What you will study?

 By studying Biology, you will deepen your understanding of life on every scale – from rainforests to single antibiotic resistant bacteria, from organ systems to DNA and biochemistry. This highly respected qualification is divided into 8 diverse sections including 12 compulsory areas including Cells, Biological molecules, Mass Transport, Homeostasis, Genetics and Inheritance. There is a focus on practical work over the 2 years which will provide you with a wide range of skills at an advanced level. The course also focuses on wider skills including – literacy, numeracy and the ability to make connections between natural, social, economic and ethical fields.

How you will be assessed?

Throughout the course you will be assessed by your teachers through low stakes quizzing, in class questioning, practice exam questions and multi topic assessments. At the end of the course there are three two-hour exams that are marked by external examiners. You will also be assessed by your teacher throughout the course in required practical activity competence and develop a lab folder of practical evidence.

Exam board - AQA

Why should you study biology?

Aside from Biology being an amazing and interesting subject, A level Biology is a highly respected qualification. Careers directly related to Biology include medical professions, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, research science (life sciences), microbiology, marine biology, conservation, and ecology, environmental management, food science, agricultural engineering and zoology. The transferable skills developed would also be useful in a diverse range of careers including: law, business analysis, psychology (Biology is a requirement for some Psychology degrees).

Additional entry requirements: Standard entry + grade 6 in Biology and Chemistry or 6-6 in Double Science and a 5 in GCSE maths.

Mr Oxley says: With small class sizes, teachers who know you and a collective A level Biology teaching experience of over 100 years, we at Exmouth Sixth Form are proud to prepare students for your next step in scientific advancement. Alongside lessons we carry out investigations and trips to enhance your learning and make the A level course an exciting and memorable experience for all students.

In A level Biology, we learn about what makes up living organisms as well as proteins and how complex we are. We find out how such tiny things such as the change in a bit of DNA can have huge effects and lead to illness – and how to cure those illnesses. - Year 13 student 

What you will study?

In this course, you will study areas of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, reaction kinetics, energetic and thermodynamics, as well as analytical techniques and chemistry in the environment. You will gain an appreciation of important chemical processes and principles which are fundamental to our understanding of the world around us, learning how scientists investigate phenomena. The course is also heavily practical based and some questions in the final written assessments will assess your knowledge of practical procedures.

How you will be assessed?

Exam board - OCR specification A

Three written final exams at the end of year 13.

• Paper 1 – covers physical chemistry elements and the periodic table and is worth 37% of the overall grade
• Paper 2 - covers Organic chemistry and again is worth 37% of the final grade.
• Paper 3 - is synoptic covering any area from the specification and is 26% of the final grade.
• The course is also heavily practical based and some questions in the final written assessments will assess your knowledge of practical procedures.

Why should you study chemistry?

You could go on to study for a higher education degree in a range of science based subjects such as chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary science, environmental science, pharmaceuticals, forensics, chemical engineering, mathematics. While students have also gone onto study non science subjects such as: classics, geography, economics, history, law, philosophy and English literature amongst many others. A scientific training also stands you in good stead for careers in a range of occupations from management to marketing.

Additional entry requirements: Standard entry + grade 6 GCSE in Maths, Grade 6 in Chemistry or 6-6 in Double Science.

Dr Gelling says: A Level Chemistry teaches you to be objective, analytical and methodical which in turn allows you to understand how much of the world and universe works. Studying Chemistry is one of the most profound and meaningful ways to understand the world around us and our place in it. Chemistry will shape our future for better or for worse through the development of new materials, drugs and exploitation of the planet’s resources in the most sustainable way

The best part of the course for me is the practicals as they’re really interesting. - Year 12 student 

What will you study?

Physics is the study of matter and energy and how they interact with each other. Physics is not set in stone. It is constantly evolving and new theories, discoveries and ways of thinking gradually take the place of previous knowledge and understanding. These discoveries have a direct impact on everyday life. You will study a wide range of topics covering classical and modern Physics including particle physics, quantum mechanics, mechanics, fields, electricity, waves and astrophysics.

How will you be assessed?

Exam board - AQA 3 exams at the end of Year 13 with practical skills endorsement over two years

Why should you study physics?

Studying Physics allows you to gain a profound understanding of a beautifully complex Universe. It is a challenging and rewarding subject to study! Physics gives you a huge range of transferable skills which are highly sought after by employers and universities. Students who study Physics not only have the option of following a career or research in the subject but are also able to apply their learning to other subjects at university such as Engineering, Electronics or Meteorology. Other students study Physics because it is useful for careers in Medicine or Biochemistry. Due to the training in problem-solving and logical thought that Physics provides it is a highly regarded qualification and is an excellent subject choice for other careers such as law or accountancy.

Standard entry requirements for Level 3 (5 GCSEs at Grade 4 including English Language and Maths), Grade 6 GCSE in Maths, Grade 6 in Physics or 6-6 in Double Science.

For more information please see: Mrs H Dupain – Head of Physics

Physics involves complex and challenging problem solving which is very rewarding - Year 12 student