Biology

Biology is a popular and enjoyable A Level course which is delivered by experienced specialist teachers. We follow the EDUQAS A Level Biology specification. The course is well balanced covering all the main areas in Biology and allows students, as in the past, to go on to specialise in specific areas of biological interest at university.

Practical work is an intrinsic part of this specification at A Level and practical activities will be carried out throughout the course and recorded in a lab book. Students who demonstrate the required standard in the use of the necessary apparatus and techniques will receive a pass grade. This will appear on the final A Level certificate alongside the overall grade awarded.

Specialist Teachers

Our 5 specialist teachers are committed to providing as much individual support as you need. Each have a strong academic background and the department has an outstanding track record of exam results. Typically you have two teachers who will be timetabled for six lessons in total.

EDUQAS Qualification

We follow the EDUQAS (part of WJEC exam board) qualification providing a comprehensive programme of study which best prepares students for University courses. EDUQAS also provide high quality support and well-written textbooks which students find very helpful.

Assessment

Three 2 hour papers taken at the end of Year 13, each worth a third of the overall grade:

  • Component 1: Energy for Life

  • Component 2: Continuity of Life

  • Component 3: Requirements for Life

Practical Endorsement

  • Introduced in response to requests from universities to prepare students for practical work.

  • Does not contribute to the overall mark and is recorded as either pass or fail.

  • A pass is required to complete the course and fulfil offers for further education.

Curriculum Structure at KS5


Half Term


Year 12


Autumn 1


Biochemistry


Cell Structure and Mitosis


Autumn 2


Enzymes


Cell Membranes and Transport


Spring 1


Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis


Adaptations for Gas Exchange


Spring 2


Classification and Biodiversity


Adaptations for Transport in Animals


Summer 1


Adaptations for nutrition


Adaptations for Transport in Plants


Summer 2


Population Size and Ecosystems


Meiosis and Reproduction in Flowering Plants


                     Year 13


Autumn 1


Human Impact on the Environment


Importance of ATP


Autumn 2


Inheritance


Respiration


Spring 1


Variation and Evolution


Photosynthesis and Minerals


Spring 2


Application of Reproduction and Genetics


Sexual Reproduction in Humans


Summer 1


The Nervous System


Microbiology


Summer 2


Option A: Immunology and Disease


Homeostasis and The Kidney

 

Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas A Level Biology
For further details, please visit:  http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/biology/as-a-level/

For further information about the Biology curriculum please contact:
Miss C Errington 
Head of Biology
cerrington@stmaryschesterfield.org.uk