Sixth Form Biology
OVERVIEW
Biology explores fundamental questions about life: from genetic inheritance and DNA to medical advancements, the function of the heart, and even why urine varies in colour. Studying A-level Biology provides answers to these questions and many more.
The course offers a fascinating insight into contemporary biology, combining key theoretical concepts with practical skills. This blend of academic rigour and hands-on experience makes A-level Biology an exciting and rewarding subject. The department consists of enthusiastic and dedicated specialists who are passionate about both laboratory and field-based studies, supported by an experienced technician.
Have you ever wondered why you look like your parents, how medicines work, what DNA actually is, whether clones exist outside science fiction films, how your heart keeps you alive and why your urine is sometimes really, really yellow?
The study of A-level biology gives you the answers to all these questions and many more.
The course gives an exciting insight into the contemporary world of biology. It covers the key concepts of biology and practical skills are integrated throughout the course. This combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes the prospect of studying A-level biology highly appealing. The King’s College biology department is comprised of enthusiastic, dedicated specialists who are passionate about their subject and who enjoy both laboratory and field-based practical work. We are supported by an excellent and experienced technician.
Pupils have the opportunity to take part in the Biology Olympiad competition, Biology Society activities and visits to lectures. We run an annual field trip in the Lower Sixth to study the ecology of the Isles of Scilly and past, more adventurous, experiences have included conservation expeditions to places such as Honduras, South Africa and Mexico.
Biology is widely recognised by universities as a scientific subject requiring both intellectual and practical capabilities. It is an excellent basis for a university degree in healthcare, such as medicine, veterinary science or dentistry, as well as the biological sciences, such as biochemistry, molecular biology or forensic science. Biology can also complement sports science, psychology and sociology. A-level biology can open up a range of career opportunities including research, environmental studies, forensics, sports science and science communication. The transferable skills you will learn, for example problem-solving, are also useful for many other degrees, such as law.
The specification is divided into six modules, covering the following topics:
- Development of practical skills
- Exchange and transport
- Communications, homeostasis and energy
- Foundations in biology
- Biodiversity, evolution and disease
- Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
ASSESSMENT
- Three papers are taken at the end of the two-year course:
- Biological processes
- Biological diversity
- Unified biology
The wide range of potential question types includes multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions. There is also a ‘practical endorsement’, completed during practical investigations, which is reported separately to the grade obtained from the examinations.
OUR SYLLABUS
The course follows the OCR linear Biology programme. Practical skills are integrated into the course and assessed through written exams rather than standalone practical tests. This approach allows for numerous practical lessons that refine students’ scientific skills and understanding.
The specification covers six key modules:
- Development of practical skills
- Exchange and transport
- Communications, homeostasis and energy
- Foundations in biology
- Biodiversity, evolution and disease
- Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
WHY STUDY BIOLOGY AT A-LEVEL?
Ever wondered why you look like your parents, how medicines work, what DNA actually is, whether clones exist outside science fiction films, how your heart keeps you alive and why your urine is sometimes really yellow? If so, biology gives you the answers to all these questions and many more… Biology is widely recognised by universities as a scientific subject requiring both intellectual and practical capabilities.
It is an excellent basis for a university degree in healthcare, such as medicine, veterinary science or dentistry, as well as the biological sciences, such as biochemistry, molecular biology or forensic science. Biology can also complement sports science, psychology and sociology. Career opportunities include research, environmental studies, forensics, sports science and science communication.
Lower Sixth Biology pupils participate in an annual field trip to the Isles of Scilly to support their fieldwork studies. This is a fabulous four-day trip, during which pupils collect a vast range of biological data and have plenty of fun and experiences.
The Howard Biology Society enhances the GCSE and A-level curriculum, offering students the chance to engage in debates, observe surgeries, explore microorganisms, give presentations, and conduct dissections of specimens such as giant frogs, rats, squid, and earthworms. The society broadens students’ horizons, contextualises their studies, and supports career aspirations in biology-related fields
The Medics, Vets, and Dentists support group helps students organise work experience, expand their understanding of professional careers, and prepare for UCAT assessments and university interviews. This group gives bespoke, focused support to all those pupils dedicated to a career in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
Students develop skills in research methodology, analysis, problem-solving, comprehension, data manipulation, applied mathematics, evaluation, presentation, and critical thinking.
Many graduates pursue careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, conservation, ecology, psychology, palaeontology, nursing, genetic counselling, marine biology, forensic science, journalism, zoology, natural sciences, physiotherapy, and pharmacology.
