A-Level
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 prerequisite 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. However this aspect also makes it accessible and relevant for the non-scientist who wishes to broaden their A level portfolio and skill base by taking a science. This has made Biology a popular choice as a fourth subject by non-science specialists, who commonly combine it with subjects such as geography, languages, history, business studies and English.
Year 12 topics:
| Cells, Exchange and Transport | Molecules, Biodiversity, food and health | Practical skills assessment |
| Cells | Biological molecules | Quantitative Skills |
| Exchange and Transport | Food and Health | Qualitative skills |
| Biodiversity and Evolution |
We follow the new OCR A level at A level. This 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 above. The topics cover a range of molecular and cellular biology, ecological principles and animal and plant physiology.
Year 13 topics:
| Communication, Homeostasis and Energy | Control, Genomes and Environment | Practical skills |
| Respiration | Cellular communication and variation | Quantitative skills |
| Photosynthesis | Biotechnology and gene technologies | Qualitative skills |
| Excretion | Ecosystems and sustainability | Evaluative skills |
| Communication, nerves and hormones | Responding to the environment |
In the U6th 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. The ecology field course in June of the L6th is the starting point of the A2 year, covering much of the ecological units of study and the practical assessments for the U6th year. It's also great fun!