This is an academically challenging course which is highly respected by universities. This course will give you the skills, knowledge and understanding to make decisions about the way Biology affects your everyday life, by applying concepts to contemporary areas of Biology and highlighting its relevance to scientific developments. Pupils will be expected to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: apply knowledge and understanding in a theoretical and practical context as well as interpret both qualitative and quantitative data: analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including making judgements, reaching conclusions and developing and refining practical design and procedures. Additionally, this is an experimental subject, so your education involves both learning concepts in a traditional setting as well as a great deal of practical work. In Year 1: Biological molecules, cells, and organisms exchange substances with the environment, genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. In Year 2: Energy transfers in and between organisms, organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems, and control of gene expression. Pupils will complete required and additional ‘teacher’ practicals throughout the two-year course, designed to help develop investigative skills, and experience using a variety of practical equipment and reinforce concepts encountered in the AQA specification. This practical work will include a three-day residential field trip to a field studies centre in Surrey, where the pupils will complete the majority of their learning on Ecology topics.
Sixth Form candidates are encouraged to apply in the Autumn Term of the year preceding entry and are generally required to have a minimum of two 7 and three 6 grades at GCSE, and a minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English, with some subject-specific requirements, as listed in our Sixth Form Curriculum Guide. In addition to the ‘traditional’ A Level offer, in September 2023, the School introduced BTEC in Sport. This pathway was open to elite performers who are linked with our Saracens Partnership. Grade 7 in Biology and Chemistry components of combined science. If taking Combined Science we would expect your mark in the Biology component to be of at least 7 standard. Grade 7 in GCSE Maths and Grade 6 English Language are also required.
The course is assessed by three written examinations. All papers will consist of a mixture of short and long answer questions, extended responses, comprehension questions and an essay for the final paper. Throughout the papers there will also be questions related to practical techniques and the final paper will include critical analysis of given experimental data. A separate assessment of ‘practical competency’ will assess the ability of pupils in practical skills at A Level over a series of 12 core practicals. The practical grade is reported as ‘pass’ or ‘not reported’ but does not affect the overall A Level grade.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Barnet |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £36,795 - £43,590 |
| Sixth Form Fee | £25,800 |
| Address | The Ridgeway, Mill Hill Village, London, NW7 1QS |
This is an academically challenging course which is highly respected by universities. This course will give you the skills, knowledge and understanding to make decisions about the way Biology affects your everyday life, by applying concepts to contemporary areas of Biology and highlighting its relevance to scientific developments. Pupils will be expected to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: apply knowledge and understanding in a theoretical and practical context as well as interpret both qualitative and quantitative data: analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including making judgements, reaching conclusions and developing and refining practical design and procedures. Additionally, this is an experimental subject, so your education involves both learning concepts in a traditional setting as well as a great deal of practical work. In Year 1: Biological molecules, cells, and organisms exchange substances with the environment, genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. In Year 2: Energy transfers in and between organisms, organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems, and control of gene expression. Pupils will complete required and additional ‘teacher’ practicals throughout the two-year course, designed to help develop investigative skills, and experience using a variety of practical equipment and reinforce concepts encountered in the AQA specification. This practical work will include a three-day residential field trip to a field studies centre in Surrey, where the pupils will complete the majority of their learning on Ecology topics.
Sixth Form candidates are encouraged to apply in the Autumn Term of the year preceding entry and are generally required to have a minimum of two 7 and three 6 grades at GCSE, and a minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English, with some subject-specific requirements, as listed in our Sixth Form Curriculum Guide. In addition to the ‘traditional’ A Level offer, in September 2023, the School introduced BTEC in Sport. This pathway was open to elite performers who are linked with our Saracens Partnership. Grade 7 in Biology and Chemistry components of combined science. If taking Combined Science we would expect your mark in the Biology component to be of at least 7 standard. Grade 7 in GCSE Maths and Grade 6 English Language are also required.
The course is assessed by three written examinations. All papers will consist of a mixture of short and long answer questions, extended responses, comprehension questions and an essay for the final paper. Throughout the papers there will also be questions related to practical techniques and the final paper will include critical analysis of given experimental data. A separate assessment of ‘practical competency’ will assess the ability of pupils in practical skills at A Level over a series of 12 core practicals. The practical grade is reported as ‘pass’ or ‘not reported’ but does not affect the overall A Level grade.