Biology

Course summary

In Year 12 the foundations of Biology are covered along with an overview of basic systems biology for example how gases and other essential molecules are exchanged and transported in both plants and animals. These foundations and system overviews pave the way for a more in-depth and cross topic approach that is used in Year 13. A big feature of the A level Biology scheme of work is to develop the students critical thinking and analytical skills. Students are expected to develop higher level thinking skills, participate actively in lessons, demonstrating a greater level of knowledge and to make connections across topics. The lessons are sequenced and designed to do this. Students are also set reading work and are assessed on their quality of understanding in end of unit assessments. Students are asked to read some of the lesson’s content before the lesson, thereby allowing for a deeper understanding to be developed through discussion with peers and problemsolving activities. Reading outside of lessons also promotes independence and allows students to consolidate lesson content better. Examination practice and retrieval practice is also a key feature in A level Biology.