Biology

Course summary

The Biology department aims to foster inquisitiveness and develop thinking skills through an active and inclusive program of study across all years. Practical skills are continually developed and remain a core area of lessons daily. Pupils are encouraged to utilise all their skills across all three of the science disciplines. In the sixth form, A level Biology is studied via the OCR A specification: • Development of practical skills in biology • Foundations in biology • Exchange and transport • Biodiversity, evolution and disease • Communication, homeostasis and energy • Genetics, evolution and ecosystems Biology is the science of life. It involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths. Biology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, zoology, marine biology or forensic science. Ideas are built upon from GCSE and applications of biology in the scientific community are developed throughout the course. The course is split into six modules, all of which are examined via three written papers at the end of the course. Practical skills are examined in the written papers but this also forms the “Practical Endorsement” that is reported separately from the A level and tests a pupil’s practical ability via a series of core experiments. A pupil’s performance in these experiments is reported and verified by the examination board but does not contribute towards the A-level grade.