Biology A-level

Study general and human biology with a course developed in consultation with industry and universities - A-level Biology. It provides the perfect foundation for a wide range of biology-related higher education courses such as medicine, veterinary science, nursing and physiotherapy. If you enjoy applying knowledge of the way our body works, this is the course for you.

Learn about a diverse range of biological topics through practical experiments and theory.

We follow the OCR specification.

First Year (AS)
• Unit F211: Cells, Exchange and Transport
• Unit F212: Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health
• Unit F213: Practical Skills in Biology 1

Second Year (A2)
• Unit F214: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
• Unit F215: Control, Genomes and Environment
• Unit F216: Practical Skills in Biology 2

You learn in a variety of ways, typically through discussion, group work, independent study, reading and research tasks. There is a balance of challenge and support. You play an active part in your learning and there is a strong focus on your individual learning needs.

Classes will take place over four days a week between 9am and 5pm. We expect our students to be fully committed to their studies and attend all timetabled sessions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend trips and visits according to the needs of your individual subject. There are many enrichment opportunities, enabling you to extend your learning beyond the bounds of your chosen subjects.

Formal assessment is through examinations and, in some subjects, through coursework. The examination periods are in May/June. There is a range of regular homework and class based assessments to help you develop your study skills for the next educational step. Individual learning targets are set each term and you receive regular feedback on your progress.

You develop the skills necessary for further academic study, such as strong report writing, essay writing and study skills, including presentation skills.

You also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment, including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time. By the end of the course you will have benefited from individual support, including clear advice about higher education and careers.

Applicants for A-level Biology will normally have:

6 x C grades at GCSE including English and maths. For this subject you will need GCSE English Language grade C and GCSE Double Science grade BB.

With three A-levels, the possibilities are endless. You can progress to higher education to study a variety of different subjects at degree level. A-levels also offer a high standard of education which many employers require as part of their entry criteria onto training programmes. An A-level in biology will give access to a wide range of biological related degrees including micro biology, zoology, biomedical science, nursing, veterinary and medical.

Once enrolled you will be encouraged to buy a scientific calculator, ruler, pencils and textbook (OCR Biology AS, Kennedy P. Sochacki F. Heinemann).