Biology
Highams Park School
Course summary
The Biology B specification is a concept-based course that combines the teaching of traditional elements and more modern biological ideas. The course has been designed to engage and inspire students by showing how an understanding of many contemporary issues requires a grasp of fundamental biological ideas. Students will study a wide range of living things with an emphasis on the biochemistry of biological processes. Some of the topics covered include inheritance, evolution, cell structure, transport in animals and plants, photosynthesis, respiration, nervous system, hormones and infectious diseases. Studies include theory work, laboratory investigations, ecology fieldwork and microscopy. A strong emphasis is placed on developing practical skills and understanding the process of how science works. This is assessed through written examination papers rather than coursework or a separate practical exam at the end of the course. The course also offers Practical Endorsement leading to practical competency as an addition to the A level
Entry Requirements
Checked against your grades — every rule traces to the school's published source.
| Requirement | Rule | You |
|---|---|---|
Biology | Grade 6 in Biology | — |
Mathematics | Grade 6 in Mathematics | — |
English Language | Grade 5 in English Language | — |
Combined Science Alternative route | Grade 6-6 in Combined Science | — |
Mathematics Alternative route | Grade 6 in Mathematics | — |
English Literature Alternative route | Grade 5 in English Literature | — |
Biology Alternative route | Grade 6 in Biology | — |
Mathematics Alternative route | Grade 6 in Mathematics | — |
English Literature Alternative route | Grade 5 in English Literature | — |
Combined Science Alternative route | Grade 6-6 in Combined Science | — |
Mathematics Alternative route | Grade 6 in Mathematics | — |
English Language Alternative route | Grade 5 in English Language | — |
As published by the school
GCSE Biology grade 6 in Triple Science, or grade 6-6 in GCSE Double Award Science, with GCSE Maths grade 6 and GCSE English (Literature or Language) grade 5.
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Assessment
Paper 1: Energy for biological processes, Microbiology and pathogens and Modern genetics. Paper 2: Origins of genetic variation, Control systems and Ecosystems. Paper 3: General paper assessing topics across the AS and A level qualifications Paper 1 and 2 will carry 30% of the weighting and paper 3 the remaining 40%. All papers will include assessment of experimental methods (including questions on core practicals) and mathematical skills, the latter making up 10% of the assessment. There are 16 core practicals that cover all of the 12 techniques required for the practical competency measure. This will be teacher assessed and reported alongside the A level grade.
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