Biology

A-level Course

Pupils who choose to pursue A-level Biology follow the OCR specification. The syllabus covers a good range of topics and is balanced well in terms of content between the two year groups. A sense of progression is very evident in terms of the difficulty level of scientific knowledge and understanding required between the two year groups. Whilst providing a challenging A-level for the scientist, it is also accessible to the non-scientist.

Biology is now commonly a pre-requisite for potential medicine, veterinary and nursing qualifications. As a course, there is a generous amount of human biology which makes it very suited for this.

Lower 6th (Year 12)

AS Biology is split into two theory units and one practical skills unit. The first two units are divided into a series of modules which are listed below. The topics cover a range of molecular and cellular biology, ecological principles and animal and plant physiology.

F211: Cells, Exchange and Transport	F212: Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health	F213: Practical Skills in Biology 1
Cells	Biological Molecules	Qualitative skills
Exchange and Transport	Food and Health	Quanitative skills
Biodiversity and Evolution	Evaluative skills

 

The Lower 6th pupils are taken on a Field Trip to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset during the first few days of the Michaelmas half term. Here, they have the opportunity to practice the practical Ecology techniques learnt about in the AS and A2 course, as well as see many amazing ecological sites.

Upper 6th (Year 13)

In the Upper 6th the OCR course builds on the fundamental basis of biology studied at AS. The topics are varied and interesting and cover both plant and animal sciences, as well as the biochemical topics of photosynthesis and respiration which are so crucial to studying and understanding applied biology.

F214: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy	F215: Control, Genomes and Environment	F216: Practical Skills in Biology 2
Communication and Homeostasis	Cellular Control and Variation	Qualitative skills
Excretion	Biotechnologies and Gene Technologies	Quanitative skills
Photosynthesis	Ecosystems and Sustainability	Evaluative skills
Respiration	Responding to the Environment

The department is also responsible for the preparation of potential medical, veterinary and dentistry university applicants. The programme to support these pupils in their desired career path starts in the Michaelmas Term of the Lower 6th, with a talk on "How to become a Doctor" from Prof Rajkumar , and is followed throughout the rest of the year with discussion groups. During the Summer Term, trips are arranged to the Wellcome Collection, Science Museum and to lectures at the Royal Sussex County Hospital as well as support and preparation for the UKCAT. In the Upper 6th,  further help is given with personal statement writing, the UCAS application and the BMAT. 

In the past, there have been departmental expeditions to Costa Rica. Currently, there are plans for a conservation and safari excursion to South Africa or conservation and diving trip to Indonesia.