Science: Biology at KS5

dna strand

Can We Help?

If you require any further information about the curriculum we are following in this subject, please contact the Head of Department.

Course ID
AQA 7402
Faculty
Science
Department
Biology
Level
Key Stage 5 ('A' Level)
Head of Faculty
S. Owen
Head of Department
K. Gohil

Students are able to study Biology, Chemistry and/or ‘A’ Level Biology. To achieve the full ‘A’ Level all of the content from Years 12 and 13 will be assessed at the end of the second year.

To breakdown the content, the courses allow the students to follow the Year 13 programme of study, where students will sit 3 terminal examinations to gain their ‘A’ Level qualification. In addition to learning the content, students will be required to complete 12 core practicals. The core practicals cover a range of investigative topics and develop the student’s laboratory skills as well as their ability to manipulate, analyse and evaluate data.

Curriculum Termly Breakdown by Year

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Biological molecules.
Cell structure.
Transport across membranes.
End of topic tests and teacher assessment.
Autumn 2 Nucleic acids.
Cell recognition and the immune system.
End of topic tests and teacher assessment.
Spring 1 Exchange.
DNA, genes and protein synthesis.
End of topic tests and teacher assessment.
Spring 2 Mass transport
Genetic diversity
End of topic tests and teacher assessment.
Summer 1 Biodiversity.
Revision for mock exam.
Year 12 mock exam.
Summer 2 Populations in ecosystems.
Ecology – Field trip preparation work.
Write up of field trip investigations.

 

Year 13

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Photosynthesis
Inherited change
Population and evolution
End of topic tests and teacher assessment.
Autumn 2 Respiration
Energy and ecosystems
Gene expression
End of topic tests and teacher assessment.
Spring 1 Recombinant DNA technology
Response to Stimuli
End of topic tests and teacher assessment.
Spring 2 Homeostasis
Nervous coordination and muscles
End of topic tests and teacher assessment. Mock exam.
Summer 1 Revision for ‘A’ Level exam.  
Summer 2 ‘A’ Level Examination. ‘A’ Level Examination.

 

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Kerboodle; A Level Biology Revision; Seneca Learning. AQA A Level Biology textbook; New Scientist. Epping Forest  

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Kerboodle; A Level Biology Revision; Seneca Learning. AQA A Level Biology textbook; New Scientist. Epping Forest