The AQA A Level specification is designed to provide continuity with those at GCSE. Pupils are encouraged to develop essential knowledge and an understanding of the principles of Biology and scientific methods, an awareness of advances in technology, a recognition of the value of Biology in society, and to appreciate the relationship between the different aspects of the subject. The girls follow the AQA Biology specification, new from September 2015. This specification is fully linear, with all examinations taken at the end of the course, and comprises eight units taught over two years. Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject and there are numerous opportunities to use practical experiments to link theory to reality, and to equip the students with the essential practical skills they need. The A Level only units cover the following topics: • Biological molecules • Cells • Organisms and exchange of substances with their environment • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms • Energy transfers in and between organisms • Organisms and response to changes in their internal and external environments • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems • The control of gene expression
Places in Withington’s Sixth Form are limited and prospective students who wish to apply are advised to visit us on the Sixth Form Information Evening and/or one of our Open Days. If after your visit you wish to take the next step in the admission process, you should complete a Statement of Interest (the form is available from admissions@wgs.org). This will enable our Sixth Form admissions team to review the Statements of Interest submitted by candidates to gain an understanding of factors such as predicted grades and A Level subject choices, but also why candidates wish to take those subjects and their aspirations beyond school. We recommend this route for girls who know their A Level subject choices and whose predicted grades meet our entry requirements (a minimum of six 7-9 grades at GCSE, with 8-9 grades in the subjects you wish to study). After reviewing the Statements of Interest, before the end of the Autumn term, we will invite a number of candidates to submit a formal application. Once an application is received, references from current schools will be taken and an appointment made to take part in an interview. Interviews may take place in person or online. Applicants are notified of the outcome of the Sixth Form admissions process by the end of March.
The A Level is assessed by three written papers each lasting two hours. All A Level papers assess content from the specification and also relevant practical skills. The questions are a mixture of long and short response questions, a comprehension, critical analysis of experimental data and an essay.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Manchester |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £15,573 |
| Address | Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6BL |
The AQA A Level specification is designed to provide continuity with those at GCSE. Pupils are encouraged to develop essential knowledge and an understanding of the principles of Biology and scientific methods, an awareness of advances in technology, a recognition of the value of Biology in society, and to appreciate the relationship between the different aspects of the subject. The girls follow the AQA Biology specification, new from September 2015. This specification is fully linear, with all examinations taken at the end of the course, and comprises eight units taught over two years. Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject and there are numerous opportunities to use practical experiments to link theory to reality, and to equip the students with the essential practical skills they need. The A Level only units cover the following topics: • Biological molecules • Cells • Organisms and exchange of substances with their environment • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms • Energy transfers in and between organisms • Organisms and response to changes in their internal and external environments • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems • The control of gene expression
Places in Withington’s Sixth Form are limited and prospective students who wish to apply are advised to visit us on the Sixth Form Information Evening and/or one of our Open Days. If after your visit you wish to take the next step in the admission process, you should complete a Statement of Interest (the form is available from admissions@wgs.org). This will enable our Sixth Form admissions team to review the Statements of Interest submitted by candidates to gain an understanding of factors such as predicted grades and A Level subject choices, but also why candidates wish to take those subjects and their aspirations beyond school. We recommend this route for girls who know their A Level subject choices and whose predicted grades meet our entry requirements (a minimum of six 7-9 grades at GCSE, with 8-9 grades in the subjects you wish to study). After reviewing the Statements of Interest, before the end of the Autumn term, we will invite a number of candidates to submit a formal application. Once an application is received, references from current schools will be taken and an appointment made to take part in an interview. Interviews may take place in person or online. Applicants are notified of the outcome of the Sixth Form admissions process by the end of March.
The A Level is assessed by three written papers each lasting two hours. All A Level papers assess content from the specification and also relevant practical skills. The questions are a mixture of long and short response questions, a comprehension, critical analysis of experimental data and an essay.