STUDY SKILLS
Programme of Study – Key Stage 5 – SCIENCE
Summary
Science subjects are extremely popular choices at A-Level, and we offer Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We provide
extensive support for students intending to go on to study science-related courses at university, such as organising taster
courses, external speakers and helping students to gain relevant work experience.
We are committed to providing a range of experiences, both in and beyond the classroom, to ensure our students are
independent, analytical learners who will flourish in science-based careers. Every single year, students from the Science
Department apply to Oxbridge, and embark on the first steps to becoming doctors, dentists and engineers.
Courses
A-LEVEL BIOLOGY
AS-Level (Year 12)
BIOL1 – Biology and Disease

Causes of disease

Enzymes and the digestive system

Cells and movements in and out of them

Lungs and heart disease

Heart and heart disease

Immunity
BIOL2 – The Variety of Living Organisms

Variation

DNA and Meiosis

Genetic diversity

Variety of life

The cell cycle

Cellular organisation

Exchange and transport

Classification

Evidence for relationships between organisms
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
Adaptation and selection

Biodiversity
Assessment of AS Biology: 100% external assessment through three examinations, BIOL1, BIOL2 and BIO3X, an
internally-delivered, externally-marked practical-based assessment.
A2-Level (Year 13)
BIOL4 – Populations and the Environment

Populations

ATP

Photosynthesis

Respiration

Energy and ecosystems

Nutrient cycles

Ecological succession

Inheritance and selection
BIOL5 – Control in Cells and in Organisms

Response to stimuli

Co-ordination

Muscle contraction

Homeostasis

Feedback mechanisms

Genetic control of protein structure and function

Control of gene expression

DNA technology
Assessment of A2 Biology: 100% external assessment through three examinations, BIOL4, BIOL5 and BIO6X, an
internally-delivered, externally-marked practical-based assessment.
A-LEVEL CHEMISTRY
AS-Level (Year 12)
CHEM1 – Foundation Chemistry

Atomic structure

Amount of substance

Bonding

Periodicity
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
Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Alkanes
CHEM2 – Chemistry in Action

Energetics

Kinetics

Equilibria

Redox reactions

Group 6 (17) – The Halogens

Group 2 – The Alkaline Earth Metals

Extraction of metals

Haloalkanes

Alkenes

Alcohols

Analytical techniques
Assessment of AS Chemistry: 100% external assessment through three examinations, CHEM1, CHEM2 and CHM3X, an
internally-delivered, externally-marked practical-based assessment.
A2-Level (Year 13)
CHEM4 – Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry

Kinetics

Equilibria

Acids and bases

Nomenclature and isomerism in Organic Chemistry

Compounds containing the carbonyl group

Aromatic chemistry

Amines

Amino acids

Polymers

Organic synthesis

Structure determination
CHEM5 – Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry

Thermodynamics

Periodicity

Redox equilibria

Transition metals

Reactions of inorganic compounds
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Assessment of A2 Chemistry: 100% external assessment through three examinations, CHEM4, CHEM5 and CHEM6X, an
internally-delivered, externally-marked practical-based assessment.
A-LEVEL PHYSICS
AS-Level (Year 12)
PHYA1 – Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity

Particles, anti-particles and photons

Stable and unstable nuclei

Particle interactions

Photo-electric effect

Energy levels and photon emissions

Wave-particle duality

Current, charge and potential difference

Resistivity

Potential dividers

EMF and internal resistance

Alternating currents and oscilloscopes
PHYA2 – Mechanics, Materials and Waves

Scalars and vectors

Moments

Motion along a straight line

Work, energy and power

Materials

Types of waves

Refraction

Superposition

Stationary waves

Interference

Diffraction
Assessment of AS Physics: 100% external assessment through three examinations, PHYA1, PHYA2 and PHA3X, an
internally-delivered, externally-marked practical-based assessment.
A2-Level (Year 13)
PHYA4 – Field and Further Mechanics

Momentum
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
Circular motion

Simple harmonic motion

Forced vibration and resonance

Gravitational fields

Orbits of planets

Electric fields

Capacitors

Magnetic fields

Electromagnetic induction
PHA5B – Nuclear Physics and Medical Physics

Radioactive decay

Nuclear radius

Induced fission and safety aspects

Thermal energy

Ideal gases

Molecular kinetic theory model

Physics of vision and lenses

Physics of the ear

Biological measurement

Ultrasound imaging

Fibre optics and endoscopy

MR Scanning

X-rays and CT
Assessment of A2 Physics: 100% external assessment through three examinations, PHYA4, PHA5B and PHA6X, an
internally-delivered, externally-marked practical-based assessment.
Further Resources

http://my-alevelbiology.com/as-biology/ – My A-Level Biology.com

http://www.biologynews.net – Biology News Net

http://www.a-levelchemistry.co.uk/AQA%20Chemistry/AQA%20Chemistry%20home.html – A-Level
Chemistry.co.uk

http://www.chemnotes.org.uk/aqa.html – Chemistry Revision Notes

http://www.antonine-education.co.uk – Physics Revision Help

http://ranelaghalevelphysics.wikispaces.com – Ranelagh A-Level Physics Resources
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