Biology is a very relevant, stimulating and demanding A-level subject. Successful candidates are scientifically minded, numerate and able to articulate ideas and concepts on paper in a clear, logical way. It is well supported by Chemistry and Mathematics A-levels which, along with Biology, should be taken by boys who intend to study Biological Sciences, Medicine or Veterinary Medicine at university.
We welcome applications from boys who: are likely to be predicted at least seven or eight passes at GCSE (or equivalent) at grade 7/8/9 (A/A*);
One – Development of practical skills in Biology Two – Foundations in Biology • Cell structure • Biological molecules • Nucleotides and nucleic acids • Enzymes • Biological membranes • Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation Three – Exchange and transport g Exchange surfaces g Transport in animals g Transport in plants Four – Biodiversity, evolution and disease • Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system • Biodiversity • Classification and evolution Five – Communication, homeostasis and energy • Communication and homeostasis • Excretion as an example of homeostatic control • Neuronal communication • Hormonal communication g Plant and animal responses • Photosynthesis g Respiration Six – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems g Cellular control • Patterns of inheritance • Manipulating genomes • Cloning and biotechnology • Ecosystems • Populations and sustainability The course is assessed by three written exams at the end of the Upper Sixth. Paper One (2 hours 15 minutes, 37% of marks) g Based on modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 g Multiple-choice, short-answer and extended response questions Paper Two (2 hours 15 minutes, 37% of marks) g Based on modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 g Multiple-choice, short-answer and extended response questions Paper Three (1 hour 30 minutes, 26% of marks) g Based on all modules g Short-answer and extended-response questions There is a significant emphasis on mathematical skills, which account for at least 10% of the marks across all three papers. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; practical skills are examined solely in the written papers. However, there is a practical endorsement to fulfil, which requires that a minimum of 12 key practical activities be undertaken and a range of practical competencies met. These are assessed internally. A ‘pass’ for this component of the course is published alongside the A-level grade that a candidate achieves.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Harrow |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Boys |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £50,550 |
| Address | 5 High Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill, HA1 3HP |
Biology is a very relevant, stimulating and demanding A-level subject. Successful candidates are scientifically minded, numerate and able to articulate ideas and concepts on paper in a clear, logical way. It is well supported by Chemistry and Mathematics A-levels which, along with Biology, should be taken by boys who intend to study Biological Sciences, Medicine or Veterinary Medicine at university.
We welcome applications from boys who: are likely to be predicted at least seven or eight passes at GCSE (or equivalent) at grade 7/8/9 (A/A*);
One – Development of practical skills in Biology Two – Foundations in Biology • Cell structure • Biological molecules • Nucleotides and nucleic acids • Enzymes • Biological membranes • Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation Three – Exchange and transport g Exchange surfaces g Transport in animals g Transport in plants Four – Biodiversity, evolution and disease • Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system • Biodiversity • Classification and evolution Five – Communication, homeostasis and energy • Communication and homeostasis • Excretion as an example of homeostatic control • Neuronal communication • Hormonal communication g Plant and animal responses • Photosynthesis g Respiration Six – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems g Cellular control • Patterns of inheritance • Manipulating genomes • Cloning and biotechnology • Ecosystems • Populations and sustainability The course is assessed by three written exams at the end of the Upper Sixth. Paper One (2 hours 15 minutes, 37% of marks) g Based on modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 g Multiple-choice, short-answer and extended response questions Paper Two (2 hours 15 minutes, 37% of marks) g Based on modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 g Multiple-choice, short-answer and extended response questions Paper Three (1 hour 30 minutes, 26% of marks) g Based on all modules g Short-answer and extended-response questions There is a significant emphasis on mathematical skills, which account for at least 10% of the marks across all three papers. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; practical skills are examined solely in the written papers. However, there is a practical endorsement to fulfil, which requires that a minimum of 12 key practical activities be undertaken and a range of practical competencies met. These are assessed internally. A ‘pass’ for this component of the course is published alongside the A-level grade that a candidate achieves.