Biology A Level

Exam Board: OCR Chelt / Edexcel RFD Fast Track: Cheltenham subject to meeting strict criteria Daytime: Cheltenham and RFD Evening: No Exams: OCR Cheltenham AS Unit 1 Cells, Exchange and Transport 1hour 15% Unit 2 Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health 1¾ hours 25% Unit 3 Practical Skills in Biology 1 assessment 10% A2 Unit 4 Communication and Homeostasis 1¼ hours 15% Unit 5 Control, Genomes and Environment 2 hours 25% Unit 6 Practical Skills in Biology 2 assessment 10% Edexcel Royal Forest of Dean AS Unit 1 Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health 1½ hours 20% Unit 2 Development, Plants and the Environment 1½ hours 20% Unit 3 Practical Biology and Research Skills assessment 10% A2 Unit 4 The Natural Environment and Species Survival 1½ hours 20% Unit 5 Energy, Exercise and Coordination 1¾ hours 20% Unit 6 Practical Biology and Investigative Skills assessment 10% Where will this qualification take me? Biology is an excellent preparation for a career or entry to Higher Education to study such subjects as those careers that are associated with agriculture, environmental science, forensic science, genetics, health, medicine, sport science, teaching and veterinary science amongst others. Biology also complements other A level subjects such as Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geography and Psychology. What will I be doing on the course? Biology is a fascinating subject that will help you understand the wide range of living things around us. You will develop your understanding of biology from GCSE to topics such as the circulatory and digestive systems, biochemistry, cells and tissues, enzymes, disease and immunology. This is an interesting, enjoyable and challenging level 3 course. “I have found Biology very interesting and challenging. My favourite topic so far has been DNA. The teaching methods are very effective and the VLE is an excellent resource.” “Biology is an interesting and fascinating subject to learn. My favourite part was learning about the cardiovascular system. Although it is challenging and it involves a lot of hard work, it is an enjoyable subject to learn.”

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 it's 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 and you must have a Grade B minimum in both core and additional science or grade B 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 Levels will normally be to the full A Level programme, then on to employment or Higher Education opportunities

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