Biology A Level

Exam Board: Edexcel RFD/AQA Cheltenham Fast Track: N/A Daytime: Cheltenham and RFD Evening: N/A What will I be doing on the course? This course considers the laws, theories and models of biology and their practical applications. The aim of the course is to enable learners to develop an interest and enthusiasm for biology and related career choices. Learners should also be able to appreciate how society makes decisions about biology related issues. Through a series of practical activities and data analysis we look at the effects of disease and risk factors on the cardiovascular system. The gas exchange system, enzyme action, the structure of DNA and the ethics of gene theory and genetic screening will also be covered. There are 3 units at AS level: Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health. Unit 2: Development, plants and the Environment. Unit 3: Practical Biology and Research Skills. This unit requires you to write a 2000 word report on an area of Biology that interests you. Homework Assessed assignment set weekly. Formal Assessment This course will be examined by two written papers and a piece of assessed coursework at AS. Each examination paper is worth 40% of your AS grade and each piece of coursework is worth 20% of your AS grade.

For full time students the course will form part of a larger programme of study which consists of timetabled sessions, enrichment activities, work experience and private study time. To achieve this a student will normally be asked to select from columns of the 6th Form matrix in each year of study. If a student falls below this programme requirement they may be classed as part time by some external agencies and may be required to pay fees for their tuition and/or exams. Please check with the tutor at interview that the subjects you have selected form a full-time programme. Every full time 6th Form student will have a personal tutor and will study a tutorial programme. The tutor will be responsible for the pastoral care of the student and for the tracking and monitoring of their progress on the course. This subject can be selected on its own for part time study for which tuition fees may be payable (please consult Student Services for fee concessions). Part time students may also be required to pay exam fees. You may have the opportunity to go on trips during the year. A small charge will be payable for these visits.

AS - 5 x GCSEs at Grade A* to C in different subjects to include English Language, maths plus a Grade B minimum in both core and additional science or B minimum in Biology A2 - successful completion of AS Biology at Grade A to C plus a good reference

Progression from GCSEs will normally be to AS Level (or equivalent vocational course) or to employment. Progression from AS Level will normally be to A2, and then on to employment or Higher Education

97.1% pass rate A* - E at A2 in June 2012, with 100% pass in 18 subjects

Rosemary A Levels: Psychology, Biology, English Rosemary from Charlton Kings, achieved two A*s and an A in her A Levels. Rosemary is now studying Occupational Therapy at the University of Southampton. “Gloucestershire College has been really good, especially the Disability Support team. I have M.E. and the College has really supported me. I decided to study Occupational Therapy because of my own personal experience, and I just love chatting to people! Megan A-Levels: Biology, Chemistry, Maths Megan is currently completing A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and chose to study at Gloucestershire College due to the excellent A Level pass rate and recommendations she received from other people. “The best things about the subjects I am studying is that the topics in different subjects relate to one another, the variety of teaching methods used, the work is interesting and the lecturers are very helpful and supportive. When I finish my studies with Gloucestershire College this year I would like to progress onto university to study Veterinary Medicine.”

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details