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 glanceSubject content1.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.

SpecificationUnit 1 Biological molecules Content; proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), ATP, water, ions

Unit 2 CellsContent; structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and viruses, magnification, transport across membranes, cell recognition immunity

Unit 3 ExchangeContent; gas exchange in insects, fish, mammals and plants, digestion, mass transport in plants and animals

Unit 4 GeneticsContent; DNA, chromosomes and genes, protein synthesis, meiosis, genetic diversity, taxonomy

Unit 5 Energy transfersContent; photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient cycles, energy in ecosystems

Unit 6 Responding to changesContent; receptors, nerves, synapses, muscles, control of heart rate, blood glucose, kidney

Unit 7 Population geneticsContent; inheritance, evolution, ecology

Unit 8 Control of gene expressionContent; mutations, stem cells, epigenetics, cancer, genetic engineering, finger printing.