A Level - Biology

Biology is the study of life. From the complexities of human genome regulation at the molecular level to the role of the simplest organisms in supporting wider ecosystem biodiversity, Biology is everywhere. Biology is a rapidly evolving science, where advancements in technology are facilitating scientists in their understanding of the relationship between humans and the planet we live on; where AI is predicting protein shape and function and where biotechnology and engineering are at the heart of treatment of disease. The OCR A Level course has been designed to reflect these developments and to provide a sound foundation for further studies in Biology and related disciplines. This course is designed to develop essential knowledge and understanding of a broad range of subject areas and how they relate to each other.

It will help develop confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills, whilst promoting the understanding of scientific methods. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of how we make decisions about scientific issues and how the study of Biology can contribute to the success of both the economy and society. Essentially, students should be enthusiastic scientists and competent with both mathematical ability and good written English. They will need to have achieved a 7 in GCSE Biology or 7-7 in Double Award Science and preferably the equivalent grades in both Mathematics and English Language.

Find out more about our Biology A Level, including course content and assessment, here: 6th Form Subject Options Brochure.

In the Science Department, learning does not stop when pupils leave the classroom, and we provide a multitude of extra activities for interested pupils to get involved with. We believe that it is vital that pupil enthusiasm be fuelled, and that some of the best learning happens outside of the classroom when pupils are passionate about the subjects they are studying.

6th Form biologists take part in a field work exercise in Yorkshire where they are able to complete their practical assessment module, learning the importance of transfer of biomass in industrialised farming practices. Pupils in all years have access to Biology workshops, most recently provided by the ‘Medical Mavericks’ who have given pupils the opportunity to see the links between Biology and future careers.

In addition to subject-specific activities and events, the department facilitates an ever-evolving programme of activities designed to inspire and enthuse. Recent examples of these include:

• STEM Club: Pupils are given the opportunity to take part in a variety of experiments from across all areas of STEM, with activities ranging from extracting essential oils, electroplating and tardigrade hunting.  Pupils also investigate pseudoscience, and the situations that lead people to misinterpret the scientific method.
• Local trips to Oxford Science Museum for 4th Form, Cadbury World for 3rd Form and New Scientist Live for the 1st and 2nd Forms.
• All 6th Form scientists and psychologists attended the 2021 UNESCO virtual conference celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science: “Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19".