Biology
Teesdale School and Sixth Form - County Durham
01833638166
Prospect Place, Barnard Castle, DL12 8HH
Course summary

Biological molecules – the basic chemistry of living organisms, necessary knowledge for all further study of biology. Cells – the ultrastructure of cells as seen by electron microscopy; practical light microscopy. Organisms – exchange substances with their environment; gas exchange; circulation and digestion. Genetics – genetic information, variation, and relationships between organisms, including the study of DNA and RNA, mitosis, and meiosis. Energy – energy transfers in and between organisms; photosynthesis, respiration, and ecosystems. Organisms responding to changes – responses to internal and external environmental changes; homeostasis, the nervous and hormonal systems. Genetics, populations, evolution, and ecosystems – inheritance of characteristics, evolution, and specification. The control of gene expression – DNA technologies and how genes are controlled and interact with each other.

Entry requirements

Ideally grade 7 or above in Biology (as a separate science) or 7-7 (Dual Award/Combined Science) at GCSE – candidates with grade 6 or 6-6 will be considered; ideally grade 6 or above in both Maths and English GCSE.

How you'll be assessed

Three written examinations at the end of Year 13: Paper 1 covers topics 1-4 (2 hours, 35% of total); Paper 2 covers topics 5-8 (2 hours, 35% of total); Paper 3 covers the full specification (2 hours, 30% of total). Practical endorsement – students will complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionNorth East
Local AuthorityCounty Durham
Ofsted RatingOutstanding
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressProspect Place, Barnard Castle, DL12 8HH