Biology
If you need a reason to think A Level Biology relevant you have not been paying much attention for the last couple of years!
Virus structure and the specific immune response; vaccination and the science of clinical trials; the importance of peat bogs in the global climate – these are all part of our A Level among many other topics.
This is a course that has been kept up-to-date, dealing with topics in ways that are easily seen as relevant to everyday life. We teach Edexcel Biology A, which maintains the best of the Salters Nuffield approach. The course aims to: use topical contexts; be accessible, yet intellectually demanding; emphasise application of knowledge; integrate activities and practical work throughout the course; make use of a full range of teaching and communication approaches and use student-centred, novel activities that show how biologists think and work in their professional lives.
Each student has an individual account with ‘Pearson Active Learn’ which allows you to work at your own pace, using interactive resources. Students can easily follow interests using the links and resources provided. The department also uses a range of data-logging equipment to go along with more traditional practical work, including dissection.
Practical work is fully integrated into the units, with the use of living materials as a central focus of the activities. It includes practical study of a variety of living organisms, including humans and other animals, plants and micro-organisms. The approach mirrors the aims of the course, where investigation and process are emphasised rather than prescriptive methods. With the removal of practical coursework from A Level it is worth noting that every other exam board has now adopted the idea of ‘core practicals’, which has been a hallmark of our A Level for many years.
We follow the Salter’s-Nuffield curriculum which uses a context-based approach. Each topic uses an overarching theme to link a variety of different biological principles.
Entry Requirements
Grade 7 in Biology, or 7/7 in dual award Science.
Topics Covered
Over the two year course, students will study the following:
Lower Sixth
In the Lower Sixth, students will study the following topics:
- Lifestyle, health and risk: This topic covers the circulatory system and heart health, including the structure and function of the heart, risk factors for different diseases and the structures of different biological molecules.
- Genes and Health: Cystic Fibrosis forms the context for this unit where students will learn about the gas exchange system, the structure of the cell membrane and the basics of protein synthesis and structure.
- Voice of the Genome: In the context of development, students will learn about protein trafficking, reproduction, and the interactions between genetics and the environment.
- Biodiversity and Natural Resources: This topic focuses on the wealth of organisms in the environment, particularly how diversity has come about through adaptation, natural selection and evolution.
Upper Sixth
In the Upper Sixth, students will study the following topics:
- On the wild side: This topic looks at how ecosystems work: from the entry of energy into the system through the process of photosynthesis through to the effects of climate change on the distributions of different species.
- Immunity, infection and forensics: In this topic, students study the variety of techniques used by forensic pathologists to identify and determine the time of death of an organism. They also learn about the immune response to pathogens and tackle the issue of antibiotic resistance.
- Run for your Life: This topic focuses on the physiological adaptations that allow animals to carry out strenuous exercise. Students learn about respiration, the structure of muscles and the effects of performance-enhancing drugs in sport.
- Grey Matter: The complexity of the brain and nervous system forms the basis of this topic. Students study how impulses are carried by neurones, the structure of the brain and imaging techniques, and how imbalances in naturally occurring brain chemicals can affect human health.
Methods of Assessment
In the Edexcel A Level course there are now three final examinations, each worth 100 marks.
Paper 1 covers material from the Lower Sixth course and two A Level units.
“The Natural Environment and Species Survival”
Paper 2 covers material from the Lower Sixth course and two A Level units.
“Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination”
Paper 3 covers material from the whole course and includes questions based on a pre-released article.
“General and Practical Applications in Biology”
Fieldwork remains an important aspect of Biology and several core practical’s require it. We complete a residential course at the end of the Lower Sixth. You will be expected to attend this field trip and there will be a cost for accommodation, meals and transport which is around £180.
Meet the staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Biology Department, email ncw@kes.hants.sch.uk.
| Dr. N. C. Wortham | Head of Biology, Chemistry |
| Mr. S.T. Aellen | Head of Science, Biology |
| Mrs. L. Burnett | Biology, Head of Year 7 |
| Miss C Cooper | Teacher of Biology |
| Miss H.E Crompton | Teacher of Biology |
| Mrs. F. Taylor | Biology |
Enrichment Opportunities
A compulsory 3-day field trip to Leeson House in Swanage for ecology work.
