Biology
Fourth Form (Years 7 and 8)
Pupils in Lower and Upper 4 receive one double Biology lesson a week, lasting 80 minutes. The course followed is Exploring Science International 11-14 from Pearson Education. The course is designed to stretch our pupils whilst reinforcing their natural interest and enthusiasm. Pupils' work in these year groups leads directly into their study of the Biology component of the Key Stage Four courses from the start of Lower 5. All lessons are taught in our fully equipped laboratories. The topics covered include the Skeletal System, Cells and Organ Systems, Microbiology, Ecology and an introduction to Genetics.
Fifth Form (Years 9, 10 and 11)
In Lower 5 all pupils study the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science courses in their Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons. As part of the GCSE options process from 2025, pupils entering Middle 5 choose to either continue with Edexcel Combined Science (two GCSEs) or to take separate Edexcel IGCSE Physics, Chemistry and Biology qualifications (three separate IGCSEs). In 2025-26, the majority of pupils in Upper 5 study Edexcel IGCSE Physics, Chemistry and Biology as three separate GCSEs with a minority studying for the Edexcel Science (Double Award) qualification in their Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons.
Sixth Form
At A Level we follow the OCR Biology A H420 specification.
The A Level course is designed to be stimulating and hands on, whilst developing the scholarship and resilience to absorb and interpret unfamiliar data and to critique methodology and sources, essential skills for life beyond school and A Levels.
During the two-year course pupils compile a practical laboratory book and this forms the basis of their practical assessment, with the A Level grade being determined by three external exams at the end of the Upper 6. In June, all pupils are expected to attend a day of field studies in coastal sand dunes where they conduct coursework that will form part of their lab books and give them first-hand knowledge of a range of ecosystems.
There are 7 forty-minute periods of Biology each week, taught in mixed ability groups, in a combination of single and double periods.
Where the subject can take you
Biology can open up a range of careers including medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, microbiology, marine biology, conservation, environmental management and zoology. Transferrable skills acquired such as problem solving, are useful in other areas such as law. Biology can also complement other subjects such as sports science and psychology.
Trips
A Level Biology pupils will attend a day of field studies in coastal sand dunes where they conduct coursework that will form part of their lab books and give them first-hand knowledge of a range of ecosystems. There is no additional charge made for this trip.
FAQs
Is A Level Biology a big step up from GCSE?
In a word – yes – it is a big step up both in terms of the complexity of ideas studied, the detail in which concepts must be understood and the problem-solving nature of many A Level Biology questions. Biology is considered to be one of the more challenging subjects at A Level and we find that almost exclusively those who go on to attain grade A* and A do so from a starting point of a strong grade 9 at GCSE.
Can I study A Level Biology if I have studied Combined Science or Science (Double Award) GCSE?
Yes – the A Level course takes into account the fact that pupils will gain entry from a variety of previous qualifications both UK-based and international.
Do I need to study Mathematics and/or Chemistry A Level to be successful in A Level Biology?
Not specifically
– however we find that many pupils do and that these pupils often benefit from doing so. A minimum of 10% of the marks in A Level Biology will relate to mathematical skills including some challenging data-handling and statistics. Much of the A Level Biology course is biochemical in its nature – making Chemistry an excellent companion subject. Therefore a strong interest and ability in both Mathematics and Chemistry is anticipated from all A Level Biology students even if they opt not to study these subjects at A Level.
