BiologyHave you ever wondered...

• Why your sister looks like you?

• How medicines work?

• What DNA is?

• Do clones exist?

• Who Darwin was?

Study A Level or IB Biology to find out the answers.

Biology in the 6th Form

There are three Biology courses available to 6th

form students;

1. A level Biology

2. IB standard Biology

3. IB higher Biology

IB Biology

The course12 topics to study

1. Cell biology (core)

2. Molecular biology (core)

3. Genetics (core)

4. Ecology (core)

5. Evolution and biodiversity (core)

6. Human physiology (core)

7. Nucleic acids (AHL)

8. Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis(AHL)

9. Plant Biology (AHL)

10. Genetics and Evolution (AHL)

11. Animal physiology (AHL)

12. Option C - Ecology and conservation (Core and AHL)

External Assessment Standard Biology

3 exams

1. 30 multiple choice questions core– 45 minutes

2. Data based question, short answer and extended response questions on core– 1 hours 15 minutes

3. Questions based on experimental skills from core and short answer and extended response questions on option C – Ecology and conservation – 1 hour

External AssessmentHigher Biology

3 exams

1. 40 multiple choice questions core and AHL – 1 hour

2. Data based question, short answer and extended response questions on core and A – 2 hours 15 minutes

3. Questions based on experimental skills from core and AHL and short answer and extended response questions on option C – Ecology and conservation – 1 hour 15 minutes

IB practical work

Prescribed practicals

There are 6 for IBS and 7 for IBH.

These practicals can be assessed in the written papers.

IA (Internal Assessment)

Worth 20% of the final result.

This consists of an investigation which students design themselves and write up fully in a 12 page report.

Teaching• You will have 8 lessons per cycle (higher

students) 5 lessons per cycle (standard students).

• For the core topics higher and standard students are taught together (5 lessons).

• IB Biology is taught by 2 specialist Biology teachers.

A Level Biology

A level topics

There are six teaching modules which are;1. Development of practical skills – on going

throughout the course.2. Foundations in Biology – Cells, biological molecules.3. Exchange and transport – Transport systems in

plants and animals.4. Biodiversity, evolution and disease.5. Communication, homeostasis and energy – includes

the nervous and hormone systems also photosynthesis and respiration.

6. Genetics, evolution and ecosystems.

Teaching

• You will have 8 lessons per cycle.

• A level Biology is taught by 2 specialist Biology teachers.

AssessmentAssessment

3 terminal exams (June 2022)

Paper 1 – 2 hours 15 minutes (multiple choice, short answer and longer answers)

Paper 2 – as above

Paper 3 – 1 hour 30 minutes (short and longer answers)

10% of marks on the papers will involve calculations

A level Practical work

A minimum of 12 investigations need to be completed which assess different skills.

Each practical counts towards the practical endorsement.

Students are awarded a pass or fail for the practical endorsement which is internally assessed.

The practical endorsement result appears on the results certificate but does not count towards the final A level grade.

What is expected of students studying Biology?

• Attendance at all lessons.

• Completion of all work set to the best of your ability and handed in by the deadlines given.

• Being properly prepared for every lesson.

• Spending at least 4 hours working on Biology each week. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE LESSON TIME.

• Revision of all topics thoroughly for all tests and exams whether these are internally or externally assessed.

• Catching up on work if lessons are missed due to illness.

Field course

• All students who study IB and A level Biology are strongly advised to attend a 5 night residential field course at Orielton Field Centre in Pembrokeshire, South Wales.

• During the course aspects of the ecology content of the specification will be studied.

• A level students will carry out investigations which will count towards their practical endorsement. IB students will collect data for their IA.

• The field course takes place in June of the lower 6th.

Are you?

• Aiming to be a doctor, nurse or vet?

• Thinking of a career in research?

• Interested in the environment and the world around you?

• A problem solver?

• Interested in science?

• Keen on practical work?

• Studying other sciences or maths?

If so, IB or A Level Biology is for you.

Requirements for Studying Biology

A level/IBH:• At least grade 6 GCSE Biology, or• At least 6-6 Combined Science • And at least grade 5 GCSE Maths.

IBS:• At least grade 5 GCSE Biology, or• At least 5-5 Combined Science • And at least grade 5 GCSE Maths.

What to do before SeptemberThe year 11 to lower 6th

bridging work which you will find on the school website.

Go to the 6th form section and then click on key events and documentation.

At the top of this page you will find year 11 to lower 6th

bridging work.

Click on here and find the Biology booklet.

Any questions?