Biology is an exciting and popular subject in the Sixth Form, covering a wide range of topics and skills. A-level study will help nurture a passion for biology, lay the foundations for further study and careers in biological sciences and medicine. The A-level course continues to develop analytical and practical skills within a scientific framework leading on from GCSE. There are three written examinations for A-level. 15% of the total A-level marks will be for practical knowledge and understanding and this will be based on 12 core practical tasks which will be assessed in the written papers. 10% of biology exams will assess mathematical skills at higher tier GCSE level. There is a fieldwork component to units in both Year 12 and Year 13. Pupils will study a variety of ecological sites including woodland, rocky shore and sand dunes. The fieldwork will cover both theoretical and practical components of the courses. Biology is a very popular A-level course and combines well with chemistry, geography, psychology, PE, physics and mathematics. Studying biology can prepare students for a wide range of biologically-oriented degrees and careers from anatomy to zoology, via newer degrees such as biomedical science or molecular biology. The skills learnt in analysis, reasoning and precise communication will benefit the student in any discipline and is particularly valuable for any prospective medicine or veterinary medicine applicant. Extension opportunities are offered through a popular dissection club and cooperation with Medisim, a local trauma surgeon working on cost-effective models for training medics.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £9,090 - £20,640; Boarding £27,090 - £40,290 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | West Buckland, Barnstaple, EX32 0SX |
Biology is an exciting and popular subject in the Sixth Form, covering a wide range of topics and skills. A-level study will help nurture a passion for biology, lay the foundations for further study and careers in biological sciences and medicine. The A-level course continues to develop analytical and practical skills within a scientific framework leading on from GCSE. There are three written examinations for A-level. 15% of the total A-level marks will be for practical knowledge and understanding and this will be based on 12 core practical tasks which will be assessed in the written papers. 10% of biology exams will assess mathematical skills at higher tier GCSE level. There is a fieldwork component to units in both Year 12 and Year 13. Pupils will study a variety of ecological sites including woodland, rocky shore and sand dunes. The fieldwork will cover both theoretical and practical components of the courses. Biology is a very popular A-level course and combines well with chemistry, geography, psychology, PE, physics and mathematics. Studying biology can prepare students for a wide range of biologically-oriented degrees and careers from anatomy to zoology, via newer degrees such as biomedical science or molecular biology. The skills learnt in analysis, reasoning and precise communication will benefit the student in any discipline and is particularly valuable for any prospective medicine or veterinary medicine applicant. Extension opportunities are offered through a popular dissection club and cooperation with Medisim, a local trauma surgeon working on cost-effective models for training medics.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.