Biology A Level
Course Summary
How do the combination of diet and genetics affect your risk of heart disease? How does genetic fingerprinting work? Can we clone humans or genetically engineer their eye colour or intelligence? If you are interested in the answers to these and lots of other exciting and topical questions, then Biology is for you.
The course comprises lots of relevant practical work from dissection of fish gills to looking at the ultrastructure of cells using microscopy. Theory sessions will include the digestive system, gas exchange in the lungs and in other organisms, immunology and heart disease. You will also study the growth of populations in different countries, photosynthesis, nerves, muscles and cutting edge DNA technologies. You will attend a one week field course residential at a Field Studies Centre in The Lake District in June of the lower sixth. This will be an intensive week of work out in the field where you will learn about field work, populations and the factors affecting their distribution.
Key topics include:
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- The control of gene expression
Where might it lead
If you are considering applying to university to study biology, zoology, ecology, animal science, marine biology, life sciences, medicine, environmental science, forensic science or any other subject related to the natural world.
Possible career choices that require A-level biology include: biological testing, biotechnology, independent research, food industry jobs, nutrition, medicine, doctor, nurse, vet, zoologist, zookeeper, animal care, veterinary nurse, scientist, amongst a huge range of others
Student perspective
“The teachers are so enthusiastic about Biology and the opportunity to go on the Blencathra Field Course in the lower sixth made the Ecology part of the syllabus really interesting – and it was great fun!”
Lydia Parr
Entrance Criteria
In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above
Plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Science.
Assessment Criteria
A Level Biology
3 written papers, 2 worth 35% of A Level and one worth 30% of A Level. Each paper 2 hours
Exam Board
AQA
Chemistry A Level
Course Summary
A Level Chemistry will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of chemistry. It covers the key concepts of chemistry and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. This combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes the prospect of studying A Level Chemistry highly appealing. You will learn about chemistry in a range of different contexts and the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. You will learn to investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts.
Y12 Modules
Foundations in chemistry, Periodic table and energy, core organic chemistry
Y13 Modules
Physical chemistry and transition elements, organic chemistry and analysis
Practical Skills in chemistry are assessed continually throughout the course.
Where might it lead
Chemistry students gain an excellent range of skills, including numeracy, problem-solving, data handling, analysis, observation, team working, report writing and laboratory skills. Apart from for a Chemistry degree, Chemistry A level is a must have qualification for Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Chemical engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Biochemistry. Chemistry is also highly recommended for those students wishing to take degrees in the biological sciences.
Entrance Criteria
In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above
Plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Science.
Assessment Criteria
A Level Chemistry
Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (100 marks) 2 hr 15 mins 37%
Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques (100 marks) 2 hr 15 mins 37%
Paper 3: Unified Chemistry (70 marks) 1 hr 30 mins 26%
Non Exam: Practical endorsement Pass/Fail reported separately
Exam Board
OCR
Physics A Level
Course Summary
Do you want to investigate the limits of the known universe, the beginning of time and everything in between? Are you intrigued by the fundamental questions of human curiosity such as how did we get here and are we alone in the universe? How about understanding how the technology around you works or simply wanting to help people get better when they are ill? Whatever you do, the skills and knowledge you gain by studying physics will be useful.
Physics is the intellectual challenge of discovering the fundamental rules by which the universe works. Hence Physics is the key to today’s ‘must have’ technologies: mobile phones and tablets, MP3 players, the Internet. However, Physics is also the hunt for the building blocks of nature, the development of non-invasive medical diagnostic and treatment processes, the search for valuable resources and life on other planets, the development of sustainable energy sources.
Studying A-Level Physics you will enable you to gain an awareness of the on-going development of new ideas in physics and of the application of in-depth knowledge of well-established topics. For example, you will be provided with a grounding in both the practical and theoretical study of astrophysics and develop your understanding of the main methods of acquiring information about the Universe, how that information is used to analyse astronomical objects and modern theories on cosmology.
Key topics include:
- Particle physics
- Quantum Phenomena
- Mechanics • Materials
- Field theory
- Astrophysics
Where might it lead
The employment prospects for those with qualifications in physics are generally good. These prospects extend into a wide range of industries, IT, medicine, high finance, marketing, business and management. You would expect, of course, physics to be very important in industry. After all, making things involves electricity, energy, forces, robotics, and so on – all major areas of what we call physics. Medical physics applies science, technology and engineering to improve our health and wellbeing and can, therefore, give particular satisfaction.
Student perspective
“I took A-Level Physics in order to challenge myself and because I find it a fascinating subject. Despite the huge stepup from GCSE, the engaging teaching has ensured the perfect pace to learn, and has maintained an interesting way of developing and applying my knowledge.”
Ella Davies
Entrance Criteria
In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above
Plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Science.
Assessment Criteria
A Level Physics
Three written exams each 2 hrs with equal weighting
Exam Board
AQA