Keystage 5

Biology AS/A2

Exam Board: OCR
Entry Requirements: Grade B or above in Biology at GCSE (Higher tier only) or Grade BB or above in Science at GCSE (Higher tier only); Grade C or above in Mathematics

AS level

• Cells; Exchange and Transport
• Molecules; Food and Health; Biodiversity and Evolution
• Coursework

A2 level

• Communication ; Homeostasis and Energy
• Control; Genomes and Environment
• Coursework

Outline of course content

These units follow on from the Science GCSE and Biology GCSE courses and are designed to introduce new ideas covering a variety of topics. These range from the small scale of biochemistry to the larger scale interactions between different populations. The course includes updates on recent research and developments in the rapidly changing world of bioscience, many of which will be incorporated into lessons.

At the beginning of the AS course there is a visit to the Electron Microscopy Unit at Plymouth University; and the A2 course includes a 3-day residential ecology field trip. Opportunities to see guest speakers, university departments and other establishments working within biological sciences will also be available.

There are two externally assessed modules each year, one of which is examinable in January. There is also an internally assessed coursework element for each course, made up of three mini-investigations.

AS/A Level Chemistry

(Edexcel course AS (80801) A2 (90801))

The AS course consists of 2 taught units covering Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Atomic Structure and Bonding, and Energy Changes.

A2 takes AS units to a greater depth. Both Years involve coursework.

Physics AS/A Level

Physics at Advanced level follows the highly acclaimed course written by the Institute of Physics.

Advancing Physics (AS) is designed to give students a good basis for future choice. It provides an introduction to physics and its uses that is thoroughly worth studying on its own, and which prepares the way for possible further study, by offering: a broad vision of physics as it is today, including modern developments in imaging and visualisation, micro-electronics and sensors, communications technology, and modern developments in design and uses of materials;

a novel but very simple introduction to the essence of quantum mechanical thinking;
all the core topics required in all physics AS-levels, particularly electric circuits, waves and mechanics;
training in essential skills of experimentation and data handling, including dealing with uncertainty and systematic error.

The AS course develops a students' ability to do good experimental work, to make measurements and observations as well as they can, and to know how good they are.

This is reflected in the AS coursework, in which the practical task is to make a measurement as accurately as possible. Students will need to identify sources of largest uncertainty and possible systematic error, and suggest ways to improve the measurement.

You can find further details about this course on the Institute of Physics website http://advancingphysics.iop.org/