Do I need to have done Separate Science at GCSE?
No. All of the topics covered in Combined Science are done so at the same level as the separate sciences, only more topics are covered. All the content which is not covered in Combined Science at GCSE will be taught afresh in the A-Level course.
AT the start, it might feel like you're 'behind' compared to other students, but in our experienced there is no disavantage. Our team of teachers will be able to support you in any catching up that is required, and support sessions are run throughout the year if you feel there are any areas which you are struggling with.
Do I need to study A-Level Maths alongside Biology?
No. Although studying A-Level Maths alongside Biology would be helpful, it is not essential. At least 10% of the marks available in Biology exams assess your maths skills in a biology context at GCSE higher tier standard. It would be extremely useful to keep these skills in top form.
Core Maths is an additional qualification (1 lesson per week) that supports your studies in Biology.
How much practical work do you do?
There are 12 practicals spread over the 2 years. They will offer you the opportunity to gain essential skills that will contribute to your practical endorsement.
Please note that there is no graded coursework.
How many students are in a class?
Typical class sizes are around 20 students. This depends on a number of factors and may vary year-to-year.
What stretch and challenge do you do?
We offer the Intermediate Biology Olympiad in the first year and the International Biology Olympiad in the second year.
What do I need to bring along to lessons?
Students are expected to bring the following along to every lesson:
Black, blue and green pens.
Highlighters.
Pencil, a 30cm transparent ruler, sharpener, and rubber.
A scientific calculator.
A notepad or paper for writing additional notes on.
A small folder or document wallet containing the following:
o Most recent/current assessment packs
o Most recent/current notes
o The current unit specifications
There is a lot of content, so consistently make revision resources through the week and make a note of things to revisit. Once you leave it a few weeks, it piles on top of you and it gets very overwhelming and hard to get back to normal.
Keep on top of all your work, make revision cards or mindmaps for each topic as you go along so in upper sixth you will already have all of your notes prepared and can focus on just committing it to memory and answering exam questions.
Make sure to keep up with making mark scheme cards as they are really helpful to revise from If you don’t understand something ask for help straightaway or else you will forget to ask later and won’t understand later.
Attempt to become as comfortable with your class around you as quick as possible- this removes any hesitance from asking important questions as well as taking pressure off the lessons.
Ask questions as soon as you're confused, even if you just ask another student it could help you or show that both of you need further clarification.
Use your independent study breaks effectively; use them to go over the notes that you covered in the previous lesson and try to complete any work set.
The first topic will be hard because you’re still settling in to college life but it will make more sense as you complete other topics.
Don't be afraid to ask for help on something you don't understand, rather than going home and not understanding it.
Make sure you do the suggested amount of revision per week and don’t leave everything to the last minute.
The best way to consolidate learning is to do the practice exam questions.
Don't stress but work hard. If you don't understand, ask until you do!
Keep all the glossary and drill questions up to date and revisit them after the topic is done to ensure the answers are the best they can be for using them for revision.
Always annotate questions as much as possible and write down any tips you are given- especially ones about how to approach that type of question instead of the answer itself as exam technique is a big factor in exams.
Don't waste time on excessive notes and highlighting etc.- the best way to revise is redoing the glossary and drill questions and doing the mark scheme cards.
Make sure to stay on top of question booklets and drill questions.
Don't feel like you can't ask questions , its the best way to learn if you are unsure on something find different revision strategies that make biology revision feel less like work and more of a activity.
The best way to learn content is to do past questions .
Making mark scheme cards and answering and then marking practice questions really help you to understand how to get the marks in questions.
Make sure to do consistent revision throughout the year.
Take it seriously from the start. The level of difficulty skyrockets if not putting in the right time.
Focus on what's difficult and not what's easy.
ASK QUESTIONS!!!!!!