This 2-year A-Level Biology course aims to develop an essential knowledge and understanding of biological processes together with an understanding of the diversity of the living world and practical skills. The specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of biology. The teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and contributes to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement which is internally assessed. The qualification is assessed through three 2-hour written papers taken at the end of the 2-year course. Students with an interest in and enthusiasm for Biology, including those developing an interest in further study and associated careers. It is important to note that A-level biology now has more demanding mathematical content including statistics, which will account for 10% of the A Level. The course is organized into 6 modules: • Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology • Module 2 – Foundations in Biology • Module 3 – Exchange and transport • Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution, and disease • Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy • Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems Module 1: Practical endorsement in Biology Module 1 of the specification content relates to the practical skills learners are expected to gain throughout the course, which are assessed throughout the written examinations and also through the Practical Endorsement. The development of practical skills is a fundamental and integral aspect of the study of any scientific subject. These skills not only enhance learners’ understanding of the subject but also serve as a suitable preparation for the demands of studying biology at a higher level. A minimum of 12 practical activities are carried out by each student which, together, meet the requirements for the practical endorsement. Each student will keep an appropriate record of their assessed practical activities. Students who demonstrate the required standard across all the requirements of the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) will receive a ‘pass’ grade. Module 2: Foundations in Biology All living organisms have similarities in cellular structure, biochemistry, and function. An understanding of these similarities is fundamental to the study of the subject. This module allows learners to use microscopy to study the cell structure of a variety of organisms. Biologically important molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, water, and nucleic acids are studied concerning their structure and function. The structure and mode of action of enzymes in catalyzing biochemical reactions are studied. Membranes form barriers within and at the surface of, cells. This module also considers how the structure of membranes relates to the different methods by which molecules enter and leave cells and organelles. The division and subsequent specialization of cells are studied, together with the potential for the therapeutic use of stem cells. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/or to solve related problems. Module 3: Exchange and transport In this module, learners study the structure and function of gas exchange and transport systems in a range of animals and terrestrial plants. The significance of the surface area to volume ratio in determining the need for ventilation, gas exchange, and transport systems in multicellular organisms is emphasized. The examples of terrestrial green plants and a range of animal phyla are used to illustrate the principle. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/ or to solve related problems. Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution, and Disease In this module the learners study the biodiversity of organisms; how they are classified, and how biodiversity can be measured. It serves as an introduction to ecology, emphasizing practical techniques and an appreciation of the need to maintain biodiversity. The learners also gain an understanding of the variety of pathogenic organisms and how plants and animals have evolved defenses to deal with disease. The impact of the evolution of pathogens on the treatment of disease is also considered. The relationships between organisms are studied, considering variation, evolution, and phylogeny. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/or to solve related problems. Module 5: Communication, homeostasis, and energy It is important that organisms, both plants and animals can respond to stimuli. This is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Both systems are covered in detail in this module. Communication is also fundamental to homeostasis with control of temperature, blood sugar, and blood water potential being studied as examples. In this module, the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration are considered, with an emphasis on the formation and use of ATP as the source of energy for biochemical processes and the synthesis of biological molecules. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/or to solve related problems. Module 6: Genetics, evolution, and ecosystems This module covers the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered. Some of the practical techniques used to manipulate DNA such as sequencing and amplification are considered therapeutic medical use. The use of microorganisms in biotechnology is also covered. Both of these have associated ethical considerations and learners must develop a balanced understanding of such issues. Learners gain an appreciation of the role of microorganisms in recycling materials within the environment and maintaining balance within ecosystems. The need to conserve environmental resources sustainably is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population. Learners also consider the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and biodiversity. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/or to solve related problems.
