Higher Line

At GCSE, Biology is either taken separately (by the top sets) or as part of GCSE Double Award Science.                            

Biology at this level now has an increased emphasis on analysis and the scientific method.  There is therefore a major practical component (involving a Controlled Assessment) and opportunity for fieldwork investigations.  Topics of study include: how environmental change is measured including using living and non-living indicators, energy flow through the biosphere,  how chemical reactions essential for life take place inside and outside cells, photosynthesis and respiration, and the structure and function of DNA and its role in protein synthesis.  

Sixth Form 

In Biology you need a critical and questioning approach, enthusiasm, and a real interest in the subject.  The A level course develops the fundamental principles of biology and helps nurture a passion for the subject through practical investigation and engaging learning.

Biology is a fascinating science - a dynamic and living subject.  Arguably one of the fastest growing areas of sciences - new discoveries in Biology are pushing the boundaries of what we previously thought possible.  Biology is not without its controversies - students of Biology need to ask important questions about when life begins and how we use the power of science.

People wishing to go further in the following fields would be well suited to the course: biological sciences, medicine/medical fields, dentistry, veterinary medicine, marine biology and forensics.