In years 7 and 8, students study science in three one hour lessons per week. In year 9 this increases to four one hour lessons per week. Each teaching group is taught in separate biology, chemistry and physics lessons. In year 7 students are taught in mixed-ability form groups. Students are placed into sets in years 8 and 9. Assessment is achieved by means of regular end-of-topic tests, practical investigations and extended written work. Students begin the formal study of GCSE material towards the end of year 9.

At Key Stage 4, students are placed in sets on the basis of their progress in year 9. All year 10 students study the AQA Science course leading to a GCSE award. They are taught in four one-hour lessons per week. In year 11, most students study AQA Additional Science leading to a second GCSE science award. Some students study 3 separate GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics, in six lessons per week in years 10 and 11. A small number of students opt out of further study of science after completing the GCSE science course in year 10.

At Key Stage 5, the faculty offers AS/A2 courses in biology, chemistry and physics.

AS/A2 BIOLOGY
Biology is the study of living organisms. It is an exciting and rapidly expanding area of science, ranging in scope from the study of biological molecules and sub-cellular structures, to the interactions of whole populations of animals and plants. Students learn facts and concepts in theory lessons and in practical lessons based in the laboratory and the school grounds. They are tested regularly to assess progress and set targets. Students carry out assessed practical exercises, set by the exam board, at both AS and A2.

Course Content

AS

The AS course has three units of study:
• Cells, Exchange and Transport [30% of AS; 15% of A2]
• Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health [50% of AS; 25% of A2]
• Practical Skills in Biology 1 [20% of AS; 10% of A2]

A2

The A2 course has three further units of study:
• Communication, Homeostasis and Energy [15%]
• Control, Genomes and the Environment [25%]
• Practical Skills in Biology 2 [10%]

Learning Methods and Assessment

AS and A2

Formal theory lessons and student-centred activities are used to deliver all syllabus content. Learning is reinforced by regular homework which involves reading, note-making, researching of topics or answering examination questions. Practical lessons and student presentations develop skills and enhance the learning of syllabus content.

Students will be given two text books – a general biology text and a text written specifically to meet OCR examination requirements. This resource includes an interactive CD-ROM designed to enhance learning and promote wider reading and research.

Internal Assessment: Students take regular end of topic tests to assess their knowledge and progress, and to develop exam technique.

External Assessment: Students are assessed in each of the AS and A2 modules by written examinations in January and June of years 12 and 13. Practical skills are assessed, in both AS and A2 Biology, by means of teacher assessment of up to three practical tasks taken from a selection set by OCR.

Expectations of Students

AS and A2

Students must work hard throughout AS and A2 and meet deadlines. They must remain focused in lessons and be well organized. Students need to develop the skills of reading for understanding and writing with precision. Students do not have to study A level chemistry to do well in AS or A2 level biology as appropriate chemistry concepts are taught within the course.

Careers Implications

A level biology is required, or is desirable, for HE courses in many different disciplines. These include: Agricultural Science, Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Dentistry, Food Science. Forensic Science, Genetics, Horticulture, Medical Physics, Medicine, Midwifery, Nature Conservation, Nursing, Ophthalmology, Osteopathy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Speech Therapy, Veterinary Science.

Students wishing to study biology beyond A level, may require an A level in chemistry or physics/mathematics. For some courses this is advisable, for others it is essential.