The Biology syllabus comprises four themes - Form and function, Unity and diversity, Continuity and change, and Interaction and interdependence which are used as a lens to approach the scale of life in biology ranging from the molecules and cells of organisms to ecosystems and the biosphere. The content is further arranged into topics, examples include ‘integration of body systems’, ‘enzymes and metabolism’ and ‘membranes and membrane transport’. Each topic has guiding questions as signposts for inquiry such as ‘What physical and chemical properties of water make it essential for life?’ and ‘What intermediate stages could there have been between non-living matter and the first living cells?’. Each topic also has linking questions to aid in networking knowledge across the different themes and levels of organisation such as ‘How do multicellular organisms solve the problem of access to materials for all their cells?’ and ‘What processes happen in cycles at each level of biological organization?’
You should achieve a grade 7 or above in GCSE Biology to study A level or the IB HL course. A grade 6 is a recommended minimum grade for the standard level course, provided you have shown consistent application to this subject previously. A grade 7 in Mathematics is also recommended with a minimum of a grade 6.
How will I be assessed? You will be assessed by two externally assessed examination papers at the end of the course and an internally assessed scientific investigation: Paper 1 (1 hour and 30 minutes) 36% • Paper 1A—Multiple-choice questions • Paper 1B—Data-based questions (four questions that are syllabus-related, addressing all themes) Paper 2 (1 hour and 30 minutes) 44% • Section A—Data-based and short answer questions • Section B—Extended-response questions Internal assessment (10 hours) 20% The internal assessment consists of one task: the scientific investigation. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Bristol, City of |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £17,385 |
| Address | University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SR |
The Biology syllabus comprises four themes - Form and function, Unity and diversity, Continuity and change, and Interaction and interdependence which are used as a lens to approach the scale of life in biology ranging from the molecules and cells of organisms to ecosystems and the biosphere. The content is further arranged into topics, examples include ‘integration of body systems’, ‘enzymes and metabolism’ and ‘membranes and membrane transport’. Each topic has guiding questions as signposts for inquiry such as ‘What physical and chemical properties of water make it essential for life?’ and ‘What intermediate stages could there have been between non-living matter and the first living cells?’. Each topic also has linking questions to aid in networking knowledge across the different themes and levels of organisation such as ‘How do multicellular organisms solve the problem of access to materials for all their cells?’ and ‘What processes happen in cycles at each level of biological organization?’
You should achieve a grade 7 or above in GCSE Biology to study A level or the IB HL course. A grade 6 is a recommended minimum grade for the standard level course, provided you have shown consistent application to this subject previously. A grade 7 in Mathematics is also recommended with a minimum of a grade 6.
How will I be assessed? You will be assessed by two externally assessed examination papers at the end of the course and an internally assessed scientific investigation: Paper 1 (1 hour and 30 minutes) 36% • Paper 1A—Multiple-choice questions • Paper 1B—Data-based questions (four questions that are syllabus-related, addressing all themes) Paper 2 (1 hour and 30 minutes) 44% • Section A—Data-based and short answer questions • Section B—Extended-response questions Internal assessment (10 hours) 20% The internal assessment consists of one task: the scientific investigation. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.