Biology, Chemistry & Physics
Mission statement
We develop the next generation of leaders, mentors, educators and culture shapers to advance scientific discovery and science literacy for addressing local, regional and global challenges to provide solutions that improve the world we live in
Biology
Exam Board: AQA
Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths. Biology is a dynamic subject never far from the headlines.
In the first year you will study 4 main topics:
- Biological molecules;
- Cells;
- Organisms exchanging substances with their environment;
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
In addition, there are numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip you with the essential practical skills you need.
Y12 is assessed by two internal written papers.
Year 13 helps you build on that firm foundation and you will study:
• Energy transfers in and between organisms;
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments;
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems;
• The control of gene expression.
At A-level you will assessed by 3 written papers, each of 2 hours.
Practical assessments have been divided into those that can be assessed in written exams and those that can only be directly assessed whilst students are carrying out experiments. A-level grades will be based only on marks from written exams. A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of your competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exam.
The students (Yr 12 and 13) are assessed through end of topic tests which occur every three/four weeks. Year 13 are expected to write essays on a regular basis which also enables synoptic knowledge to be evaluated.
Modules are sequenced so that the fundamentals of the subject can be learnt (Year 12). The application of the fundamentals is then taught (Year 13), modules build on prior knowledge.
Useful textbooks, revision guides and websites
The use of the AQA textbook, kerboodle and ‘Biological Review’ is emphasised. The use of the AQA revision guide, Seneca and physicandmaths.com for past papers is encouraged to develop knowledge and application.
Chemistry
A-Level Chemistry
Exam board: OCR
Course: OCR level 3 Advanced GCE in Chemistry A.
The scheme of work can be found on TEAMS.
This is a linear two year course with 3 exams covering 6 modules (module content and examinations are outlined in the table below).
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Assessment overview |
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Periodic table, elements and physical Chemistry (01) 100 marks: 15 marks of multiple choice. 85 marks for short and extended answer questions. 2hr 15 minutes Written paper Content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 |
37% of A level |
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Synthesis and analytical techniques (02) 100 marks: 15 marks multiple choice. 85 marks for short and extended answer questions. 2hr 15 minutes Written paper Content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 |
37% of A level |
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Unified Chemistry (03) 70 marks: All marks are for short and extended answer questions. 1hr 30 minutes Written paper All modules 1-6 |
26% of A level |
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Practical endorsement in Chemistry (04) Non exam assessment |
Reported separately |
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Content overview |
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Module 1- Development of practical skills in Chemistry. |
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Module 2-Foundations in Chemistry |
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Module 3-Periodic table and energy |
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Module 4-Core organic Chemistry |
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Module 5-Physical Chemistry and transition elements |
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Module 6-Organic Chemistry and analysis |
Pupils complete formative assessments at the end of each module. At the end of year Y12 pupils will sit end of year exams. The three summative exams are at the end of Y13.
The content is divided between two teachers, one will teach Physical Chemistry the other Organic Chemistry.
The sequencing of modules builds upon the knowledge from previously taught concepts.
Useful resources
Textbook: A level Chemistry for OCR A (Rob Richie, Dave Gent), ISBN 978-0-19-835197-9.
Revision guide: Oxford Revise: A Level Chemistry for OCR A Revision and Exam Practice. ISBN-13 978-1382008662
- www.kerboodle.com: Online textbook and resources;
- https://www.chemguide.co.uk/;
- https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-ocr-a/
Physics
Exam Board: AQA
This is a linear two-year course with 3 exams covering 10 modules and practical skills (as detailed below).
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Assessment overview |
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A level Paper 1 85 marks 2 hours Question types: 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content. Questions assessing students’ use of mathematical skills will make up 40% of the exam papers.
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34% of A level |
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A level Paper 2 85 marks 2 hours Question types: 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content. Questions assessing students’ use of mathematical skills will make up 40% of the exam papers.
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34% of A level |
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A level Paper 3 80 marks 2 hours
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32% of A level |
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Reported separately |
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Content Overview |
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Section 1 - Particles and Radiation |
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Section 2 – Waves and Optics |
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Section 3 – Mechanics and Materials |
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Section 4 - Electricity |
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Section 5 – Practical Skills in Physics |
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Section 6 – Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics |
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Section 7 - Fields |
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Section 8 – Nuclear Physics |
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Section 9 - Astrophysics |
Pupils complete formative assessments at the end of each module. At the end of year Y12 pupils will sit end of year exams. The three summative exams are at the end of Y13.
The sequencing of modules builds upon the knowledge from previously taught concepts, and usually takes an order of how they are grouped in examinations.
Resources
Textbook: AQA Physics A-Level (Jim Breithaupt), ISBN 978-0-19-835187-0
Revision guide: Oxford Revise: AQA A Level Physics Revision and Exam Practice. ISBN-978-1-382-00860-0
- www.kerboodle.com: Online textbook and resources;
- https://www.alevelphysicsonline.com/: Useful videos and explanations
- https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/physics-revision/a-level-aqa/: Access to past papers and discussion groups.