Sixth Form Biology

Biology

Board:     OCR

Type:       GCE A Level

School:    Sturminster Newton High School

Contact: Mrs K Thompson

Why study Biology?

If you have got a natural curiosity about the world and a desire to understand it, then Biology is for you. The course is varied; topics covered range from biochemistry to human disease and environmental biology.

What will I learn?

Students learn to make close observations, collect and analyse data and draw scientific conclusions.  Above all students will be taught to appreciate the complex and amazing ways in which living things work.

What are the entry requirements?

Minimum: Higher Tier GCSE grades 55 in Combined Science or two GCSE grade 5’s in triple science (including Biology) and a level 5 in Maths GCSE (higher tier).

Ideal: GCSE grades 66 in Combined Science or two GCSE grade 6’s in triple science (including Biology) and a level 6 in Maths GCSE.

How will I be assessed?

The OCR specification has a greater emphasis on understanding and application than on recall. Biology will be assessed in terminal written exams covering; exchange and transport systems; biodiversity, evolution and disease; communications, homeostasis and energy; genetics, evolution and ecosystems.

Practical skills will be assessed within the written papers as well as students completing at least 12 practical activities to demonstrate competence. This is assessed by teachers and awarded a separate pass or fail.

What do students do after studying Biology?

You may want to study Biology out of sheer enthusiasm for the subject or have a particular career in mind. Whatever the reason the range of careers it will open up to you is enormous: Medicine, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Physiotherapy, Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Health Care, and many more. Within Biological university courses, the choice is huge – there isn’t the space to begin to describe them here. Seek advice!

What are the enrichment opportunities?

We enjoy putting our practical skills to good use including field studies at Studland Bay.