Biology
Sixth Form
Biology
Course title: AQA GCE A Level Biology (7402), AQA-7401-7402-SP-2015.PDF
What are the knowledge and skills that students will gain over Key Stage 5?
The A-level biology curriculum is a stepping stone to future study and builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired at GCSE. At John Colet we aim to inspire students, nurture a passion for Biology and lay the groundwork for further study in courses such as the biological sciences and medicine.
Students will
- develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas and how they relate to each other
- develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
- develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
- understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how biology contribute to the success of the economy and society
A level biology is underpinned by three Assessment Objectives:
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures in a theoretical and practical context
AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information
The assessment of practical skills is a compulsory requirement of the course and includes a minimum of 12 practical activities to be carried out by each student will be assessed against Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). The CPAC are based on the requirements of the subject content requirements published by the Department for Education, and define the minimum standard required for the achievement of a pass. Each student will keep an appropriate record of their practical work, including their assessed practical activities.
Year 12
- Biological Molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information and relationships between organisms
Year 13
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Organisms’ responses to change in their internal and external environment
- Genetic populations, evolution and ecosystems
- The control of gene expression
Why is it delivered in this way?
The A Level biology course is taught in a way that ensures students who choose to complete the advanced course are already familiar with the AQA specification ensuring the terminology, resources and exam style experienced throughout their GCSE studies aid in the transition.
The subject content is relevant to real world experiences, engaging for learners and interesting to teach, and is presented in a straightforward way. Scaffolding is inherent in the design of the curriculum due to the order of the topics and students have many opportunities to revisit key understanding at GCSE to help build on prior knowledge.
Students are encouraged to develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject, how they relate to each other and understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how biology contributes to the success of the economy and society.