AQA

A sound knowledge of GCSE Biology is essential. Most students taking A Level Biology at DHS will have studied Biology on the separate science course at GCSE. This is the ideal start to the course as it provides students with a good depth of knowledge of all areas covered at A Level, although it is entirely possible to move on to A Level after studying Dual Award Science. With regard to practical assessment, the new A level follows on from the new GCSE and current Year 11 pupils will be familiar with the PSA and ISA style of assessment. A good understanding of GCSE Science, particularly Chemistry is an advantage when continuing to study Biology and an interest in scientific current affairs will also help, as examination questions are often based on topical subjects.

The main aim of A Level Biology at DHS is to stimulate students’ interest in, and enjoyment of, the Biological Sciences, while enabling them to acquire a basis for further study and employment. There is however a large body of knowledge to acquire as well as a rigorous scientific approach to follow and students must therefore be both perceptive and persevering.

Students will be examined at the end of LVI on the modules studied that year and may then take an AS in the subject and not continue on to complete the full A Level. If they do choose to finish the course then they will be examined on the remaining modules at the end of UVI. The PSA and ISA assessments, which are internally assessed and externally moderated, replace coursework.

Biology is traditionally combined with other Science subjects but greater numbers of students are now combining Arts and Science subjects and have found that this offers a broad base in both content and styles of learning. Popular options include French, History and Geography but many other combinations are also possible.

There are now many different types of degree courses in Biological Sciences and vocational courses at many levels leading to a variety of careers. These increase in variety and scope every year and include:

Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Nursing, Psychology, Osteopathy, Microbiology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Teaching, Ecology, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Landscape Architecture and many more.

Studying Biology at A Level opens up an exciting range of career choices, particularly in the health and food industries, such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary work, psychology, sports sciences and food sciences. Skills learnt in Science can be useful in almost any job that requires using equipment, planning, solving problems, teamwork and report-writing, such as the Armed Forces, manufacturing industries, care work, work with plants and animals and laboratory work.