The Edexcel Biology A Level course builds on the knowledge and understanding of I/GCSE Biology and is traditionally a very popular subject here at Downe House. It is wonderfully interesting, academically challenging and a hugely relevant subject for today’s world and the global issues we face. Biology at this level will teach you many transferable skills and contains elements of both Mathematics and Chemistry; a candidate who hopes to achieve a good grade and to enjoy the subject at A Level will be expecting to gain the highest grades in I/GCSE Chemistry and Mathematics, in addition to I/GCSE Biology.
For 16+ entry into our Sixth Form, your daughter will be required to sit three examination papers during the first week of November in the year prior to entry. Two of these papers are in subjects which your daughter is currently studying, or which she wishes to study in the Sixth Form at Downe House, as well as a General paper. These examinations are usually taken at your daughter’s current school and practice papers are available on request. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of seven I/GCSE examinations at Grade 6 (B) or above, preferably with Grade 9/8 (A*) in those subjects she wishes to study in the Sixth Form. If your daughter does not follow an education system with formal examinations at 16+, further testing may be required and a transcript of grades acquired from their previous school. On completion of examination papers, successful candidates will be invited for an interview by the Head of Sixth Form and the Headmistress at the end of November. Offers will be made in December. There are also a number of scholarships available for pupils joining the Sixth Form. We strongly recommend early registration for your daughter. All offers and places are completed by April of the year prior to entry and availability of places in our Sixth Form is very limited.
Advanced GCE in Biology B consists of three externally examined papers and the Science Practical Endorsement. It is a linear assessment; each component will be based on the whole of the syllabus content and all three papers are taken in the Summer term of upper sixth. In the written examinations you will need to be able to express yourself very clearly in writing; many of the questions require detailed consideration and evaluation of experimental results and biological concepts. Synoptic questions in these examinations will require you to demonstrate your accumulated knowledge and understanding of a topic or subject area and demonstrate your ability to combine your skills, knowledge and understanding with breadth and depth of the subject. Overall, a minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematical skills, hence the importance of being competent and confident in this area.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | West Berkshire |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £47,760 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Day £35,520 |
| Address | Cold Ash, Thatcham, RG18 9JJ |
The Edexcel Biology A Level course builds on the knowledge and understanding of I/GCSE Biology and is traditionally a very popular subject here at Downe House. It is wonderfully interesting, academically challenging and a hugely relevant subject for today’s world and the global issues we face. Biology at this level will teach you many transferable skills and contains elements of both Mathematics and Chemistry; a candidate who hopes to achieve a good grade and to enjoy the subject at A Level will be expecting to gain the highest grades in I/GCSE Chemistry and Mathematics, in addition to I/GCSE Biology.
For 16+ entry into our Sixth Form, your daughter will be required to sit three examination papers during the first week of November in the year prior to entry. Two of these papers are in subjects which your daughter is currently studying, or which she wishes to study in the Sixth Form at Downe House, as well as a General paper. These examinations are usually taken at your daughter’s current school and practice papers are available on request. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of seven I/GCSE examinations at Grade 6 (B) or above, preferably with Grade 9/8 (A*) in those subjects she wishes to study in the Sixth Form. If your daughter does not follow an education system with formal examinations at 16+, further testing may be required and a transcript of grades acquired from their previous school. On completion of examination papers, successful candidates will be invited for an interview by the Head of Sixth Form and the Headmistress at the end of November. Offers will be made in December. There are also a number of scholarships available for pupils joining the Sixth Form. We strongly recommend early registration for your daughter. All offers and places are completed by April of the year prior to entry and availability of places in our Sixth Form is very limited.
Advanced GCE in Biology B consists of three externally examined papers and the Science Practical Endorsement. It is a linear assessment; each component will be based on the whole of the syllabus content and all three papers are taken in the Summer term of upper sixth. In the written examinations you will need to be able to express yourself very clearly in writing; many of the questions require detailed consideration and evaluation of experimental results and biological concepts. Synoptic questions in these examinations will require you to demonstrate your accumulated knowledge and understanding of a topic or subject area and demonstrate your ability to combine your skills, knowledge and understanding with breadth and depth of the subject. Overall, a minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematical skills, hence the importance of being competent and confident in this area.