Biology

Sixth Form > Our Pathways

Biology

Biology is at the forefront of the most challenging, intellectual problems, such as understanding the most elemental building blocks of the mechanisms of life, the mechanisms of memory and of learning, the molecular basis of inheritance, and the rules that help predict the behaviour of the environment. It is vital to understand the contributions that biological sciences have made and will continue to make into the future.

Examination Board OCR

Specification Number H420

Sixth Form > Our Pathways

Biology

Biology is at the forefront of the most challenging, intellectual problems, such as understanding the most elemental building blocks of the mechanisms of life, the mechanisms of memory and of learning, the molecular basis ofinheritance, and the rules that help predict the behaviour of the environment. It is vital to understand the contributionsthat biological sciences have made and will continue to make into the future.

Examination Board OCR

Specification Number H420

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Wood Green Academy is one of Sandwell’s longest-established and highest-achieving Sixth Form Centres. 

Course Overview

Biology is at the forefront of the most challenging, intellectual problems, such as understanding the most elemental building blocks of the mechanisms of life, the mechanisms of memory and of learning, the molecular basis of inheritance, and the rules that help predict the behaviour of the environment. It is vital to understand the contributions that biological sciences have made and will continue to make into the future.

 
Module 1

Development of practical skills in biology – skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation.

 
Module 2

Foundations in biology – Cell structure; biological molecules; nucleic acids; enzymes; biological membranes; cell division, diversity & differentiation.

 
Module 3

Exchange and transport – exchange surfaces & breathing; transport in animal & plants.

 
Module 4

Biodiversity, evolution & disease – communicable diseases; biodiversity; classification & evolution.

 
Module 5

Communication, homeostasis & energy – neuronal & hormonal communication; photosynthesis; respiration; plant responses.

 
Module 6

Genetics, evolution & ecosystems – genetics of living organisms; inheritance; manipulating genomes; cloning & biotechnology; ecosystems; populations & sustainability.

 
Course Leader of Biology

Mrs Harrison

Entry Requirements

Sixth Form Entry Criteria: 

A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature. 

 
Special Entry Requirements:
  • GCSE Science 6 6+
  • OR GCSE Biology 6+
  • GCSE Maths 6+

 

Students must be prepared to work long hours outside lesson time to regularly review the topics covered.

English Language or English Literature
English Language or English Literature 5
Double Science 6 6
Double Science 6 6
Biology 6
Biology 6
Maths 6
Maths 6

Assessment Information

Assessment Module Numbers Marks DurationValue
Paper 11,2,3,51002 hours 15 minutes37%
Paper 21,2,4,61002 hours 15 minutes37%
Paper 31-6701 hour 30 minutes26%

Non-exam assessment: Practical endorsement for biology (pass/fail). Reported separately.

Progression Route

Biology offers the chance to study for a whole range of jobs and courses which include: Agriculture, Anatomy / Physiology, Bioinformatics / Biotechnology, Botany, Cell Biology, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Science, Genetics, Marine Science, Medicine, Natural Resources, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Veterinary Medicine and Zoology and many more.

How do I prepare? 

Recommended Reads
Big PictureWelcome Trust
Useful Websites
Doodle LearnExplore Website
Interactive CellsExplore Website
London Natural History MuseumExplore Website
Download Wider Reading List for Biology

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Biology Wider reading list

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Biology How to prepare for A Levels

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    Course Leader of Biology

    Mrs Harrison

    emily.harrison@woodgreenacademy.co.uk

    Wood Green Academy is an 11-19 over-subscribed National Support School specialising in Sport, Maths and Computing.

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