A-Level
A Level
Exam board: CCEA
The specification is designed to promote continuity, coherence and progression within the study of biology. The A Level award provides a basis for the further study, at tertiary level, of biology and related courses. For those progressing directly into employment, an AS or A Level award is relevant not only in the fields of science, engineering and medicine, but also to areas of commerce and the public service in which problem-solving and practical skills are valued.
The specification helps to provide an understanding of how biological developments affect the environment. The specification also contributes towards an understanding of ethical and cultural issues, thus adding to a full and rounded education.
This specification aims to enable students to:
- develop their interest in and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in the subject;
- develop and draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and understanding of different aspects of the subject;
- develop competence and confidence in a number of skills, including independent learning, creative thinking, practical, mathematical and problem-solving;
- carry out practical tasks and present their findings in different formats;
- develop an appreciation and understanding of scientific methods; and
- appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
Course Outline
As one of the most popular A level subject choices, on average 50% of our GCSE pupils choose to continue their study biology to A level.
Year 14 completing a small animal dissection as one of their assessed practicals
Fieldtrip to Greenmount Agricultural College to learn sampling techniques in Year 13
Many of our A level students continue their studies at higher education. They choose a wide variety of courses which include:
- medicine
- dentistry
- veterinary science
- physiotherapy
- optometry
- pharmacy
- midwifery
- forensic science
- agriculture
- teaching
Revision Material
We would encourage pupils to make extensive use of past papers as part of their independent study routine. These can be accessed at:
https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-biology-2016/past-papers-mark-schemes
The specification is useful for revision purposes and can be accessed at:
https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-biology-2016
There are a number of revision guides that accompanies the course, which may be purchased either online or in local book shops.
A21: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CCEA-Unit-Biology-Student-Guide/dp/1471863034/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
