KS5 BIOLOGY
Salter’s Nuffield A-Level Biology (SNAB)
Awarding Body Edexcel (which is a branch of Pearson Qualifications)
Useful Websites
The New Scientist
The BBC - Science and the Environment
Edexcel - Biology A Level
Subject Staff
Ms F Morphet, Mr M Langan
Course Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, which must include:
GCSE Combined Science (Grade 6-6 or above) & Maths (Grade 6 or above)
OR
Biology & Chemistry & Maths (all Grade 6 or above)
Student Comments
“Biology is an interesting, context led course that has allowed me to gain knowledge of a wide variety of scientific principles and is excellent preparation for university.”
“I have found A level Biology completely different from GCSE, it allows you to develop and pursue your own personal interests in independent projects and coursework.”
“I have found A level Biology completely different from GCSE, it allows you to develop and pursue your own personal interests in independent projects and coursework.”
“A level Biology has allowed me to go into more depth and explore biology more than ever before and I have found it fascinating.”
Course Description
The course we follow is the Salters-Nuffield A-Level Biology course (SNAB).
The Salters-Nuffield (SNAB) course uses a series of contexts and on-line resources to provide an engaging approach to Biology.
The topics covered in Y12 are:
Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk;
Topic 2: Genes and Health;
Topic 3: Voice of the Genome
Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources.
The topics covered in Y13 are:
Topic 5: On the wild side;
Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics;
Topic 7: Run for your life;
Topic 8: Grey Matter.
Assessment Procedure
At A Level, there are three exams, with a total of six hours of examined time. These exams cover all eight units listed above.
There is no controlled assessment; however, practical competencies are assessed throughout the two years of the full Biology A Level and reported alongside the A Level grade. Mathematical skills will make up 10% of the assessment.
Progression
Biology can be used as an entry qualification for a wide range of science and non-science courses at Colleges and Universities. Biology is clearly recommended for degree courses in Medicine, Sports Science, Genetics, Food Technology, Environmental Sciences, Biochemistry, Psychology, Biotechnology, Forensic Science and many other biological subjects.
KS5 CHEMISTRY
AS and A-Level
Awarding Body All students will be following the OCR Chemistry A course. The course is a more content-led approach, with each section covering different key concepts of Chemistry. As well as the A-level, the course will include a non-exam assessed “Practical Endorsement in Chemistry”, which is reported separately.
Useful Websites
OCR Chemistry
Chemguide
New Scientist
Chemistry World - the Royal Society of Chemistry
Subject staff
Miss J Nutter (Assistant Headteacher)
Student Comments
“Chemistry broadens the mind and helps you to develop an understanding of the world around you.”
“Chemistry is a good choice because it links to so many other subjects and is useful for Higher Education.”
“Chemistry is challenging and I enjoy the practical work.”
Course Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, which must include:
GCSE Combined Science (Grade 6-6 or above) & Maths (Grade 6 or above)
OR
Chemistry & Maths (both Grade 6 or above)
Course Description
Chemistry looks at the material world around us. Almost everything that we touch or use is made by chemists, including fibres and dyes in clothes, medicines, agrochemicals, fuels, plastics and metals. Chemists also research new ways of minimising human impact on the environment. An A-level Chemistry course gives a good grounding in the ideas and models that underlie all of these enterprises.
An A Level Chemistry course expands on the Chemistry work done in GCSE Science, but also introduces new ideas. A significant amount of the timetable is allocated to practical work, with many new skills to learn and refine. Progress in Chemistry at this level requires good study skills, hard work and determination.
At A Level there are two 135-minute exams and one 90-minute.
Progression
A Post-16 qualification in Chemistry is useful and sometimes essential for University courses in medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy. It is useful for engineering, food technology, geology and, of course, many science-based courses. All Universities look favourably on Chemistry, when taken in combination with arts and humanities subjects due to the skills it helps you to develop. There are many job opportunities for people with qualifications in Chemistry. Chemists work in industries, Universities and in public services such as environmental health or monitoring.
