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Introduction
Those who choose to study the Sciences at KS5 will be rewarded with an in depth look at some of the concepts that were studied at Key Stage 4.
A flexible approach is taken where the specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of Chemistry, Biology or Physics. Students will develop their practical skills by integrating investigations with theoretical topics and A-Levels are assessed both through written papers and practical endorsement.
Aims
- To prepare students to study Science at level 4 and beyond.
- To allow students to become competent with a range of scientific practical techniques.
- To take an inquisitive and investigative approach to scientific problems.
A Level Biology
Why study Biology?
If you are interested in understanding how living things interact with their environment and how this affects the world around us, then you should study Biology.
A knowledge and understanding of the principles of Biology leads to a deeper understanding of the natural world we live, the impact that human influence has on it and how life could possibly evolve over time.
The course provides two options: obtain an AS certification in the first year or full GCE certification in two years.
The two year qualification combines scientific theory and practical skills relevant to understanding both human and plant biology.
Course description:
AS Level (7401) Core Content:
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
A-Level (8461) Core Content:
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments.
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- The control of gene expression
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is through written papers prepared and marked externally by the examination body. We are doing AQA specification for the course.
AS Course:
At the end of first year you sit for the examinations as stated below:
Paper 1: 1 hr. 30 mins long for 75 marks, comprising short and comprehension answer questions (including practical skills and data analysis). Compromised from topics 1 to 4.
Paper 2: 1 hr 30 mins long for 75 marks, comprising short and extended response answer questions (including practical skills and data analysis). Compromised from topics 1 to 4.
A2 Course:
Paper 1: 2 hrs. long for 91 marks, comprising short and long answer questions and extended questions . Compromised from topics 1 to 4.
Paper 2: 2 hrs. long for 91 marks, comprehension and long answer questions. Compromised from topics 5 to 8.
Paper 3: 2 hrs. long for 78 marks, comprising structured questions, practical data questions and an extended essay question Compromised from topics 1 to 8.
What independent study will I have to do?
Students should spend at least 6 hours a week; reviewing, revising, practicing questions doing extra research outside of lessons.
Who is suitable to study this course and what are the entry requirements?
You should be enthusiastic about finding out how living things function and how they interact with the environment. You should have at least a Grade B in GCSE Additional Science or Triple Science, as well as B grades in Mathematics and English.
What is the options post-18 and what are the career pathways if you study this course?
For students who wish to go for a degree programme in Nursing, Medicine, Engineering, Optometry, Dentistry, Forensic Science, Bio-Medical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Botany, Zoology, Natural Sciences.
A Level Physics
Why study A Level Physics?
If you enjoy understanding how things work, then you should study physics. Physics is the foundation of modern science. It has fascinated men and women of every age including Newton, Maxwell, Curie, Einstein, Bohr, Schrodinger, Dirac, Meitner, Feynman, and Hawking.
The technology and devices that influence our daily lives are based upon the discoveries of physics. The invention of the mobile phone, the laser printer, the internet, MRI; the discovery of high-temperature superconductors; and the advances in high-speed computers are only a few examples of the phenomenal physics-based technological progress witnessed in recent times.
The course provides two options: obtains AS certification in the first year or full GCE certification in two years.
The two year qualification combines scientific theory and practical skills relevant to the fast developing technological advancements.
The course contents involve concepts from the origin of the universe to the latest scientific findings, providing information about how things work for you.
Course description
AS Level (7407) Core Content:
- Measurement and their errors
- Particles and Radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and Materials
- Electricity
A-Level (8463) Core Content :
- Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
- Fields and their consequences
- Nuclear Physics.
Options : ( one to choose )
- Astrophysics
- Medical Physics
- Engineering Physics
- Turning points in Physics
- Electronics.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is through written papers prepared and marked externally by the examination body. We are doing AQA specification for the course.
AS Course:
At the end of first year you sit for the examinations as stated below:
Paper 1: 1 hr 30 mins long for 70 marks, comprising short and long answer questions.
Paper 2: 1 hr 30 mins long for 70 marks, comprising short and long answer questions, multiple choice questions and questions on practical skills and data analysis.
A Level Course:
Paper 1 : 2 hrs. long for 85 marks, comprising short and long answer questions on content.
Paper 2 : 2 hrs. long for 85 marks, comprising short and long answer questions and multiple choice questions on content.
