Biology

Biology at A-Level develops many of the topics you have already studied at GCSE and introduces you to some new and exciting areas of biology. The course covers the key concepts of Biology and practical skills are integrated through the course, making the course academically challenging, varied and fun.

You will learn about the core concepts of biology and about the impact of biological research and how it links to everyday life. You will study, for example, the influence that genes have on our development, the mammalian systems and the impact of future human population increases. Biology is a practical subject so you will develop many experimental and mathematical skills.

Exam board: We study OCR Biology.

Entry Requirements: As well as the standard Sixth Form requirements, you must also have GCSE Biology Grade 6, or Combined Science Grade 6-6 GCSE English Grade 5 and GCSE Mathematics Grade 5.

Key Content: The course is structured into six themes. These are: development of practical skills in biology; cells and chemical for life; gas exchange and transport; biodiversity, evolution and disease; communication, homeostasis and energy; genetic, evolution and ecosystems.

What is the work like? As an example of the kind of work that you will cover during the A-Level course, please find the pre-A-Level material that we asked Year 11 to complete before starting their course with us in September.

Assessment

Paper 1 (H422/01) Biological Processes 2hours 15 minutes (37%)

Paper 2 (H422/02) Biological Diversity 2 hours 15 minutes (37%)

Paper 3 (H422/01) Unified Biology 1 hour 30 minutes (25%)

Practical Endorsement (H422/04). Students complete a minimum of 12 key practicals over the two year course and are awarded a pass/fail grade alongside their A Level result.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Mr King will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. You are welcome to email him on ben.king@twynhamschool.com.  

To ask a Biology student more about the course, please email student@twynhamsixthform.com and they will be happy to help you.