The qualification is linear so that the students will sit all of their A-level examinations in the summer of Year 13. In the information below, Year 1 refers to Year 12 and Year 2 refers to Year 13. Assessment structure The core content topics are numbered below and the assessment schedule is given in the table over the page. Year 1 1 Biological molecules 2 Cells 3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Year 2 5 Energy transfer in and between organisms 6 Organisms respond to changes in the environment 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8 The control of gene expression Year 2 Paper 1 Year 2 Paper 2 Year 2 Paper 3 Content From topics 1-4 Including practical skills Content From topics 5-8 Including relevant practical skills Content From topics 1-8 Including relevant practical skills Assessment Written exam: 2 hours 91 marks 35% of A -level Assessment Written exam: 2 hours 91 marks 35% of A-level Assessment Written exam 2 hours 78 marks 30% of A-level Questions 76 marks : a mixture of short and long 15 marks : extended response questions Questions 76 marks : a mixture of short and long 15 marks : comprehension question Questions 38 marks : structured questions, including practical techniques 15 marks : critical analysis of given experimental data 25 marks : One essay from a choice of two titles Practical Work There is no internal assessment that leads to marks which contribute towards the A-level grade. In other words, the controlled assessment unit or ISA at A Level has disappeared. Practical work will be assessed in the written papers. 15% of the total A level marks will be awarded for practical knowledge and understanding. A separate “endorsement” of practical work will be assessed by teachers. This will not be graded (simply a pass or fail mark). If students pass it will be reported on their certificate, otherwise it will not be reported. Students must carry out a minimum of 12 set practical activities across the two year A level. At the Blue Coat, students will have more opportunities to learn and use practical skills to link theory with practice, deepening their knowledge and understanding. You can find out more about the practical based questions by viewing the specimen examination questions and mark schemes at: aqa.org.uk/biology-guide. Teaching & Learning Methods A mixture of note taking, practical work and problem solving will be used. All the laboratories and teaching rooms have interactive whiteboards (IWB). Consequently, all teachers use the IWB on a regular basis and complement this with student centred activities. Progress tests are a regular feature as well as homework assignments geared to reinforce and enhance understanding. Independent research activities involving the internet are included in both the Year 1 and Year 2 teaching routes. Subject Combinations Most pupils support Biology by studying Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics. Although an increasing number combine Biology with Psychology or Geography. Ideally you should enjoy dealing with numbers, as statistics and data handling are important elements of the course.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Liverpool |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Church Road, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 9EE |
The qualification is linear so that the students will sit all of their A-level examinations in the summer of Year 13. In the information below, Year 1 refers to Year 12 and Year 2 refers to Year 13. Assessment structure The core content topics are numbered below and the assessment schedule is given in the table over the page. Year 1 1 Biological molecules 2 Cells 3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Year 2 5 Energy transfer in and between organisms 6 Organisms respond to changes in the environment 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8 The control of gene expression Year 2 Paper 1 Year 2 Paper 2 Year 2 Paper 3 Content From topics 1-4 Including practical skills Content From topics 5-8 Including relevant practical skills Content From topics 1-8 Including relevant practical skills Assessment Written exam: 2 hours 91 marks 35% of A -level Assessment Written exam: 2 hours 91 marks 35% of A-level Assessment Written exam 2 hours 78 marks 30% of A-level Questions 76 marks : a mixture of short and long 15 marks : extended response questions Questions 76 marks : a mixture of short and long 15 marks : comprehension question Questions 38 marks : structured questions, including practical techniques 15 marks : critical analysis of given experimental data 25 marks : One essay from a choice of two titles Practical Work There is no internal assessment that leads to marks which contribute towards the A-level grade. In other words, the controlled assessment unit or ISA at A Level has disappeared. Practical work will be assessed in the written papers. 15% of the total A level marks will be awarded for practical knowledge and understanding. A separate “endorsement” of practical work will be assessed by teachers. This will not be graded (simply a pass or fail mark). If students pass it will be reported on their certificate, otherwise it will not be reported. Students must carry out a minimum of 12 set practical activities across the two year A level. At the Blue Coat, students will have more opportunities to learn and use practical skills to link theory with practice, deepening their knowledge and understanding. You can find out more about the practical based questions by viewing the specimen examination questions and mark schemes at: aqa.org.uk/biology-guide. Teaching & Learning Methods A mixture of note taking, practical work and problem solving will be used. All the laboratories and teaching rooms have interactive whiteboards (IWB). Consequently, all teachers use the IWB on a regular basis and complement this with student centred activities. Progress tests are a regular feature as well as homework assignments geared to reinforce and enhance understanding. Independent research activities involving the internet are included in both the Year 1 and Year 2 teaching routes. Subject Combinations Most pupils support Biology by studying Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics. Although an increasing number combine Biology with Psychology or Geography. Ideally you should enjoy dealing with numbers, as statistics and data handling are important elements of the course.