BIOLOGY A-LEVEL

BIOLOGY

Level: A Level

Examination board: EDUCAS

Specification: A Level 7408

CURRICULUM INTENT & VISION

The science department aims to impart scientific knowledge and develop pupils to reach their incredible potential by delivering an inclusive, engaging and challenging Science curriculum. We strive to foster a spirit of enquiry, nurture our pupils’ scientific curiosity and bring relevant real-world science into the classroom with the purpose of creating practically minded problem solvers that go on to make the world a better place.

Science intent

To develop a love of learning of science and about the world around them
To provide an engaging and challenging learning environment
To promote and develop the use of the scientific method of acquiring knowledge based on evidence to create practically minded problem solvers
To foster a spirit of enquiry and nurture pupils’ scientific curiosity of the material world
To offer unique perspectives of real-world science in the classroom that deeply enriches our vision, allowing them to make more informed choices in their daily lives to go on to make the world a better place.

THE AVANTI WAY

The Avanti Way statements for Educational Excellence, Character Formation and Spiritual Insight (how we develop these within each subject).

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Teachers and students are inspired, motivated and joyful. Our high academic standards in a challenging holistic Biology curriculum creates a culture of intellectual curiosity and cultivates independently thoughtful and reflective students. Learning is approached by examining the big questions of life and contextualised activities which support students to work towards mastery in key concepts, processes, and scientific skills.

CHARACTER FORMATION

A challenging and supportive learning environment in science allows students to embody the Avanti’s virtues of respect, self-discipline, courage, integrity, empathy and gratitude, and develop the key Avanti learner skills and qualities. Biologists are encouraged to make conscientious choices and display a reverence for all life, nature and the earth’s resources. These changemakers leave us on a quest for making world a better place which is the true test of a learner.

SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

Science will build on students' natural sense of wonder, curiosity, their intuition, and inspiration to offer an experience of knowledge and wisdom through experiments, enquiry and evidence. Students are given many opportunities to explore the moral and ethical issues that arise and examine ideas such as “do genetic clones have souls?”

COURSE CONTENT

Order and timing of topics throughout KS5 for Biology:

Year 12 course outline

Autumn Term

Biological molecules
Cell structure
Transport across membranes
Immune system

Spring Term

Nucleic acids and DNA
Mass transport in animals and plants
Exchange

Summer Term

Biodiversity
Genetic diversity
Inheritance

Year 13 course outline

Autumn Term

Photosynthesis
Respiration
Energy and ecosystems
Response to stimuli

Spring Term

Nervous coordination
Populations in ecosystem
Gene expression
Homeostasis

Summer Term

A-Level Revision & Exams

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK

A-level Biology is assessed purely on exams taken at the end of Year 13. At the end of A level, there are three, 2-hour exams. There are also assessed practicals which will give students the confidence and skills needed to investigate how things work. At least 15% of the exams will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work.

Students are assessed regularly at KS5 Biology through a combination of formative and summative assessments. Students receive timely written and verbal feedback after each assessment which allow students to reflect and act upon the feedback and complete an improvement and/or challenge tasks to improve and make further progress in their knowledge, skills and understanding.

We will use a range of assessments:

Formal assessments at the end of each unit
2 PIP assessments during the year (summative)
Non-written feedback that can take the form of verbal, peer and self-assessment.

HOW PARENETS CAN HELP

Use the recommended reading links
Encourage your child to ask questions and remain curious about science
Regular conversation about science
Maintaining a positive (growth mindset) attitude
Checking in on pupils to see that they are self-motivated and revising topics they have covered earlier in the course as well as working on current topics
Encouraging exam practice using past paper questions (Avanti Science website, Seneca, BBC Bitesize).
Encourage them to view Science in the media
Support them with homework and check their folders for content and presentation as this will allow them to revise effectively.

HOME LEARNING & ONLINE RESOURCE

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Biology Olympiad
Virtual talks by University
Masterclass and Webinars hosted by Universities.
EPQ Support
Medical Society

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Biology A level is seen as essential or highly desirable for intended careers such as:

Biologist, Microbiologist, Marine Biologist, Geneticist, Biochemist, Biotechnologist, Ecologist, Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, Botanist,

Pharmacologist, Forensic Biologist, Bioinformatics Specialist, Molecular Biologist, Biostatistician, Conservation Biologist, Environmental Consultant, Research Scientist, Biology Teacher, Epidemiologist