Biology

Assessment

The specification consists of 8 units: Biological Molecules; Cells; Exchange; Genetics & Diversity; Energy Transfer; Homeostasis and Response; Genetics, Populations and Evolution; and Control of Gene Expression. There is no coursework or controlled assessment. Instead practical skills are developed over the two years of the A level and the progress and mastery of these skills are tracked and monitored through the completion of a practical folder. There are twelve ‘core’ practical investigations that students will complete, as well as many others that will also be carried out throughout the course. The A level is examined at the end of the course with students sitting three 2 hour papers. Paper 1 is on material from Units 1-4; Paper 2 is on material from Units 5-8; and Paper 3 is on all material from Units 1-8 including a focus on all relevant practical skills. Studying Biology at Dean Close gives you the opportunity to gain an excellent understanding of a subject that underpins all human, animal and plant life and the chance to experience it at first hand, through practical work and field study, as well as to hear perspectives from experts in the field.