Has your GCSE left you with unanswered questions? How do your muscles move? What really is inside a cell? How do plants convert light into chemical energy? How do you build a body from your food? How can tiny changes in your DNA lead to cancer or the evolution of a new species?
At Hayesfield, students have the opportunity to learn in modern laboratories, on a course filled with cutting edge science delivered by a dynamic team of teachers. If you want to know more about how all organisms live, develop, function and interact then this is the course for you.
Year 1 Course Content
Year 12 is designed to delve deep into the core biological concepts. Students study the inner workings of a cell, how DNA leads to the production of proteins, how new species really evolve and how different organisms interact in their environment. All topics are supported with a wide range of stimulating experiments.
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Biology
An integrated series of experiments exploring the course content
Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
Cell biology, biochemistry, molecular transport, DNA
Module 3 – Exchange and transport
Respiratory and circulatory systems in mammals, fish and insects
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease
Human immune system, evolution and classification, ecology
Year 2 Course Content
In Year 13 we build upon the key concepts from Year 12 and investigate how every thought you’ve had has been controlled by the movement of sodium ions, how you have inherited your characteristics, how and why we clone living organisms and how cells talk to each other. All of which provides an excellent springboard for study beyond Sixth Form.
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Biology
An integrated series of experiments exploring the course content
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
Hormones, nerves, photosynthesis and respiration
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
Biotechnology, inheritance, genetic engineering, cloning, advanced evolution and ecology
Assessment
All three assessments take place at the end of Year 13 and cover the full breadth and depth of the course. The exams count for 100% of the final grade, there is no coursework component.
The exams are a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and long answer questions. There is no essay. At least 10% of the marks will be linked to maths skills, including equations and graphs.
- Biological processes – Modules 1,2,3,5
- Biological diversity – Modules 1,2,4,6
- Unified Biology – Synoptic paper covering modules 1-6
Practical endorsement
As part for the course you will study for the separate practical endorsement which is based on your competency when carrying out experiments. The practical endorsement is assessed by your teacher over the two-year course which gives you many opportunities to develop and refine your skills. The practical endorsement does not count towards your final grade.
Marking and feedback
Feedback and improvement tasks will be given after each marked piece of work, including assessments. Students will use self- and peer-assessment of their work through the use of out green and purple pens. Teachers will indicate what work will and will not be marked in order to give the students a clear idea of what is expected of them.
Setting in A Level Biology
As this is an Option block there is not setting for Biology and all students at all levels work within the same groups. This is supported through careful differentiated delivery of the curriculum.
Homework
- Homework is set in line with the school policy. The normal length of homework should be a minimum of 4 hours per week
- Homework typically includes flipped learning to support pre-learning before lessons, practice exam questions, consolidation homework, creative tasks and wider reading
- Students will be set weekly exam questions as part of their homework
Supporting your Son or Daughter in Biology
There are a variety of ways you can support your son or daughter in Biology
- Discuss science with them, whether that’s new discoveries or simply what they did at Sixth Form
- Encourage them to watch Science documentaries
- Encourage them to find out about and take part in local lectures and workshops
- Encourage them to get plenty of work experience, this is especially important if they want to study Medicine, Nursing or Veterinary sciences
- Encourage them to seek support from their teacher if they are struggling or simply want to know more
- Subscribe to popular scientific journals such as New Scientist
Revision and Support Materials
OCR Biology webpage
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/biology-a-h020-h420-from-2015/
OCR specification
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171736-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-biology-a-h420.pdf
Further support material is available on the Q drive which can be accessed via utilise.