A LEVEL BIOLOGY 

 

 

The AQA A Level Biology syllabus is designed to enable pupils to explain and understand the biological world around them. This highly valued qualification will evidence both students' understanding of key theoretical principles and practical skills. 

 

The AQA A Level Biology syllabus enables students to progress on to study further at university. 

 

Teacher assessments are continuous during LIVE TAUGHT lessons, marking of coursework and assignments and summative tests. 

 

Homework will be given at the end of each week, usually in the form of problems to solve, researching key concepts. 

 

Parents have 24/7 access to all of their children's coursework. 

Additionally the school holds 3 parent consultaions per year - one each term. 

 

I am Head of Sciences. I am a qualified secondary school teacher (PGCE) with a PhD in Chemical Biology. I have worked in academia and in pharmaceutical research as a (bio)chemist and as medical scientist before training as a teacher. I have many years of teaching experience in Science (chemistry, biology and physics), maths and English as a foreign language. 

 

I have written some educational materials for various companies such as science revision questions, maths assessment papers and physics summaries. I am a member of the Tutors' Association. 

 

The course will follow the current AQA specifications. 

The course will be based on the textbooks recommended for the AQA A Levels. 

 

 

1 Cell structure 

2 Biological molecules 

3 Enzymes 

4 Cell membranes and transport 

5 The mitotic cell cycle 

6 Nucleic acids and protein synthesis 

7 Transport in plants 

8 Transport in mammals 

9 Gas exchange and smoking 

10 Infectious disease 

11 Immunity 

 

 

12 Energy and respiration 

13 Photosynthesis 

14 Homeostasis 

15 Control and co-ordination 

16 Inherited change 

17 Selection and evolution 

18 Biodiversity, classification and conservation 

19 Genetic technology 

 

These topics will be taught in Years 12 and 13 to prepare students for their AQA A Level examinations. 

 

AQA science A Levels do not require a science practical endorsemt examination to pass (all grades A*-G are achievable without a practical examination). However, students are advised to check with their intended university whether a science practical endorsement is required. If so science practical endorsement examinations can be taken later, even after students have passed and left the A Level course. Please note that AQA examinations are for UK students only. International students should preparae for examinations which will require a practical endorsement examination. 

 

Paper 1: topics 1 to 4, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks, 50% of AS 

Paper 2: topics 1 to 4, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks, 50% of AS 

Paper 1: topics 1 to 4, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 91 marks, 35% of A Level 

Paper 2: topics 5 to 8, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 91 marks, 35% of A Level 

Paper 3: topics 1 to 8, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 78 marks, 30% of A Level 

 

It is the student's responsibility to arrange their examinations - our teachers will provide all the support requied. Most students will sit their examination papers at a local school or college. Some students sit their examinations at private examination centres (Google these or ask the provider can provide a list) or the British Council for international students. Some students study our courses and sit examinations for other A Level science examinations as most examination boards and A Level specifications are very similar. Students who wish to do this should practice the past papers for other examination boards in preparation. Our teachers are very experienced across all examination boards and can help with this. Please note that AQA examinations are for UK students only. International students should preparae for examinations which will require a practical endorsement examination. 

 

Assessment, apart from the final A Level exams, will be carried out continuously throughout lessons, via homework or short tests. 

 

Science is usually taught as a hands-on practical subject. 

Items that would be useful to have would be safety goggles, an apron, and a tray on which to carry out practicals (e.g. large baking tray). Additional materials will be announced a week before required in the lesson along with a permission slip (to be signed by the parents). If a student cannot get access to materials required for practicals or does not wish to carry out a practical, they should not worry as the practical will also be demonstrated by the teacher. 

 

The number of practicals will be relatively restricted owing to the nature of the course (online versus conventional), but we will try to include as many practicals as possible using safe household materials. Students will also be encouraged to think scientifically in an everyday context, making them aware of the science around them and how it can help in solving problems. 

 

"The conducting of experiments is potentially dangerous and must be supervised by an adult. The provider and its teachers do not demand that pupils conduct experiments. Parents and pupils must take the decision to conduct experiments / dangerous activities and must therefore accept responsibility for any outcomes. The provider does not accept responsibility for experiments or any other dangerous activity conducted at the homes of its pupils or in any other place."