From the origins of life to genetic manipulation and cloning, the study of Biology fascinates and challenges pupils. Taught in a current and relevant way by passionate subject specialists with extensive scientific experience, Biology allows ethical discussion and enables critical and independent thinking. Understanding how we, and the world around us, have adapted and evolved and how we can harness this in the use of biotechnology is what keeps this subject modern and exciting. We study AQA GCSE Biology, which covers a wide range of topics and is taught with a rigorous approach. We believe this provides the best foundation for further study in all three sciences. There is a strong emphasis on practical skills and this is assessed within the written papers alongside the great breadth of knowledge.
Course content
Pupils build upon their knowledge and scientific skills developed in KS3 and delve deeper into a variety of topics:
- Cell Biology
- Homeostasis and responses
- Organisation
- Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Infection and response
- Ecology
- Bioenergetics
- Key ideas
Assessment
The AQA GCSE in Biology comprises two externally assessed papers:
Biology paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of total marks, topics 1-4
Biology paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of total marks, topics 5-7
Both papers are made up of a mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions
Co-curricular
Pupils have the opportunity to:
- attend BioMedSoc
- attend relevant, Biology focused trips throughout the GCSE course
Next steps
Biology A Level is essential for access to all Biological Sciences degree courses and extremely important for progression to Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine courses. It is also very highly regarded as a numerate qualification when applying for other STEM courses at university. An A Level in Biology complements many other subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Psychology and Philosophy and Ethics.