Science

Biology

The Biology course constitutes nine topics covering a wide range of biological concepts which give students a broad and balanced understanding of some of the most important and relevant concepts in Biology. This fosters a curiosity about the natural world and a passion for conserving it.

During the course students develop both their laboratory and fieldwork skills through a series of core practicals embedded within the nine topics.

Below is a summary of the two biology papers which all students will sit at the end of the course.

Paper 1 (Paper code: 1BI0/1F, 1BI0/1H)

Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes

50% of the qualification – 100 marks

Content overview

• Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology
• Topic 2 – Cells and control
• Topic 3 – Genetics
• Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification
• Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines

Assessment overview

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Calculators may be used in the examination. Information on the use of calculators during the examinations for this qualification can be found in Appendix 8: Calculators.

Paper 2 (Paper code: 1BI0/2F, 1BI0/2H)

Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes

50% of the qualification – 100 marks

Content overview

• Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology
• Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions
• Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis
• Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals
• Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles

Assessment overview

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Calculators may be used in the examination. Information on the use of calculators during the examinations for this qualification can be found in Appendix 8: Calculators.

Students are given the opportunity to explore the exciting chemical world around them. They investigate the underlying structure of matter and how this governs the reactions and properties of substances.

The course constitutes eight topics which give the students a broad and balanced understanding of some of the most important and relevant concepts in chemistry.
During the course students refine their practical laboratory skills. The sequence of Core Practicals required by the course ensure that all students have the opportunity to become confident and independent young scientists.

Below is a summary of the two chemistry papers which all students will sit at the end of the course.

Chemistry 1

Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes Combined Science or 1 hour and 45 minutes Separate Chemistry.

Content overview

Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry, Topic 2 – States of matter and mixtures, Topic 3 – Chemical changes, Topic 4 – Extracting metals and equilibria. Separate Only: Topic 5 – Transition Metals and Alloys.

Assessment overview

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Chemistry 2

Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes Combined Science or 1 hour and 45 minutes Separate Chemistry.

Content overview

Topic 1 – Key concepts in chemistry, Topic 6 – Groups in the periodic table, Topic 7 – Rates of reaction and energy changes, Topic 8 – Fuels and Earth science. Separate Chemistry Topic 9 – Organic, Quantitative and Qualitative Chemistry.

Assessment overview

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

The physics course is incredibly diverse and provides huge scope for students to satisfy their inquisitive nature at to the way the universe works; from the tiniest atoms to the largest structures in the universe.

Combined Science

The Physics component of Combined Science award is assessed over two examination papers taken at the end of the course.

Paper 5: Physics 1

Written examination: 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Content overview

• Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
• Topic 2 – Motion and forces
• Topic 3 – Conservation of energy
• Topic 4 – Waves
• Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
• Topic 6 – Radioactivity

Assessment overview

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Paper 6: Physics 2

Written examination: 1 hour 10 minutes

Content overview

• Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics.
• Topic 8 – Energy – Forces doing work
• Topic 9 – Forces and their effects
• Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits
• Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect
• Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction
• Topic 14 – Particle model
• Topic 15 – Forces and matter

Assessment overview

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Separate Physics

The Physics component of Combined Science award is assessed over two examination papers taken at the end of the course.

Paper 1

Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Content overview

• Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
• Topic 2 – Motion and forces
• Topic 3 – Conservation of energy
• Topic 4 – Waves
• Topic 5 – Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
• Topic 6 – Radioactivity
• Topic 7 – Astronomy

Assessment overview

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Paper 2

Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Content overview

• Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics
• Topic 8 – Energy – Forces doing work
• Topic 9 – Forces and their effects
• Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits
• Topic 11 – Static electricity
• Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect
• Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction
• Topic 14 – Particle model
• Topic 15 – Forces and matter

Assessment overview

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Staff

Mrs T Ballam, Mrs K Walker, Mr S Walker, Mrs K Wills

Overview

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics ranging from molecular biology ecosystems; from microorganisms to mammoths. Studying Biology can open up a huge range of careers, from the more familiar medical and laboratory jobs to managing trials, scientific sales and advisory roles. Biology A level is enhanced by, and enhances, the following subjects: Chemistry, Geography, Environmental Science and Psychology. A good understanding of Maths is essential, representing 10% of examined marks and hence studying Maths A level or Core Maths in combination with Biology is advantageous and encouraged.

Minimum Entry Requirement

Two Separate GCSE Sciences at Grade 6 or above, preferably from Biology and Chemistry; or alternatively two GCSE Grade 6 or above from Combined Science. A GCSE Grade 6 or above in Maths and English is also required.