The minimum requirement is three 6 grades and three others at a 5 grade. At least a grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics. In order to access the course students should have an enthusiasm for the subject and already have achieved: grade 7 in GCSE Biology (Triple Science route) or grade 7-7 in GCSE Combined Science (Double Science route) and grade 6 in Mathematics is preferred. A grade 6 (Triple) or 6-6 (Combined) may be accepted on an individual basis, with students required to enroll in the STEM Access course to aid their learning.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | Kent |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| Address | Frith Road, Dover, CT16 2PZ |
This 2-year A-Level Biology course aims to develop an essential knowledge and understanding of biological processes together with an understanding of the diversity of the living world and practical skills. The specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of biology. The teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and contributes to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement which is internally assessed. The qualification is assessed through three 2-hour written papers taken at the end of the 2-year course. Students with an interest in and enthusiasm for Biology, including those developing an interest in further study and associated careers. It is important to note that A-level biology now has more demanding mathematical content including statistics, which will account for 10% of the A Level. The course is organized into 6 modules: • Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology • Module 2 – Foundations in Biology • Module 3 – Exchange and transport • Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution, and disease • Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy • Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems Module 1: Practical endorsement in Biology Module 1 of the specification content relates to the practical skills learners are expected to gain throughout the course, which are assessed throughout the written examinations and also through the Practical Endorsement. The development of practical skills is a fundamental and integral aspect of the study of any scientific subject. These skills not only enhance learners’ understanding of the subject but also serve as a suitable preparation for the demands of studying biology at a higher level. A minimum of 12 practical activities are carried out by each student which, together, meet the requirements for the practical endorsement. Each student will keep an appropriate record of their assessed practical activities. Students who demonstrate the required standard across all the requirements of the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) will receive a ‘pass’ grade. Module 2: Foundations in Biology All living organisms have similarities in cellular structure, biochemistry, and function. An understanding of these similarities is fundamental to the study of the subject. This module allows learners to use microscopy to study the cell structure of a variety of organisms. Biologically important molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, water, and nucleic acids are studied concerning their structure and function. The structure and mode of action of enzymes in catalyzing biochemical reactions are studied. Membranes form barriers within and at the surface of, cells. This module also considers how the structure of membranes relates to the different methods by which molecules enter and leave cells and organelles. The division and subsequent specialization of cells are studied, together with the potential for the therapeutic use of stem cells. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/or to solve related problems. Module 3: Exchange and transport In this module, learners study the structure and function of gas exchange and transport systems in a range of animals and terrestrial plants. The significance of the surface area to volume ratio in determining the need for ventilation, gas exchange, and transport systems in multicellular organisms is emphasized. The examples of terrestrial green plants and a range of animal phyla are used to illustrate the principle. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/ or to solve related problems. Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution, and Disease In this module the learners study the biodiversity of organisms; how they are classified, and how biodiversity can be measured. It serves as an introduction to ecology, emphasizing practical techniques and an appreciation of the need to maintain biodiversity. The learners also gain an understanding of the variety of pathogenic organisms and how plants and animals have evolved defenses to deal with disease. The impact of the evolution of pathogens on the treatment of disease is also considered. The relationships between organisms are studied, considering variation, evolution, and phylogeny. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/or to solve related problems. Module 5: Communication, homeostasis, and energy It is important that organisms, both plants and animals can respond to stimuli. This is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Both systems are covered in detail in this module. Communication is also fundamental to homeostasis with control of temperature, blood sugar, and blood water potential being studied as examples. In this module, the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration are considered, with an emphasis on the formation and use of ATP as the source of energy for biochemical processes and the synthesis of biological molecules. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/or to solve related problems. Module 6: Genetics, evolution, and ecosystems This module covers the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered. Some of the practical techniques used to manipulate DNA such as sequencing and amplification are considered therapeutic medical use. The use of microorganisms in biotechnology is also covered. Both of these have associated ethical considerations and learners must develop a balanced understanding of such issues. Learners gain an appreciation of the role of microorganisms in recycling materials within the environment and maintaining balance within ecosystems. The need to conserve environmental resources sustainably is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population. Learners also consider the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and biodiversity. Learners are expected to apply knowledge, understanding, and other skills developed in this module to new situations and/or to solve related problems.
The minimum requirement is three 6 grades and three others at a 5 grade. At least a grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics. In order to access the course students should have an enthusiasm for the subject and already have achieved: grade 7 in GCSE Biology (Triple Science route) or grade 7-7 in GCSE Combined Science (Double Science route) and grade 6 in Mathematics is preferred. A grade 6 (Triple) or 6-6 (Combined) may be accepted on an individual basis, with students required to enroll in the STEM Access course to aid their learning.