Requirements
Grade B at GCSE in Additional Science OR Biology
C in English Language
C in Maths on the Higher paper
Our results Summer 2015
• 98% of students achieved a grade in A2
biology (45 students)
• 27 % achieved grade A or A*
• 67% achieved grade A*-C
Work load and help
• Usually 2 teachers; 1 for 3 hours (this may be split
into a 1 hour) and 2 hour lessons and 1 for 2 hours
per week
• We expect you to do approximately 2-3 hours of work
per week out of school
• Internal assessment after every topic
• Class sites on the MLE with web links, power points
and past questions
• Offer drop in sessions for help to all
• Are available for 1:1 assistance when needed
• We will contact parents if we have concerns
Text Books
• A text book can be bought in September (AS - £20/
A2 - £40)
• Revision guides at a discount price. (£5)
Specification at a glance
Subject content
1. Biological molecules
2. Cells
3. Exchange
4. Genetics
5. Energy transfer
6. Responding to change (Homeostasis)
7. Population genetics
8. Control of gene expression
AS : 2 exams units 1-4 on both papers 1 hour 30 mins each paper
A-level : 3 exams, 2 hours each
paper 1 units 1-4
paper 2 units 5-8
paper 3 units 1-8 including practical skills plus
an essay.
Practical Skills
• A bigger emphasis on practical skills through
the course.
• 12 mandatory practicals, which are teacher
assessed.
• 15% of paper 3 for A-level will draw on the
skills gained throughout the course.
• Students will be awarded a pass or fail for
practical skills, a pass will be shown on their
final certificate.
AS Required practical's
1. Investigation into the effect of a named variable on the rate of an
enzyme-controlled reaction
2. Preparation of stained squashes of cells from plant root tips; set-up
and use of an optical microscope to identify the stages of mitosis in
these stained squashes and calculation of a mitotic index
3. Production of a dilution series of a solute to produce a calibration
curve with which to identify the water potential of plant tissue
4. Investigation into the effect of a named variable on the permeability
of cell-surface membranes
5. Dissection of animal or plant gas exchange or mass transport system
or of organ within such a system
6. Use of aseptic techniques to investigate the effect of antimicrobial
substances on microbial growth
Mathematical skills and handling data
• At least 10% of the marks will require
the use of mathematical skills and will
be at least the standard of higher tier
GCSE maths.
• Most of these will be in the first year.
• E.g. ratios, percentages, rearranging
equations, rates, geometry.
What do our students think?
Teachers are
supportive and
always willing
to help.
By far my
favourite
subject.
The most
interesting
subject to
study at home.
Specification
Unit 1 Biological molecules
Content; proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids,
nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), ATP, water, ions
Unit 2 Cells
Content; structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
and viruses, magnification, transport across
membranes, cell recognition immunity
Unit 3 Exchange
Content; gas exchange in insects, fish, mammals and
plants, digestion, mass transport in plants and animals
Unit 4 Genetics
Content; DNA, chromosomes and genes, protein
synthesis, meiosis, genetic diversity, taxonomy
Unit 5 Energy transfers
Content; photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient cycles,
energy in ecosystems
Unit 6 Responding to changes
Content; receptors, nerves, synapses, muscles, control
of heart rate, blood glucose, kidney
Unit 7 Population genetics
Content; inheritance, evolution, ecology
Unit 8 Control of gene expression
Content; mutations, stem cells, epigenetics, cancer,
genetic engineering, finger printing.