Entry requirements: Minimum academic requirements. In addition, it is essential that students achieve a grade 6 or higher in Combined Science or Biology GCSE and grade 6 or higher in Maths and English at GCSE and have a good positive attitude to study Biology. Course content: 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells, viruses and reproduction of living things 3. Classification and biodiversity 4. Exchange and transport 5. Energy for biological processes 6. Microbiology and pathogens 7. Modern genetics 8. Origins of genetic variation Assessment: The assessment comprises of 3 exams and a practical endorsement pass or fail. 1. Paper 1: Topics 1-4, 2 hours, making up 35% of the overall grade 2. Paper 2: Topics 5-8, 2 hours, making up 35% of the overall grade 3. Paper 3: Topics 1-8 including a synoptic essay, 2 hours, making up 30% of the overall grade All exams will be sat at the end of year 13 as we will be following the full A-Level route in science. Why Biology at Samuel Ryder Academy? The AQA A-Level Biology course is designed to encourage candidates to further develop enthusiasm for Biology improving their depth of understanding of many concepts learnt at GCSE. There will be opportunities to advance practical skills and also learn new ones, all backed up with scientific understanding and application. Students will appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Biology at A-Level will help them develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works. The subject is taught by two specialist Biology teachers who are deeply enthusiastic about the course. Due to the change in curriculum, the school has also bought in new equipment that will aid in the development of practical skills to fully support everyone passing the practical competency. Expectations of students: Students wanting to follow this course should enjoy science in general and be interested in developing an understanding of how science works around us. Students are expected to be punctual to lessons and engaged at all times. They will need to increase the number of hours spent at home embedding concepts taught in lesson. Students need to have the realisation that the course consists of many fundamental abstract concepts that need to be covered before going onto the more specific biological processes. Enthusiasm for learning and an enquiring mind will help students make a success of their A-Level Biology studies. Career paths: Biology is an important qualification for entry into careers with a life sciences background. A-Level Biology may be the start of a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, environmental science, research, pharmacology, genetics, marine biology, botany, sports science, physiotherapy and many more.
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Drakes Drive, St Albans, AL1 5AR |
Entry requirements: Minimum academic requirements. In addition, it is essential that students achieve a grade 6 or higher in Combined Science or Biology GCSE and grade 6 or higher in Maths and English at GCSE and have a good positive attitude to study Biology. Course content: 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells, viruses and reproduction of living things 3. Classification and biodiversity 4. Exchange and transport 5. Energy for biological processes 6. Microbiology and pathogens 7. Modern genetics 8. Origins of genetic variation Assessment: The assessment comprises of 3 exams and a practical endorsement pass or fail. 1. Paper 1: Topics 1-4, 2 hours, making up 35% of the overall grade 2. Paper 2: Topics 5-8, 2 hours, making up 35% of the overall grade 3. Paper 3: Topics 1-8 including a synoptic essay, 2 hours, making up 30% of the overall grade All exams will be sat at the end of year 13 as we will be following the full A-Level route in science. Why Biology at Samuel Ryder Academy? The AQA A-Level Biology course is designed to encourage candidates to further develop enthusiasm for Biology improving their depth of understanding of many concepts learnt at GCSE. There will be opportunities to advance practical skills and also learn new ones, all backed up with scientific understanding and application. Students will appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Biology at A-Level will help them develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works. The subject is taught by two specialist Biology teachers who are deeply enthusiastic about the course. Due to the change in curriculum, the school has also bought in new equipment that will aid in the development of practical skills to fully support everyone passing the practical competency. Expectations of students: Students wanting to follow this course should enjoy science in general and be interested in developing an understanding of how science works around us. Students are expected to be punctual to lessons and engaged at all times. They will need to increase the number of hours spent at home embedding concepts taught in lesson. Students need to have the realisation that the course consists of many fundamental abstract concepts that need to be covered before going onto the more specific biological processes. Enthusiasm for learning and an enquiring mind will help students make a success of their A-Level Biology studies. Career paths: Biology is an important qualification for entry into careers with a life sciences background. A-Level Biology may be the start of a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, environmental science, research, pharmacology, genetics, marine biology, botany, sports science, physiotherapy and many more.