Curriculum

1. Biological Molecules
2. Cells and Viruses
3. Classification
4. Exchange and Transport
5. Energy for Biological Processes
6. Microbiology and Pathogens
7. Modern Genetics
8. Origins of Genetic Variation
9. Control Systems
10. Ecosystems

Assessment & Reporting

Year 12

Students will have two internal assessments – one during the Spring term and one during the Summer term. These assessments are internal and will not have any bearing on the final A level grade

Year 13

• Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics
  Questions draw on content from topics 1 to 7
  A written exam lasting 1 hour 45 minutes which forms 30% of the A level.
• Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology
  Questions draw on content from topics 1 to 4, 8, 9 & 10
  The paper length, weight and format is the same as for paper 1
• Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology

A written exam lasting 2 hours 30 minutes, worth 40% of the total marks. The paper may include short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. It will also include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics. This paper examines the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.

Facilities

We have subject specific classrooms with access to IT equipment.

Additional Activities

A number of activities take place throughout the year and are publicised in lessons.

Staff

Miss K Hamshere, Mrs H Kelly, Ms E Padmore

Overview

Chemistry is one of the fundamental ways that we can learn about our environment, what makes things work and even life itself. It is a requirement for a number of important careers and useful for a great many more. Chemistry fits well with the other Science disciplines and with Maths and it is essential for many degrees in related subjects. Our aim is to develop students who have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the subject and are able to think through problems in a logical and scientific way. Chemistry is essentially a practical subject and we aim to let the students do as much practical investigation as possible.

Minimum Entry Requirement

Two Separate Science GCSEs at Grade 6 or above including Chemistry, or alternatively two GCSEs Grade 6 from the Combined Science. A GCSE Grade 6 or above in Maths is essential due to a minimum of 20% of the available marks being awarded for Maths at Level 2 standard or above. A GCSE Grade 6 or above in English is also required. It is advisable to be studying A Level Maths and another Science A Level alongside this course.

Curriculum

• Paper 1. Inorganic and Physical Chemistry.
• Paper 2. Organic and Physical Chemistry.
• Paper 3. Practical Skills, Data Handling and Synopsis.
• Practical Skills: (16 Core Practicals) These will be delivered during the course and they will be
  assessed in the theory papers.

Assessment & Reporting

Year 12

Students will have two internal assessments – one during the Spring term and one during the Summer term. These assessments will not have any bearing on the final A Level grade however, students will be expected to perform well to secure their progress into Year 13.

Year 13

• Paper 1. Written Exam lasting one hour 45 minutes worth 90 marks. A mixture of both short and
  long answer questions. This forms 30% of the A Level.
• Paper 2. Written Exam lasting of one hour 45 minutes worth 90 marks. A mixture of both short and
  long answer questions. This forms 30% of the A level.
• Paper 3. Written Exam lasting two hours 30 minutes worth 120 marks. The paper may include
  multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. This
  forms 40% of the A Level.
• Practical endorsement- confirmation on completion of all 16 core practicals.

Facilities

We aim to carry out all lessons in a laboratory which is equipped with the necessary apparatus. Most of our laboratories are furnished with extractors and fume cupboards; we also have access to safety equipment whenever necessary.

Additional Activities

The students are involved in visits for example, The University of Exeter Organic Molecules practical day and A Level Chemistry Live. We also aim to offer our students the opportunity to be involved in the UK Chemistry Olympiad.

Staff

Mr D Moffatt, Mr S Ransome-Williams

Overview

The aim of the Physics course is to teach a sound knowledge and understanding of physical principles together with developing scientific problem solving skills both practical and theoretical in nature. The course seeks to develop an enthusiasm for the subject and stimulate enquiring minds. Physics leads to many possible university courses and careers, which can vary from pure research through science journalism to finance. It can provide useful background and insight into some of the most exciting scientific developments today as well as demonstrating a student’s ability to grasp and manipulate complex ideas. Questions assessing mathematical skills at Level 2 or above will form 40% of the marks across the three papers.

Minimum Entry Requirement

Two separate Science GCSEs at Grade 6 or above including Physics, or alternatively two GCSEs Grade 6 or above from combined Science.

Curriculum

Year 12

The course will include Measurements and their errors, Particles and radiation, Waves, Mechanics and materials and Electricity.

Year 13

The course will include Further mechanics and thermal physics, Fields and their consequences, Nuclear physics, Options, Astrophysics, Medical physics, Engineering physics, Turning points in physics and Electronics.

Assessment & Reporting

Year 12

Students will have two internal assessments – one during the Spring term and one during the Summer term. These assessments will not have any bearing on the final A Level grade, however,
students will be expected to obtain a D Grade or above in the Summer assessment to progress to Year 13.

Year 13

• Paper 1 – One hour 45 minutes written exam totalling 90 marks, which forms 30% of the A Level.
• Paper 2 – One hour 45 minutes written exam totalling 90 marks, which forms 30% of the A Level.
• Paper 3 – Two hours 30 minutes written exam totalling 120 marks, which forms 40% of the A Level.

Facilities

The Physics department uses a variety of specialist equipment to help illustrate the theory and mathematics behind the concepts taught.

Additional Activities

The students will attend the Particle Physics Day at Southampton University which will provide an opportunity for students to attend lectures and take part in some data analysis using the university facilities and laboratories. Students will also attend other lectures and competitions when they arise.