BIOLOGY

A Level

Biology at Cheadle is in the top 25% nationally for progress.

Biology is the science of life. In Biology you will study how organisms function and interact with each other. Biology is an exciting and fast moving science with new discoveries being made every week, particularly in genetics and in the fight against disease. 

 

We will be building on the core principles you have learnt at GCSE and also studying new topic areas.

Career Path

  • Research Scientist
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Science
  • Science Teacher
  • Nurse
  • Bioengineer and many more…

More than just a course

As well as studying key concepts such as biological molecules, cell structure and function, movement of molecules, exchange and transport in animals and plants, genetic variation, classification, biodiversity, photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient cycles, energy transfer, stimuli and response, nerves, homeostasis, muscles, populations, gene expression and gene technology you will build a variety of transferable skills in the two years including data analysis, communication, organisation, practical and the ability to work in a team.

Your practical skills will develop through a range of core practical’s gaining the ‘practical skills endorsement’ at the end of the second year as you begin to develop your own methods to gather information. You will work individually and with your peers in a variety of activities including practicals, discussions, fieldwork and modelling theories.

Our highly-trained team will monitor your progress using rigorous and accurate assessment methods and use the information to support you throughout your two years, offering you dedicated support sessions.

We have a highly trained and experienced team who will use their expertise to help every student make progress in their studies. We also have a dedicated work placement team to help you secure a placement in your chosen field including medicine and working with animals.

Students have progressed from here to study Biology related degrees at many top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

This course is assessed purely by exams in the summer term of the second year.

Unique Features

  • The opportunity to take part in the UK Biology Schools Quiz
  • Trips to revision conferences
  • Variety of links to extracurricular lectures in Manchester and the surrounding areas
  • The opportunity to visit and use University laboratories
  • Trips to Chester Zoo
  • The opportunity to compete in the UK Society of Biology Olympiad
  • Students on the Academic Excellence pathway have the opportunity to research an Extended Project Qualification in a Biology related area
  • International conservation expeditions to areas such as South Africa
  • Nuffield summer research placements

Entry Requirements

ADVANCED PATHWAY: The traditional A Level pathway for those who may be thinking of University, Higher Apprenticeship or Degree Apprenticeship.

You must be passionate about Biology with a determination to succeed. To study Biology A Level you must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs grade 4-9 including English Language and Maths at a level 6. (Grade 5s will be considered dependent on overall GCSE qualifications). A 6-6 is required in Combined Science or a 6 in GCSE Biology and either Chemistry or Physics.

In addition, it will be useful for you to study another Science or Maths at A level, although this is not compulsory.

We are an inclusive College and will consider all applications on a case by case basis at interview.