Head of Department: Mr Parry
We offer GCE A Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics and History, Phiosophy and Ethics of Science at Key stage 5. The course outlines are given below.
Awarding Body: AQA
Entry Requirements
A Grade B or better in the GCSE dual award Science or GCSE Biology. In exceptional circumstances a Grade C will be considered. Mathematics at Grade C or above could be an advantage. Some account writing skills and basic calculations are an integral part of the course.
Courses and Careers
The course prepares students for a range of practical and theoretical courses at higher education including nursing, biological sciences, biochemistry, ecology, medicine and sports science. Students will develop a range of practical and team skills.
Duration
One year to AS level and 2 years to the full ‘A’ Level (AS + A2)
The AS qualification may be taken as a ‘stand alone’ in Year 12 or 13.
Course Outline
The A Level specification will develop in students
- An enthusiasm for biology
- Practical skills alongside understanding of concepts and principles
- An appropriate and relevant foundation of knowledge and skills for the study of biology in Higher Education
AS modules are:
Unit 1 : Biology and Disease
Unit 2 : The Variety of Living Organisms
Unit 3 : Practical and Investigative Skills
The A2 modules are:
Unit 4 : Populations and Environment
Unit 5 : Control in Cells and in Organisms
Unit 6 : Practical and Investigative Skills
Student Comments
“I enjoy the practical work”
“You need general background knowledge of Biology, it’s hard but it’s enjoyable”.
“I’m glad I changed my mind about taking Biology, I’m really enjoying it”.
“Group practicals have taught me a lot about working in a team”.
Awarding Body: OCR (Salters)
Entry Requirements
A Grade B or better in the GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Chemistry. In exceptional circumstances a Grade C will be considered. Grade C or above in Mathematics would be an advantage.
Courses and Careers
The course encourages candidates to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Chemistry and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations. Students develop an understanding of the link between theoretical and practical Chemistry. Students will develop a range of practical and team skills. Chemistry complements careers in paints, biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, food science and cosmetics.
Duration
One year as AS Level and two years to the full ‘A’ Level (AS + A2). The AS qualification may be taken as a ‘stand alone’ in Year 12 or 13.
Course Outline
This modular course provides the opportunity to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of chemical concepts whilst investigating modern chemical applications. The two units at AS level are Atoms, Bonds and Groups where the students extend their GCSE study on the structure of the atom, the periodic table and why atoms react. The second unit is called Chains, Energy and Resources in which the students are introduced to organic chemistry and the study of the energy changes in a chemical reaction.
You will be provided with a text book which covers the course so that little time is spent on note taking. Lessons are spent developing an understanding of the topics by answering questions and through practical work.
Students Comments
“I enjoy the practical parts. An interest is essential. The organic seems harder but once I got the hang of it is was easy”.
“I’m becoming quite an expert on the periodic table, an understanding needed but very interesting”.
Awarding Body: AQA
Entry requirements
A Grade B or better in GCSE double award Science or GCSE Physics. In exceptional circumstances a Grade C will be considered. Pupils need to have obtained a good grade in Mathematics whilst they do NOT have to be taking Mathematics at ‘A’ Level, it is of substantial benefit.
Courses and Careers
Together with Mathematics, Physics offers a huge range of pure science and engineering type courses. The range of careers available is tremendous! You could be involved in research into the origins of the universe or work as a medical physicist in a hospital.
Duration
You will take AS level after one year and if successful continue into the second year to take the A2 Level examination.
Course Outline
The course is modular. The key features of the course are:
- You will use information technology as an integral part of learning Physics.
- You will learn about modern ideas and techniques such as image enhancement using computers. You will also learn about Atomic Physics, Waves, Spectra, Mechanics and Molecular Kinetic Theory, Current Electricity and Sound.
- You will build upon the practical skills you have already learnt and be extended by coursework practical work.
- You will be given opportunities to practise data-handling skills to a higher standard than normally required at this level.
- You will be given opportunities to present data to other students using ICT.
Student Comments
”Practical experiments are fun and help you to understand the theory behind a wide range of events”.
“Many subject areas relate to key aspects of daily life. Views of normal goings on change quickly”.
“The course is demanding and interesting and covers a lot of aspects of Physics”.
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Entry requirements
A logical mind that is open to new ideas is the main requirement but Grade B in English would be an advantage. Having studied Religious Education and History would be useful too.
Courses and Careers
Due to the wide spread of subject matter this course would be ideal for anyone taking any of the sciences at ‘A’ Level and would complement Psychology, History or Religious Education courses. Careers in any of the sciences, and journalism in particular, could be followed.
Duration
This is a one year course only.
Course Outline
The course without an exam! Really!
The course is delivered in two main parts. In the first part the historical, philosophical and ethical ideas and methods that are to be used later are developed using case studies. Topics include the origins of the universe, the beginning and ending of life, animal welfare and scientific revolutions.
The second part of the course is the assessed essay, throughout which there is guidance and advice. It will have historical, philosophical and ethical dimensions which are taken from the skills taught in the first part of the course.
This is completed before the examinations season in late May.
Students Comments
‘I enjoy it, lots of debates and teamwork’,
‘There is less pressure because there is no exam. If you’re good at work at coursework this is the subject for you’,
‘It’s a completely different subject. Nothing like you’d experience at GCSE or in other A Levels’.
