The Sixth Form experience in Biology at Haggerston is exciting and challenging. Our aim is to give all the students the best opportunity to begin their post-compulsory education in an environment that offers structure but at the same time allows students to take responsibility for their learning.
We are confident in our ability to support students in fulfilling their potential across a range of subjects and to educate the ‘whole person’ through our comprehensive enrichment and extra-curricular activities.
Exam Board: EDEXCEL
Biology AS and A Level (A) (Salters-Nuffield)
Entry Requirement: Grade 6 and above at GCSE combined science or GCSE Biology
Course content
Edexcel Biology AS and A level are linear qualifications. The specification is divided into eight topics.
Biology at AS-Level is a one-year course split into 4 topics. The topics for AS Biology are the same as those for the first year of A level, so that the two specifications are co-teachable. The topics covered come under the headings of Lifestyle, health and risk, Genes and health, Voice of the genome, Biodiversity and natural resources. AS Biology is a stand-alone qualification, marks achieved on AS papers do not form part of the final A level grade.
Biology at A-Level is a 2 year course split into 8 topics. The first 4 topics comprises the AS specification. The remaining 4 topics are: On the wild side, Immunity, infection and forensics, Run for your life and Grey matter. Students also carry out core practicals throughout the two years which makes up the Science Practical Endorsement. There are 18 core practicals that cover all of the 12 techniques required for the practical competency measure. Knowledge of all core practicals can be tested within exam papers. Core practicals form part of the practical competency assessment. This will give students the opportunity to use relevant apparatus and techniques to develop and demonstrate specific skills. Students will be expected to demonstrate and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills gained from the core practicals in the examinations, 10% of the examinations will be mathematically orientated.
Skills Required:
A deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works, the ability to use theories, models and ideas to develop and modify scientific explanations in biology. Students are required to develop mathematical biological skills including statistical analysis.
Overview of assessment
Edexcel Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) consists of three, equally weighted, externally examined papers.
Students are expected to carry out the nine core practical experiments that are identified in the content.
AS Paper 1 – Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health (8BN0/01)
Topics examined: 1-2
Time: 1.5 hours
Number of marks: 80
Examining style: multiple choice, short open, open response, calculations and extended writing questions. The paper will also include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.
AS Paper 2 – Development, Plant and the Environment (8BN0/02)
Topics examined: 3-4
Time: 1.5 hours
Number of marks: 80
Examining style: multiple choice, short open, open response, calculations and extended writing questions. The paper will also include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.
AS Paper 3 – General and Practical Applications in Biology (9BN0/03)
Topics examined: General paper assessing topics across the AS and A level qualifications. Questions on a pre-release article. Experimental methods (including questions on core practicals)
Time: 2 hours
Number of marks: 100
Examination style: A pre-release article will underpin one section of the paper; there will also be synoptic questions that draw on two or more different topics. The paper will also include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.
Science Practical Endorsement (9BN0/04) is internally assessed and externally monitored by Edexcel.
Career Value
Career opportunities include Biomedical research, neuroscience, ecology, forestry, clinical medicine including dentistry, podiatry, optometry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy and genetic counselling.
Enrichment
Every year the Biology A level class partake in an exciting Ecology fieldtrip for two days to complete all the practical ecology the course has to offer. The trips offer excellent first hand experiences, all linked to the curriculum. Days are packed with content, led by expert tutors and spend as much time outdoors as possible.
- Carry out fieldwork and practical learning requirements
- Link to work back at school
- Spend dedicated time outside the classroom to inspire and motivate students
- Develop life skills such as resilience, teamwork and problem solving
Homework Policy
Homework will be set every week and will take the form of online quizzes, exam questions and worksheets based on the work we are completing. There is also an expectation that students are revising on content previously covered, using the provided resources to help. Homework should be submitted on time, as this will be also be used to assess students understanding of the topic.