A Level Biology
COURSE oVERVIEW
The study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment, at the whole organism and cellular level.
EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Grade 5 in GCSE Maths plus grade 6 and 5 from GCSE combined science (higher tier), or grade 6 in GCSE Biology.
Why study A Level biology at Blackpool Sixth?
Excellent teaching from caring and approachable staff. A structured course with quality resources, including a website, and regular assessment so students can track their progress. Enrichment opportunities including Medical Society, Science Club, Operating Theatre Live, British Biology Olympiad and links with Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Our students are motivated and go on to study a wide range of Biology related university courses.
How will I be taught?
- A very structured course, with resources consistent across all teaching staff
- Student notes provided for each topic to consolidate the key theory
- Theory lessons including individual and group work, quizzes of content and lots of exam question application from question packs
- Practical activities to prepare for the required practicals and exam questions on practical techniques
- Regular homework and graded assessments so students can track their progress and reflect on areas for improvement
- Online support including our Biology website with all resources and revision links, Google Drive resources and Google Classroom
- Advice on structured revision techniques supported by research
- Extra support sessions where required.
Teacher expertise
A team of teachers with 10-25 years experience. Between us we have degrees in a wide range of specialisms, including applied and environmental biology, marine biology, microbiology and psychology and also industry research and development experience at Syngenta. Some teachers are also examiners.
What skills will I develop?
- Practical skills
- Mathematical skills
- Application of knowledge to unfamiliar contexts
- Scientific essay writing Research and referencing
- Analysing data Drawing conclusions from evidence
How will I be assessed?
100
%- 100% exam with 3 papers (2 hours each) at the end of year 2. There are 12 required practicals assessed throughout the course which are graded pass/fail.
What will you study and other information about A Level Biology
- What will I study?
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Exchange of substances
- Genetic information and variation
- Energy transfer in and between organisms
- Responses to internal and external environments
- Population genetics and evolution
- Control of gene expression
- Equipment and Financial contributions
The science department runs several trips and educational visits throughout the year to enhance the experience of studying science. There may be other non-essential educational visits that students can access during the two-year course, such as visits to zoos and museums.
It is not essential to purchase a textbook as teachers will provide essential resources/ sources of information to support the course. There is also an online textbook available.
If students choose to purchase a textbook we recommended the following:
“AQA Biology” authors Glen Toole and Susan Toole, approximately £40 ISBN 0198351771
Students will need to purchase a 30cm clear ruler and a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the Casio fx-85G, approximately £8 – £10 (if studying maths or further maths, the upgraded calculator you buy for these courses will be sufficient).
- Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
Medical Society
Science Club
Operating Theatre Live
British Biology Olympiad
Pond Survey
Zoo Trip and conservation talk
Visiting careers speakers
Work experience support, including links with Blackpool Victoria Hospital- Medical Society
- Science Club
- Operating Theatre Live
- British Biology Olympiad
- Pond Survey
- Zoo Trip and conservation talk
- Visiting careers speakers
- Work experience support, including links with Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Where does it lead?
A Level Biology can lead to careers that are very Biology focused, but it can also help to support progression to a wide range of other areas. In recent years our students have gone on to study the following university courses: animal science, biochemistry, biological sciences, biomedical science, chemistry, criminology, dental surgery, environmental science, forensic science, geography, health and social care, human biology, medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, ocean science, oncology, palaeontology and geology, paramedic science, physiology and pharmacology, primary education, psychology, sport and exercise science, veterinary medicine, zoology.
