Biology

A-Level

Biology A-level is linear. Assessment of a student’s knowledge and understanding of the whole course takes place at the end of two years study. Students will be expected to complete a formal end of year test at the end of Year 12.

Biology is one of the most dynamic fields of study in terms of the practical - stem cell therapy; the conceptual - the synthetic cell; and the future-memory augmentation surgery. Biology is the study of the natural world and all the living things in it, from the largest mammals down to our very own microscopic DNA. This course covers a variety of different areas of Biology including Human Physiology, Ecology, Biochemistry and Genetics. Each topic is presented using a real world setting. If you want to explore the environment around you, the interactions of organisms inhabiting it and their structure, then this is the course for you.

Year 12 - AS Level Course 

• Paper 1 - Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health: 50% of the total qualification, 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks
• Paper 2 – Development, Plants and the Environment: 50% of the total qualification, 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks 

Year 13 - A-Level Course 

• Paper 1 The Natural Environment & Species Survival: 33.33% of the overall qualification, 2 hours, 100 marks
• Paper 2 Energy, Exercise and Coordination: 33.33% of the overall qualification, 2 hours, 100 marks
• Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology: 33.33% of the total qualification, 2 hours, 100 marks

A scientific article will be pre-released eight weeks prior to the Paper 3 exam and underpin one question on the paper equating to 25% of the overall exam. This paper will also consist of synoptic questions that will draw on a maximum of two topics from topic 1-8, alongside core practical investigations completed across the whole course.

Staff Contact
Mrs K Edwards - kedwards@oxtedschool.co.uk