Science
Biology
Qualifications to start the course
The entry requirements for all A-Level courses are a minimum of 8 GCSE subjects, with an average grade of 6 (legacy grade B) or above, including at least a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language and GCSE mathematics and a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science.
Description of the subject
The Biology A level (Edexcel Salters-Nuffield) course is well structured and consists of 8 topics to be taken over 2 years. Students complete all termly assessments for both years. By the end of the second year, students will sit 3 examination papers. Practical work is an integral part throughout all the topics and students will also be assessed on the core practical skills as directed by the new specification.
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- No re-sits are possible
- Students will have to pass the first year to qualify for the second year.
- Practicals will be assessed throughout the year
- Study guides and text books will be provided.
What you will do
The course consists of 8 Topics to be taken over 2 years:
- Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk
- Topic 2: Genes and Health
- Topic 3: Voice of the Genome
- Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources
- Topic 5: On the Wild Side
- Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics
- Topic 7: Run for your Life
- Topic 8: Grey Matter
There will be 3 exam papers and a Practical Endorsement:
- Paper 1: The Natural Environment and Species Survival (Topics 1 – 6)
- Paper 2: Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination (Topics 1 – 4, 7 and 8)
- Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology (Topics 1 – 8 and review of scientific article released 8 weeks before examination)
- Practical Assessments: Write-up of at least 12 experiments over the course of 2 years
Future prospects
Previous students have embarked upon a wide range of careers including Medicine, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Environmental Science, Physiology, as well as careers in more broadly related areas such as the food industry.
Chemistry
Qualifications to start the course
Minimum entry requirements for all A-Level courses are a minimum of 8 GCSE subjects, with an average grade of 6 (legacy grade B) or above, including at least a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language (or Literature) and GCSE mathematics and a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science.
To study this subject, you will also need a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science and 6 in GCSE English Language and Maths.
Description of the subject
The OCR Chemistry A course covers the core chemistry required for the A Level student. It follows a content-led approach where the specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of chemistry.
- No re-sits are possible
- Practical work will be assessed throughout the year
- Study guides and text books will be provided.
What you will do
The course consists of 6 modules to be taken over 2 years:
- Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry
- Module 2: Foundations in Chemistry
- Module 3: Periodic Table and Energy
- Module 4: Core Organic Chemistry
- Module 5: Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements
- Module 6: Organic Chemistry and Analysis
There will be 3 exam papers and a Practical Endorsement:
- Paper 1: Periodic Table, Elements and Physical Chemistry (Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5)
- Paper 2: Synthesis and Analytical Techniques (Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6)
- Paper 3: Unified Chemistry (Modules 1 – 6)
- Practical Assessments: Write-up of numerous experiments over the course of 2 years
Future prospects
By studying two or more Science A Levels you will be open to hundreds of different Science degree courses at any one of the main UK universities, often with A Level entry requirements considerably lower than many other degree courses. Chemistry is the central science, combining as it does with Biology, Physics and Mathematics. A Science degree not only prepares you for a great diversity of careers within the field of science but also within the world of business and management.
Physics
Qualifications to start the course
Minimum entry requirements for all A-Level courses are a minimum of 8 GCSE subjects, with an average grade of 6 (legacy grade B) or above, including at least a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language (or Literature) and GCSE mathematics and a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science.
To study this subject, you will also need a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science and 6 in GCSE English Language and Maths.
Description of the subject
Physics provides an understanding of basic physical processes that form the basis of modern science, technology and engineering. It provides opportunities to apply the knowledge of physics to dealing with everyday problems.
The course is taught with the help of practical work designed to support your understanding of the concepts as well as the acquisition of laboratory skills. It also focuses on the idea of problem solving – a skill considered essential by many prospective employers.
- No re-sits are possible
- Practical skills and techniques will be assessed throughout the year
- Study guides and text books will be provided.
What you will do
Over the course of two years, you will gain the skill and understanding to complete 3 exams at the end of the course:
A Level Paper 1 – Advanced Physics I
- Working as a Physicist
- Mechanics
- Electric Circuits
- Further Mechanics
- Electric and Magnetic Fields
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
A Level Paper 2 – Advanced Physics II
- Working as a Physicist
- Materials
- Waves and Particle Nature of Light
- Thermodynamics
- Space
- Nuclear Radiation
- Gravitational Fields
- Oscillations
A Level Paper 3 – General and Practical Applications in Physics
- Questions will be drawn from any of the topics in Paper 1 and Paper 2
- Synoptic questions that draw from 2 or more of the topics in Paper 1 and Paper 2
- Questions that assess conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods used for Science Practical Endorsement
A Level Science Practical Endorsement
- Write-up of at least 16 practical activities
- Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) to be met
- Minimum standard of practical techniques to be gained by candidates
Future prospects
By studying two or more Science A Levels, you will be opening up access to hundreds of different Science degree courses. Physics is a science, fundamental to the understanding of many other fields. A degree in Science not only prepares you for a range of careers within the science, but also within the world of business and management.
Physics graduate employment may include: Aeronautics, Engineering, Medical/Health Services, Geophysics, Optometry, Tele-communications, Actuarial Science, and Accounting. Mathematics is a must.
