areas of biology, and then moves on to the biological concepts underlying this example.

Assessment

AS = 2 units, each with a 1 ¼ hour examination (2x40%) and continuously assessed practical skills (20%) including a report from a field trip

A2 = 2 units, each with a 1 ½ hour examination (2x40%) and continuously assessed practical skills (20%)

How will Biology be taught?

Biology will be taught through a mixture of practical, theoretical and field-trip based activities. Students will have opportunities to develop their communication and literacy skills through the writing of a 1000 word essay and the production of a presentation.