Paper 3 : 2 hrs. long for 80 marks, comprising questions on practical skills and data analysis and optional topic.
What independent study will I have to do?
Students should spend at least 6 hours a week, revising, practicing questions do extra research working independently outside of lessons on their topics.
Who is suitable to study this course and what are the entry requirements?
You should be enthusiastic about finding out how things around you work and to study science. You should have at least a Grade A in GCSE Additional Science or Triple Science, as well as an A grade in Mathematics. An enthusiasm for science and an ability to research and meet deadlines is important.
What is the options post-18 and what are the career pathways if you study this course?
For students who wish to go for a degree programme in Physics, Medicine, Engineering, Optometry, Forensic Science, Bio-Medical Engineering
A Level Chemistry
Why study A Level Chemistry?
Chemistry is one of the foundations of understanding the world we live in and how it has changed. It has fascinated men and women of every age including, famous scientists such as, John Dalton, Marie Curie, Antoine Lavoisier and Robert Boyle.
The subject allows us to understand the complexity of different molecules and the composition of materials that surround us.
The course provides two options: obtains AS certification in the first year or full GCE certification in two years.
The main modules are:
3.1 Physical chemistry
3.2 Inorganic chemistry
3.3 Organic chemistry
The two year qualification combines scientific theory and practical skills relevant to understanding both human and plant biology.
Course description:
A – Level (8462) Core Content:
This qualification is intended to provide students with a great depth and breadth of understanding in order to challenge and stretch the student. As a student you will recognise the usefulness and limitations of a scientific method and appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is through written papers prepared and marked externally by the examination body. We are doing AQA specification for the course.
Paper 1: 2 hrs. long for 105 marks, comprising short and long answer questions and extended questions . Contributes to 35% of the final mark.
Paper 2: 2 hrs. long for 105 marks, comprehension and long answer questions. Contributes to 35% of the final mark.
Paper 3: 2 hrs. long for 90 marks, comprising short and long structured questions, practical data questions and multiple choice questions. Contributes to 30% of the final mark.
What independent study will I have to do?
Students should spend at least 6 hours a week; reviewing, revising, practicing questions doing extra research outside of lessons.
Who is suitable to study this course and what are the entry requirements?
You should be enthusiastic about finding out how living things function and how they interact with the environment. You should have at least a Grade B in GCSE Additional Science or Triple Science, as well as B grades in Mathematics and English.
What is the options post-18 and what are the career pathways if you study this course?
For students who wish to go for a degree programme in: Medicine, Engineering, Optometry, Dentistry, Forensic Science, Biochemical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences and Earth Sciences.
Overview
Exam overview
Biology, Chemistry and Physics all follow the AQA A-Level courses.
All 3 courses are linear and assessed by 3 terminal exams.
SOW overview
| Biology | Chemistry | Physics |
|---|---|---|
| Year 12 | Year 12 | Year 12 |
| Biological Molecules | Physical chemistry sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.4, 3.1.6 and 3.1.7 | Measurement and their errors |
| Cells | Inorganic chemistry section 3.2.1 to 3.2.3 | Particles and radiation |
| Organisms exchange substances with their environment | Practical endorsement | Waves |
| Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms | Year 13 | Mechanics and Materials |
| Energy Transfers in and between organisms | Physical chemistry sections 3.1.2 to 3.1.6 | Electricity |
| Practical endorsement | Organic chemistry section 3.3.1 to 3.3.6 | Further mechanics and Thermal Physics |
| Practical endorsement | Practical Endorsement | |
| Year 13 | Year 13 | |
| Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment | Fields and their consequences | |
| Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems | Nuclear Physics | |
| The control of gene expression | Optional unit | |
| Practical endorsement | Practical endorsement | |
Career Links
Health related careers including Nursing, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Doctor, Dentist, Midwife, Paramedic, Operating Department Technician and Pharmacist
Careers related to animals and the environment, including Conservation,
- Farming, Gardening, Vet, Veterinary Nursing, Pet Shop Assistant, Kennel Worker, Groom
- Engineering
- Teaching
- Laboratory Technician
- Forensic Scientist
- Research Scientist
- Mechanic
Extra- Curricular
Science Clinic after School on selected days with Mr Greenhalgh and Mr Hughes
Supporting Students outside the Classroom
- Seneca Learning
- Google Classroom
- https://studywise.co.uk/a-level-revision/
