A levels can be an intimidating point in your life. With GCSEs finally out of the way, it can be quite a difficult decision when it comes to choosing the subjects that potentially shape the future of your education and possibly your career. One advantage that you have is that you are not alone. As somebody who has gone through the same process and is currently studying in the first year of sixth form, I am able to share a small insight to my experience.

Since joining the school in year 7, I have always been drawn to the sciences and enjoyed learning about the “hows” and “whys” of the world around me. Later, I realised that I wanted to study medicine after A levels. Taking the right A levels provides you with the opportunity to learn more about areas that you find interesting and gives a great insight of what you might want to study after sixth form. Therefore, it made sense for me to continue my education by focusing my A level studies on the sciences and math. Out of the four subjects, I am currently studying biology. This subject is essential for those who are in a similar position and anyone else considering a career path that is involved with science.

Biology is the science of life. Biologists study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This includes the study of biochemistry, botany, ecology, genetics etc. Many of the general topics of biology overlap, meaning that it is impossible to progress in areas like cellular biology without a basic understanding of biochemistry. A level biology allows prospective students to study the basics of biology to an extent which allows for development in further education. During sixth form, A level biology is split into five units which are covered in year 12 and year 13:

AS

· Unit 1 – Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organization.

· Unit 2 – Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems.

A2

· Unit 3 – Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment.

· Unit 4 – Variation, Inheritance, and Options.

· Unit 5 – Experimental Task and Practical Analysis.

It is also important to consider the significant leap from GCSE to A levels. The transition from GCSEs can be exciting when you are taking science subjects. However, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer detail and content and lose focus. You will find that A levels are more demanding than GCSEs. Initially, I found it difficult to adjust to the workload. The detail in the topics covered are greater, more complex and various concepts can be difficult to understand. It takes time to adjust, but with time, you learn how to adapt yourself to the workload at A levels. One thing that helped me to manage was organising the content that I had to learn and getting familiar with the topics and subtopics. In addition to this, it is helpful to pre-read content that you are covering in lessons. This helps you to stay on top of what is going on and keep up during classes. Do not forget the amazing teachers that are there to help you get through sixth form. When you are struggling, you can always approach teachers and ask for help. The science and maths department have some of the best teachers in the school! Biology is taught by Mr Jones, Mr Brown and Mrs Mounce who are excellent teachers and will not hesitate to

provide the support that you need. You also have the current sixth formers who can give you advice and support when you need it.

I have enjoyed learning the content covered in A level biology. I enjoyed learning about biological molecules and the processes that occur to form those molecules in unit 1. The content in unit 1 of biology helped me to develop a greater understanding of what I had learnt in subjects like chemistry. Now, I am studying unit 2 of the AS level course which covers the physiology of body systems and includes looking at adaptions for digestion. I appreciate the balance of human anatomy that is covered. It has allowed me to gain an insight of the knowledge that will be useful in the career I am considering.

Aside from developing an in-depth knowledge of the biological world, biologists also develop skills and understanding of scientific methods, data analysis, observation, correlations and causal relationships. The study of biology also helps students to build up skills in research, problem solving, organisation and analytical skills. This is transferrable to the many careers and courses that are related to biology. Biology is often a requirement when applying to uni. It is directly linked to careers that 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. Moreover, the transferable skills developed would also be useful in a diverse range of careers including law, business analysis, psychology.

After A levels, I plan to study a medicine degree at university and hopefully become a doctor in the future. As mentioned previously, A level biology was an essential option for me due to most medical schools requiring biology and chemistry as an entry requirement.

In summary, A level biology is a highly respected and academic course that can lead to a large range of careers, being a requirement for many courses at university. It is an exciting branch of science for those who want to learn about the world around us. No matter what career you choose to pursue after sixth form, A level Biology is an excellent choice and will provide satisfaction.

Jonn - Year 13 AS/A Level Biology