Requirements
Grade B at GCSE in Additional Science OR Biology
C in English Language
C in Maths on the Higher paper
Our results Summer 2014
• 100% of students achieved a grade in A2
biology (45 students)
• 31 % achieved grade A or A*
• 55% achieved grade A*-B
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
• Lots of practicals
• A text book can be bought at a significantly reduced
price of £10 in September
• Sell revision guides at a discount price
• Offer drop in sessions for help to all
• Are available for 1:1 assistance when needed
• We will contact parents if we have concerns
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. (at AS it
is assessed in paper 2).
• Students will be awarded a pass or fail for
practical skills, a pass will be shown on their
final certificate.
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.
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.