Key Stage 5
OCR A – A Level Biology
A Level Biology at Saltash Community College follows the OCR A specification. This is a topic-based approach to teaching, encompassing a range of modules and practical skills which will prepare students for further study in Biology.
It is split into 6 modules that are spread over the 2-year course. Each module is split into a series of units. These modules are:
Year 12:
- Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills – This module consists of a series of practical tasks carried out within lessons and is teacher assessed and reported separately to the performance at the A Level
- Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
- Module 3 – Exchange and Transport
- Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and Disease
Year 13:
- Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
- Module 6 – Genetic, evolution and ecosystems
Teaching is split between two teachers and split into different units. A test will occur after the completion of each unit.
Autumn Term 1:
Teacher 1 – Module 4
- Unit 10 – Classification and Evolution
- Unit 11 – Biodiversity
Teacher 2 – Module 2
- Unit 2 – Basic Components of living things
Autumn Term 2:
Teacher 1 – Module 4
- Unit 11 – Biodiversity (continued)
- Unit 12 – Communicable Disease
Teacher 2 – Module 2
- Unit 3 – Biological Molecules
Spring Term 1:
Teacher 1 – Module 3
- Unit 7 – Exchange Surfaces and Breathing
Teacher 2 – Module 2
- Unit 4 – Enzymes
Spring Term 2:
Teacher 1 – Module 3
- Unit 8 – Transport in animals
Teacher 2 – Module 2
- Unit 5 – Biological Molecules
Summer Term 1:
Teacher 1 – Module 3
- Unit 9 – Transport in Plants
Teacher 2 – Module 2
- Unit 6 – Cell Division
Summer Term 2:
Teacher 1 – Revision and Mocks
Teacher 2 – Revision and Mocks
Autumn Term 1:
Teacher 1 – Module 6
- Unit 19 – Genetics of living systems
- Unit 20 – Patterns of inheritance and variation
Teacher 2 – Module 5
- Unit 17 – Energy for biological processes
- Unit 18 - Respiration
Autumn Term 2:
Teacher 1 – Module 6
- Unit 21 – Manipulating genomes
Teacher 2 – Module 5
- Unit 13 – Neuronal Communication
Spring Term 1:
Teacher 1 – Module 6
- Unit 22 – Cloning and Biotechnology
Teacher 2 – Module 5
- Unit 14 – Hormonal Communication
Spring Term 2:
Teacher 1 – Module 6
- Unit 23 - Ecosystems
- Unit 24 – Populations and sustainability
Teacher 2 – Module 5
- Unit 15 - Homeostasis
- Unit 16 – Plant Responses
Summer Term 1:
Teacher 1 – Revision of previous units
Teacher 2 – Revision of previous units
Summer Term 2:
Teacher 1 – Revision of previous units
Teacher 2 – Revision of previous units
Assessment:
OCR A Level Biology is assessed by four components (3 exams and 1 practical component). These are:
Exams:
- Paper 1 – Biological Processes (H420/01) – 2 hours 15 minutes
This paper is worth 100 marks and split into two sections.
Section A – multiple choice (15 marks) and Section B – short answer questions and extended response questions (85 marks). This paper covers Module 1, 2, 3 and 5
- Paper 2 – Biological Diversity (H420/02) – 2 hours 15 minutes
This paper is worth 100 marks and split into two sections.
Section A – multiple choice (15 marks) and Section B – short answer questions and extended response questions (85 marks). This paper covers Module 1, 2, 4 and 6
- Paper 3 – Unified Biology (H420/03) – 1 hour 30 minutes
This paper is worth 70 marks. This is in one section and includes short answers and extended response questions. This paper covers Modules 1-6.
- Practical Endorsement
This non-exam assessment component rewards the development of practical competency in biology and is teacher assessed. Learners demonstrate competence in the range of skills and techniques carried out in lessons.
Homework:
Students will be given a range of homework, including exam-style questions, revision activities and self-study. Students will be expected to work at least 1 hour outside of lessons for each hour spent in lessons.
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