Biology

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR BIOLOGY

We encourage Biology students at Charters School to develop an understanding and appreciation for the life surrounding them. We offer a supportive yet challenging environment with varied opportunities to explore the natural world through research, group experiments and enquiry-lead learning.

This means:

• They are encouraged to hold their own point of view about scientific developments, articulate advantages and disadvantages, broadening their awareness through research, debate and discussion.
• They will learn how science has developed over time, building on the understanding and research of others, and the importance of scientists working as a community.
• Through scientific enquiry they will learn to question and use the laboratory resources and equipment to provide data to come to conclusions.
• They will make connections between the scientific principles and theory they learn and the applications in everyday life.
• They will be aware of how scientific theory links to the varied occupations that use science, and specific science careers.

SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM FOR BIOLOGY

OCR’s A Level in Biology A specification aims to encourage learners to:

• develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
• develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
• develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
• develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
• understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society (as exemplified in ‘How Science Works’ (HSW).

COURSE DETAILS

Content is split into six teaching modules:

Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in biology (‘Practical Activities’)
Module 2: Foundations in Biology
Module 3: Exchange and Transport
Module 4: Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease
Module 5: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
Module 6: Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems

Practical Activities are delivered throughout the course and lead to the Practical Endorsement if students demonstrate competency in the specified Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) used by all exam boards.

KEY STAGE 5 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirements for Charters Sixth Form can be viewed here

EXAM BOARD: OCR

BE INSPIRED

Take a look around the links below to find our where this exciting subject could lead.