Biology is a well-respected academic subject that cultivates a wide range of transferable skills. Pupils learn biological facts but also how to interpret data and transfer information from one form to another. They work independently and collaborate with others for practical work and presentations. There are opportunities to develop and share personal interests within the subject. Communication skills are at the heart of Biology and pupils gain a basic knowledge of statistical tools as well as learning how to use spreadsheets for data manipulation. This aids clear communication and evaluation of data: essential skills in any walk of life. The A Level course is divided into eight topics that consider the fundamental principles of all the Life Sciences. The topics build on knowledge gained at GCSE and develop a greater depth of understanding. Practical investigations and skills are a key part of the course and enable links to be made to wider world science.
Biology is a good pathway to many university courses and scientific careers. These include Biological Sciences, Medicine, Microbiology, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Psychology, Agriculture and Environmental Science. A Level Biology includes some Biochemistry and Mathematics, both of which are taught as part of the course. Whilst it is not essential to study other A Level sciences to be successful at A Level Biology, subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Psychology are a good complement. It is important to be aware that if you hope to study courses such as Biological Sciences, Medicine or Nutrition at University you may also be required to have Chemistry A Level.
Biology is examined by three end-of-course written examinations, each of which is two hours long. • Paper 1: 35% of A-Level Questions on topics 1-4 • Paper 2: 35% of A-Level Questions on topics 5-8 • Paper 3: 30% of A-Level Questions on any content including a synoptic essay and critical analysis of experimental data Teachers also assess practical skills (based on a minimum of 12 required practicals) against Common Practical Assessment Criteria. Pupils who achieve the required level of competency receive a practical endorsement pass grade. This is separate from their A Level grade and a pass is a requirement for some university courses.
About Education Provider
Region | South West |
Local Authority | Dorset |
Ofsted Rating | |
Gender Type | Girls |
ISI Report | |
Boarding Fee | Unknown |
Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
Address | Bradford Road, Sherborne, DT9 3QN |
Biology is a well-respected academic subject that cultivates a wide range of transferable skills. Pupils learn biological facts but also how to interpret data and transfer information from one form to another. They work independently and collaborate with others for practical work and presentations. There are opportunities to develop and share personal interests within the subject. Communication skills are at the heart of Biology and pupils gain a basic knowledge of statistical tools as well as learning how to use spreadsheets for data manipulation. This aids clear communication and evaluation of data: essential skills in any walk of life. The A Level course is divided into eight topics that consider the fundamental principles of all the Life Sciences. The topics build on knowledge gained at GCSE and develop a greater depth of understanding. Practical investigations and skills are a key part of the course and enable links to be made to wider world science.
Biology is a good pathway to many university courses and scientific careers. These include Biological Sciences, Medicine, Microbiology, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Psychology, Agriculture and Environmental Science. A Level Biology includes some Biochemistry and Mathematics, both of which are taught as part of the course. Whilst it is not essential to study other A Level sciences to be successful at A Level Biology, subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Psychology are a good complement. It is important to be aware that if you hope to study courses such as Biological Sciences, Medicine or Nutrition at University you may also be required to have Chemistry A Level.
Biology is examined by three end-of-course written examinations, each of which is two hours long. • Paper 1: 35% of A-Level Questions on topics 1-4 • Paper 2: 35% of A-Level Questions on topics 5-8 • Paper 3: 30% of A-Level Questions on any content including a synoptic essay and critical analysis of experimental data Teachers also assess practical skills (based on a minimum of 12 required practicals) against Common Practical Assessment Criteria. Pupils who achieve the required level of competency receive a practical endorsement pass grade. This is separate from their A Level grade and a pass is a requirement for some university courses.