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Biology | A-Level

Examination Board | OCR
Specification Code | OCR Biology A H420

Subject Content

Students follow the OCR Biology A program of study in the Sixth Form. The A-Level content is spread across both Years 12 and 13.

In Year 12, students will study the following topics:
  • Module 1 | Development of practical skills in Biology (also crosses into Year 13)
  • Module 2 | Foundations in biology
  • Module 3 | Exchange and transport
  • Module 4 | Biodiversity, evolution and disease
In Year 13, students will study the following topics:
  • Module 1 | Development of practical skills in Biology
  • Module 5 | Communication, homeostasis and energy
  • Module 6 | Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

Assessment Details

Biology students will be regularly assessed on their current learning through module tests.

We also have formal internal testing which is used to inform current levels and predictions. Towards the start of the year, students will take the ‘right choice review’ exam. In Year 12, there are also two formal mock exams and a final mock in July.

To be successful, students will need to be able to:

  • Have a love of all things biology
  • Be able to link biological concepts in order to understand unfamiliar situations.
  • Be able to transform and reduce concepts in order to help build biological knowledge.
  • Be exceptionally hardworking

Additional Equipment Recommended

  • Students will need a scientific calculator.
  • Access to the online textbook

What can I do to support my child at home?

  • Take an interest in the biology that students are studying and discuss this with them.
  • Help students to prepare for module exams and formal exams. Take an interest in their performance in these and help them where possible to close gaps in knowledge.
  • We recommend the use of Seneca learning. Encourage students to engage with this regularly and to use it for targeted revision in the preparation for exams
  • Knowledge is the backbone of the A-Level, it helps students to ‘learn’ content through questioning, helping them produce revision material/cards.
  • Facilitate time for them to undertake pressure/timed practice at home so that they can develop a fluent exam technique
  • Help them to keep organised and to meet deadlines.
Websites
Books

Teaching Staff Contact Details

Head of Science

Mrs Beatty - lbeatty@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

Second in Science

Mrs Moore - vmoore@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

Teacher of Biology

Mrs Smith - ksmith@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

Teacher of Biology

Mrs Woodburn - kwoodburn@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk

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