KS5 PHYSICS
AS and A-Level
Awarding Body AQA
Useful Websites
"AQA" - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physics/as-level/physics-7407/specification
"A level Physics Online" https://www.alevelphysicsonline.com/aqa
"Physics and Maths Tutor" https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/physics-revision/a-level-aqa/
"Isaac Science" https://isaacscience.org/physics/a_level
"Institute of Physics" https://www.iop.org/careers-physics/your-future-with-physics
"The New Scientist" https://www.newscientist.com/subject/physics/
Subject Staff
Mr R Gee (Teacher of Physics)
Student Comments
“At Physics A level you have to apply what you have learnt a lot more than at GCSE. You also study some new topics like Particle Physics and Quantum Physics.”
“People are impressed when you say you are studying A level Physics – and there are a lot of different things you can go on to study like Engineering where Physics is needed.”
Course Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, which must include:
GCSE Combined Science (Grade 6-6 or above) & Maths (Grade 6 or above)
OR
Physics & Maths (both Grade 6 or above)
Course Description
Link to AQA Information on AS and A Level Physics
The course is studied as a full A level (AQA 7408).
Studying A Level Physics is demanding but students who work hard, taking the support on offer, often exceed beyond their target grades.
Year 12 Content
Topic 1 Measurements and their errors
Topic 2 Particles and Radiation
Topic 3 Waves
Topic 4 Mechanics and Energy
Topic 5 Electricity
Year 13 Content
Topic 6 Further mechanics and thermal physics
Topic 7 Fields
Topic 8 Nuclear Physics
Optional Topic Turning Points in Physics
Assessment
At the end of Year 13, 3 examinations will be undertaken:
Paper 1 – Topics 1-5 and periodic motion 85 marks (34% of A Level)- 60 marks long and short answers, 25 marks multiple choice.
Paper 2 – Topic 6 -8 85 marks (34% of A Level) )- 60 marks long and short answers, 25 marks multiple choice.
Paper 3 – Practical skills, data analysis and optional topic 80 mark (32% of A Level) – 45 marks on practical skills and data handling, 35 marks on optional topic.
There are 12 essential practicals which must be undertaken throughout the two years which form a practical skills assessment – this will be awarded as pass or fail and is by continuous assessment.
Progression
Physics can be used as an entry qualification for a wide range of science and non-science courses at Colleges and Universities. Physics is clearly a requirement for degree courses in Physics, but is strongly recommended for degree courses in Design and Engineering disciplines as well as heath related courses such as Diagnostic Radiography. It is also a useful qualification for other Science and Mathematical degree courses, alongside other subjects such as finance and law where the ability to think logically and work through complex problems is highly valued. Physicists are sought after in a wide range of careers.
KS5 AAQ in Applied Science
Awarding Body OCR
Useful Websites https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-advanced-nationals/
Subject Staff
Mrs R Horton
Course Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which must include:
GCSE Combined Science (Grade 4-4)
Course Description
F180: Fundamentals of Science
Exploring Biology , Chemistry and Physics fundamental concepts at a higher level than GCSE. This is a theory based unit and provides the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of the sciences.
F181: Science in Society
Exploring the importance of science in society and how the value of science and scientific findings is maintained.
F182: Investigating Science
A broad and personalised approach to investigating a scientific idea and doing research, providing the opportunity to apply skills that will be of benefit in a practical, scientific education pathway or career.
F185: Forensic Biology
Researching and applying forensic skills to a mock crime scene.
F186: Medical Physics
Creating a diagnostic and therapeutic plan to a scenario posed to students, developing research and communication skills.
Assessment Procedure
Unit F180 and F181 are external assessments.
Unit F182, F185 and F182 are NEAs and internally assessed.
Progression
Applied Science level 3 can be the steppingstone to apprenticeships and degrees at most universities.
Potential careers include Apprenticeships in NHS careers such as nursing, midwifery, medicine, and dentistry. Vocational courses in animal agriculture, or environmental science. Paramedic, marine biologist, climate change analyst or even a nutritionist.
