Biology

EXAM SPECIFICATION: OCR A H420 https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171736-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-biology-a-h420.pdf

“Thus, from the war of nature, from famine and death, the most exalted object which we are capable of conceiving, namely, the production of the higher animals, directly follows. There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”― Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species

View the PowerPoint below to get an overview of the course. Click on the speakers for an explanation from the Head of Department, Mrs Goswell. Please click on the course overview link to open the file.

STUDENT VIDEO: Current student, Fay Robinson, describes what it's like to study A Level Biology.

The Course

Year 12

  • Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Biology.
  • Module 2 – Foundations in Biology.
  • Module 3 – Exchange and transport.
  • Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease

Year 13

  • Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Biology.
  • Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy.
  • Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems.

Skills

General

  • Time management and organisation: You’ll have a lot of content to cover over the two year course.
  • Research and independent learning
  • Mathematics: 10% of the final exams assesses maths skills
  • Practical skills: Working safely in a lab is a key part of the course

Assessment Objectives

The exams will measure how well you have achieved the following assessment objectives

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.

AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: • in a theoretical context • in a practical context • when handling qualitative data • when handling quantitative data.

AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: • make judgements and reach conclusions • develop and refine practical design and procedures.

Examinations

All A-level exams are at the end of Year 13

Component 1: Biological Processes – 37%
(100 marks, 2 hour 15 minutes written paper)

This component is worth 100 marks, is split into two sections and assesses content from teaching modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Learners answer all the questions. Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 15 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions. This section of the paper is worth 85 marks.

Component 2: Biological Diversity – 37%
(100 marks, 2 hour 15 minutes written paper)

This component is worth 100 marks, is split into two sections and assesses content from teaching modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Learners answer all the questions. Section A contains multiple choice questions. This section of the paper is worth 15 marks. Section B includes short answer question styles (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions. This section of the paper is worth 85 marks.


Component 3: Unified Biology – 26%
(70 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes written paper)

This component assesses content from across all teaching modules 1 to 6. Learners answer all the questions. This component is worth 70 marks. Question styles include short answer (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended response questions.

Component 4: Practical Endorsement in Biology
(Non exam assessment)

The Practical Endorsement in Biology will be graded Pass or Fail. This will be reported separately.
The Students will complete and keep record of assessed practical tasks throughout the two years.

Enrichment

  • Student-led Biology Society

For further details, please contact Mrs Goswell, Head of Biology

HGoswell@bishopstopford.com

All current plans for sixth form programmes of study at Bishop Stopford School are provisional, dependent on student numbers and government policy