Biology

We would expect students to have met the expectations for entry to 6th form and to have a grade 6 in Biology. We welcome conversations with individual students about their suitability for the course.

In order to be able to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for AS/A2 Biology, it is important that students have acquired competence in certain areas of mathematics and have acquired good practical and Investigative skills at GCSE level. In the exams, a lot of emphasis is placed on the ability to interpret, analyse and explain. 

Core Content

  1. Biological molecules
  2. Cells
  3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  5. Energy transfers in and between organisms
  6. Organisms respond to change in their internal and external environments
  7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
  8. The control of gene expression

What’s assessed A Level Paper 1

  •         Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills
  •         Written exam: 2 hours
  •         91 marks
  •         35% of A Level

Questions

  •         76 marks: mixture of short and long answer questions
  •         15 marks: extended response questions

What’s assessed A Level Paper 2

  •         Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills
  •         Written exam: 2 hours
  •         91 marks
  •         35% of A Level

Questions

  •         76 marks: mixture of short and long answer questions
  •         15 marks: extended comprehension question

What’s assessed A Level Paper 3

  •         Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills
  •         Written exam: 2 hours
  •         78 marks
  •         30% of A Level

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

Skills Required:

  •         Maths – 10% of the marks will require Higher GCSE Maths skills.
  •         Students need to be confident in all three areas of science at GCSE.
  •         High level investigative skills are essential as these skills are assessed within the written papers.

All students will be asked to attend the Biology Field Course in the last week of the Summer Term in Year 12.  The cost is approximately £270.  Students and parents/guardians may wish to plan ahead for this event.  Detailed information will be given to Y12 students in September.

If you have any further queries about this subject please email enquiries@beverleyj6.co.uk

Career Opportunities

Research, environmental sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, food science, education, Medical science (including bio-medical science), medicine/dentistry/veterinary studies, physiotherapy, nursing, pharmaceutical industry.