Cadbury College - Biology

Course A-Level Biology Awarding Body OCR Course Length 2 years Entry Requirements A minimum of 5 GCSEs, 3 at grade B and 2 at grade C including at least 2 grade B’s in GCSE Science (Science, Additional Science Biology and either Chemistry or Physics, not Applied Science or BTEC).

A grade B in GCSE Maths.

A grade C in GCSE English.

An average GCSE score of 5.0.

Assessment 3 written exams at the end of the second year.

Additional Information Students will find that taking A-Level Chemistry in addition to A-Level Biology gives them an advantage; we do not recommend that students should take Biology at this level as a stand-alone Science qualification.

A-Level Biology This is one of the new A-Levels taught as a 2 year linear course.

Learn more about the changes to A-Levels on our website.

Biology is central to dealing with the most important issues facing the world today, including environmental problems, health and disease, food production and the benefits and hazards of new genetic technologies. It enables individuals to know and understand more about living organisms and the workings of the body.

The aim of the course is to allow students to develop their interest in and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in biology. This will include gaining essential knowledge and an understanding of different areas of Biology and how they relate to each other.

Students on the course will be able to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Whilst at the same time, through practical exercises and the study of past key experiments, students will develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works.

COURSE CONTENT Six modules will be covered: Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Biology  Planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation.  Practical skills will be assessed in a written examination and through a practical endorsement.

Module 2 – Foundations in Biology  Cell Structure  Biological molecules  Nucleotides and nucleic acids  Enzymes  Biological membranes  Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation

Progression Biology, especially if studied alongside Chemistry, opens the door to a very wide range of degree courses and careers. These range from work in the healthcare sector to specialised Biology degrees including Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, Botany and Zoology. Biology at A-Level is an essential or useful qualification for many degree courses such as Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, Sports Science, Veterinary Science and Biochemistry.

JODIE CONNON

Module 3 – Exchange and transport  Exchange surfaces  Transport in Animals  Transport in Plants Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease  Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system  Biodiversity  Classification and evolution Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy.  Communication and homeostasis  Excretion  Nerves  Hormones  Plant and animal responses  Photosynthesis  Respiration Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems  Cellular control  Inheritance  Genes  Cloning and biotechnology  Ecosystems  Populations and sustainability.

TEACHING METHODS Previous School Turves Green Girls’ School Cadbury College Biology, Chemistry and Psychology Progression University of Sheffield Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology “I got involved in ‘Raising Opportunities’ - a scheme which supports the transition from school to university. I also went to a Summer School at the University of Nottingham and got a Nuffield Science Bursary placement, which provided me with some real work experience in Science.”

Within any one lesson a wide variety of approaches are used including practical work and traditional teacher led discussions, as well as providing students with the chance to consolidate their understanding through quizzes, spot tests, mini lectures for their peers and a range of knowledge games. Students will be set additional self-study tasks based on the work they carry out in lessons and it is expected that the time spent on these activities to be equal to at least 75% of time spent in the classroom

EXAMINATION RESULTS

2015 % A-B Grades 27%

2014 % A-E Grades 98%

% A-B Grades 27%

% A-E Grades 92%

Course details are subject to change.