Courses
Science
Biology along with the other sciences is one of the most challenging subjects that you can study at A level. To succeed you need to have an organized approach to your studies, be willing to ask questions, be prepared to learn new skills and be prepared to apply your knowledge from Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics to living organisms. In return, you will gain training in practical skills and gain knowledge of how complex living organisms work.
You will learn theory and develop practical skills throughout the course. Your work in class will be supported by practice questions completed at home and revision classes as examinations approach.
The course is divided into 6 modules.
Module 1- Development of practical skills in Biology.
Module 2- Foundations in Biology.
Module 3- Exchange and Transport
Module 4- Biodiversity, Evolution and disease
Module 5- Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
Module 6- Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems.
The OCR course (Biology A) is linear . To achieve the full A level all exams will be completed in Year 13. A stand-alone AS is available at the end of Year 12 where only modules 1 to 4 are examined.
Entry Requirements
Students are expected to have gained minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade 5 and above and at least a grade 6 in GCSE Biology or in combined Science.
Recommended support materials and revision guides
There are course specific text books available. In addition to this, students are encouraged to purchase a revision guide such as the CGP guide, written specifically for the Biology A course.
Examination arrangements and weightings
Paper 1 written exam – 2 hours 15 minutes 37%
Paper 2 written exam – 2 hours 15 minutes 37%
Paper 3 written exam – 1 hour 30 minutes 26%
In addition, students may sit a stand-alone AS level at the end of Year 12, by sitting:
Paper 1 written exam – 1 hour 30 minutes 50%
Paper 2 written exam – 1 hour 30 minutes 50%
Careers
Biology develops a wide range of skills – manipulating apparatus, analysing information, drawing conclusions and evaluating data and procedures. Biology can lead to a wide range of careers; for example: medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medical research, drug development, pharmacy and many more.
Chemistry is one of the most challenging subjects that you can study at A level. To succeed, you need to have a highly inquisitive mind, strong mathematical skills, a powerful imagination and a logical approach to problem solving. In return, you will gain training in a discipline at the forefront of modern technology and you’ll leave with a qualification in one of the subjects most sought after by employers and universities.
Chemistry is considered essential for medical courses and it is considered as an advantage for a great many more courses. You will learn theory and develop practical skills throughout the course. Your work in class will be supported by practice questions completed at home and revision classes as examinations approach.
The core content includes
1. Development of Practical Skills
2. Foundations in Chemistry
3. Periodic Table and Energy
4. Core Organic Chemistry
5. Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements
6. Organic Chemistry and Analysis
The OCR course (Chemistry A) is linear. To achieve the full A level all exams will be completed in Year 13. A stand-alone AS is available at the end of Year 12, examining content from modules 1-4.
Entry Requirements
Students are expected to have gained minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade 5 and above and at least a grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry or in combined Science. You will normally need a grade 6 in Mathematics, due to the relatively high mathematical content.
Recommended support materials and revision guides
At the start of the course students will be provided with the course textbook. In addition to this, students are encouraged to purchase a revision guide such as the CGP guide written specifically for the OCR Chemistry A course.
Examination arrangements and weightings
Paper 1 written exam – 2 hours – 37 %
Paper 2 written exam – 2 hours – 37 %
Paper 3 written exam – 1 hours – 26 %
During the course, you will complete a number of experiments, which will contribute towards a practical endorsement recognised by universities, in
addition to your final A Level grade. Students may sit a stand-alone AS level at the end of Year 12, by sitting:
Paper 1 written exam – 1 hours – 50%
Paper 2 written exam – 1 hours – 50%
Careers
Chemists are highly sought after in a wide variety of careers. They receive, on average, higher salaries than graduates from other disciplines. Just some of the career paths open to you are medicine, dentistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy, management, finance and scientific research.
Physics is one of the most challenging subjects that you can study at A level. To succeed, you need to have a highly inquisitive mind, strong mathematical skills, a powerful imagination and a logical approach to problem solving. In return, you will gain training in a discipline at the forefront of modern technology and you’ll leave with a qualification in one of the subjects most sought after by employers and universities.
You will learn theory and develop practical skills throughout the course. Your work in class will be supported by practice questions completed at home and revision sessions as examinations approach.
The core content includes
1. Measurements and their errors
2. Particles and Radiation
3. Waves
4. Mechanics and Materials
5. Electricity
6. Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
7. Fields and their Consequences
8. Nuclear Physics
9. Turning Points in Physics
The AQA course (Physics A) is linear . To achieve the full A level all exams will be completed in Year 13. A stand-alone AS is available at the end of Year 12 where only sections 1-5 only are examined.
Entry Requirements
Students are expected to have gained minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade 5 and above and at least a grade 6 in GCSE Physics or in combined Science.
You will normally need a grade 6 in Mathematics, due to the relatively high mathematical content.
Recommended support materials and revision guides
At the start of the course students will have course textbooks available to them. In addition to this, students are encouraged to purchase a revision guide such as the CGP guide written specifically for the Physics course.
Careers
Physicists are highly sought after in a wide variety of careers.
They receive, on average, higher salaries than graduates from other disciplines. Just some of the career paths open to you will be astronomy, engineering, meteorology, finance, artificial intelligence, medical science and of course research at postgraduate and post doctorate levels.