Biology

Qualification Level

AS Level (Level 3)
A Level (Level 3) plus Practical Endorsement

What does the course involve?

The course is divided into topics, where each one covers a key concept of Biology. You will develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.

The AS and A Level Year 1 for OCR Biology cover the same modules:

• Development of Practical Skills in Biology
• Foundations in Biology
• Exchange and Transport
• Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease

In Year 2 (A Level only), the Year 1 subjects are reviewed and further modules are studied:
  

• Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
• Genetics and Ecosystems

Requirements

You should have five GCSEs (or equivalent) including English at grade 4 or above, Mathematics (higher level paper) at grade 5 or above, Combined Science at grade 66 or above or Triple Science at grade 566, and two other GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

Teaching Methods

You are taught in small groups; there is a mixture of discussion, group activities and written work, plus some active research and practical sessions. You will undertake lesson preparation tasks as well as homework and exam practice. There are unit tests at the end of each topic area. All course materials are available for easy access on our virtual learning environment.

Assessment Methods

The assessment consists of four components; three externally assessed exams and the practical endorsement, which is internally assessed and externally moderated.

The practical endorsement is reported separately from the overall grade issued for the A Level.

All students will be entered for the AS Level which consists of two exams at the end of Year 1.

A Level students will sit three exams at the end of their second year of study, these will cover all aspects of the two-year programme.

Duration

One year for AS Level
2 years for A Level

AS and A Level are separate qualifications but are taught alongside each other for the first year. This gives AS students the opportunity to switch to the full A Level if they are ready.

The Practical Endorsement is assessed separately to the A Level and this is done during lesson time.

Where will it take me?

You can go on to higher education, often studying Biology or other sciences, progressing into employment or research-based higher levels of study.