Why study this subject? AQA are offering a broad, modern, contextual and challenging approach to the study of A level Biology. Students will be given the opportunity to build up their knowledge from the foundations of Biology – biological molecules, learning how these build into cells and organisms. The common ancestry of all organisms links together our common building blocks and physiology and this is emphasized throughout the course. The topics covered will enable students to develop both depth and breadth of understanding of the biological world. Topics range from the fundamentals of genetics and inheritance, the human immune system, physiology, evolution, biochemistry, and culminate in the study of how all this knowledge is currently being applied in modern scientific research. Students will study genetic engineering, gene regulation and expression in the fields of oncology and epigenetics. An understanding of scientific method as the means by which the body of scientific knowledge is increased and an enquiring and critical approach is essential to any further education in science. Students will learn the history of and the major contributors to our current scientific understanding. During the 2 year course students will need to carry out a minimum of 12 practical activities. Their performance in these will contribute to an overall mark in their practical assessment. Students will also come to understand that science is not static and is an ever changing field in which there is more than one way to interpret any piece of evidence. Students will learn to think critically, question new ideas and realize how much more there is to know. Year 12 Course content 1. Biological molecules -All life on earth shares a common chemistry. This module looks at this common chemistry. 2. Cells -All life on earth exists as cells. Students will explore the features and workings of cells. 3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment -Students will study exchange in the context of mammalian physiology. Areas covered are the respiratory system, the digestive system, the circulatory system and mass transport in plants. 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms -Students will explore biodiversity, phylogeny and evolution. Year 13 Course content 5. Energy transfers in and between organisms -Students will study the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration as well as nutrient cycles and interactions in ecosystems. 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments. -Students will study the nervous and endocrine systems in mammals as well as the hormonal system of plants 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems -Students will look in depth at the theory of evolution. 8. The control of gene expression -Students will learn about factors which control gene expression – the study of epigenetics. Humans are learning how to control the expression of genes by altering the epigenome. This has many medical and technological applications.
The minimum qualification for entry into the Sixth Form at the School is 8 full course GCSE passes. The 8 passes must include English, Mathematics and a science at GCSE. Four of the passes must be at grade 7 or above and another four must be at grade 6 or above. For iGCSEs graded A* to G, grade A is equivalent to a 7 and A* is equivalent to an 8 or 9. A Level Biology is required, and Chemistry is often required too, and is essential if applying for Biochemistry.
Paper 1: Written exam: 2 hours - 91 marks - 35% of A level, Any content from topics 1–4 including relevant practical skills Paper 2: Written exam: 2 hours - 91 marks - 35% of A level, Any content from topics 5–8 including relevant practical skills Paper 3: Written exam: 2 hours - 78 marks - 30% of A level, Any content from topics 1–8 including relevant practical skills
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Kingston upon Thames |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| Address | Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5PL |
Why study this subject? AQA are offering a broad, modern, contextual and challenging approach to the study of A level Biology. Students will be given the opportunity to build up their knowledge from the foundations of Biology – biological molecules, learning how these build into cells and organisms. The common ancestry of all organisms links together our common building blocks and physiology and this is emphasized throughout the course. The topics covered will enable students to develop both depth and breadth of understanding of the biological world. Topics range from the fundamentals of genetics and inheritance, the human immune system, physiology, evolution, biochemistry, and culminate in the study of how all this knowledge is currently being applied in modern scientific research. Students will study genetic engineering, gene regulation and expression in the fields of oncology and epigenetics. An understanding of scientific method as the means by which the body of scientific knowledge is increased and an enquiring and critical approach is essential to any further education in science. Students will learn the history of and the major contributors to our current scientific understanding. During the 2 year course students will need to carry out a minimum of 12 practical activities. Their performance in these will contribute to an overall mark in their practical assessment. Students will also come to understand that science is not static and is an ever changing field in which there is more than one way to interpret any piece of evidence. Students will learn to think critically, question new ideas and realize how much more there is to know. Year 12 Course content 1. Biological molecules -All life on earth shares a common chemistry. This module looks at this common chemistry. 2. Cells -All life on earth exists as cells. Students will explore the features and workings of cells. 3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment -Students will study exchange in the context of mammalian physiology. Areas covered are the respiratory system, the digestive system, the circulatory system and mass transport in plants. 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms -Students will explore biodiversity, phylogeny and evolution. Year 13 Course content 5. Energy transfers in and between organisms -Students will study the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration as well as nutrient cycles and interactions in ecosystems. 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments. -Students will study the nervous and endocrine systems in mammals as well as the hormonal system of plants 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems -Students will look in depth at the theory of evolution. 8. The control of gene expression -Students will learn about factors which control gene expression – the study of epigenetics. Humans are learning how to control the expression of genes by altering the epigenome. This has many medical and technological applications.
The minimum qualification for entry into the Sixth Form at the School is 8 full course GCSE passes. The 8 passes must include English, Mathematics and a science at GCSE. Four of the passes must be at grade 7 or above and another four must be at grade 6 or above. For iGCSEs graded A* to G, grade A is equivalent to a 7 and A* is equivalent to an 8 or 9. A Level Biology is required, and Chemistry is often required too, and is essential if applying for Biochemistry.
Paper 1: Written exam: 2 hours - 91 marks - 35% of A level, Any content from topics 1–4 including relevant practical skills Paper 2: Written exam: 2 hours - 91 marks - 35% of A level, Any content from topics 5–8 including relevant practical skills Paper 3: Written exam: 2 hours - 78 marks - 30% of A level, Any content from topics 1–8 including relevant practical skills
