Biology is an exciting and rapidly developing subject with a central place in the future of our society. Every week Biology is in the news with developments in our understanding of genetics, evolution and disease. A qualification in Biology aims to not only equip students with sound scientific knowledge and understanding of biological concepts and scientific processes but to also offer opportunities to explore the ethical and moral issues related to the effects of human activities on biological systems. We offer a two-year course, leading to an A-level qualification in Biology. Students will be following the new OCR Biology A specification H420 (new in 2015). The new Biology A level includes a much greater emphasis on the analysis and evaluation of experiments, and 10% of marks awarded are for mathematical calculations. Strong GCSEs in Sciences, Mathematics and English are therefore recommended; the most successful students typically follow a programme of study that includes other science and/or Maths A levels. This A-level course does not have practical coursework included. Each science A level has a separate practical endorsement which students will work towards throughout the two-year course. Assessment is by the student’s teachers, with external monitoring, and students will be awarded either a pass or fail for this component of the course. Learning through investigation and acquiring good practical skills are vital to preparing for the written examination papers as well as being an essential component of studying Biology at A level and beyond.
To clarify our admission policy, we do not adopt a rigid policy. Our primary criterion is the ability to demonstrate the motivation and commitment as well as the background skills, knowledge and aptitude necessary to complete the A-level courses successfully. These cannot always be easily defined and our preference is to evaluate these factors on an individual basis, where possible. However, in general, we would expect at least grade B passes (or grade 6) at GCSE across the range of subjects, particularly those relevant to A-level subject choices. The exception to this is Mathematics, Modern Languages and Science where we expect at least A grades. The academic profile of our A-level students varies, although the majority have obtained at least A and B grades at GCSE.
The full A-level GCE qualification is made up of the following six units: 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 These units will be assessed in three written papers, Biological processes, Biological diversity and Unified biology.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Barnet |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | Lodge House, Lodge Road, London, NW4 4DQ |
Biology is an exciting and rapidly developing subject with a central place in the future of our society. Every week Biology is in the news with developments in our understanding of genetics, evolution and disease. A qualification in Biology aims to not only equip students with sound scientific knowledge and understanding of biological concepts and scientific processes but to also offer opportunities to explore the ethical and moral issues related to the effects of human activities on biological systems. We offer a two-year course, leading to an A-level qualification in Biology. Students will be following the new OCR Biology A specification H420 (new in 2015). The new Biology A level includes a much greater emphasis on the analysis and evaluation of experiments, and 10% of marks awarded are for mathematical calculations. Strong GCSEs in Sciences, Mathematics and English are therefore recommended; the most successful students typically follow a programme of study that includes other science and/or Maths A levels. This A-level course does not have practical coursework included. Each science A level has a separate practical endorsement which students will work towards throughout the two-year course. Assessment is by the student’s teachers, with external monitoring, and students will be awarded either a pass or fail for this component of the course. Learning through investigation and acquiring good practical skills are vital to preparing for the written examination papers as well as being an essential component of studying Biology at A level and beyond.
To clarify our admission policy, we do not adopt a rigid policy. Our primary criterion is the ability to demonstrate the motivation and commitment as well as the background skills, knowledge and aptitude necessary to complete the A-level courses successfully. These cannot always be easily defined and our preference is to evaluate these factors on an individual basis, where possible. However, in general, we would expect at least grade B passes (or grade 6) at GCSE across the range of subjects, particularly those relevant to A-level subject choices. The exception to this is Mathematics, Modern Languages and Science where we expect at least A grades. The academic profile of our A-level students varies, although the majority have obtained at least A and B grades at GCSE.
The full A-level GCE qualification is made up of the following six units: 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 These units will be assessed in three written papers, Biological processes, Biological diversity and Unified biology.