A Level Biology (OCR)

Yr12 Lead Teacher: Dr J Johnson (JDJohnson@stpetershuntingdon.org)

Yr13 Lead Teacher: Mrs R Cockman  (RCockman@stpetershuntingdon.org)

Students are taught by 2 biology teachers and follow the OCR-A specification (H420 A level and H020 AS level). In year 12 they complete the AS content and begin the A2 content in the summer term. The remainder of the A2 content is taught in yr13. Throughout the 2 years at least 12 practicals are completed in line with the practical endorsement part of the course, which is a pass or fail component of the A level. The scheme of work is written to encourage independent learning, develop practical and analytical skills and inspire students to learn more about the subject.

 

Information on the specification can be found at: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/biology-a-h020-h420-from-2015/

 

OCR Biology A specification

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology

Module 2 – Foundations in biology

Module 3 – Exchange and transport

Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease

Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy

Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

At AS Level:

• AS Papers 1 and 2 can assess any content from Modules 1 to 4.

At A Level:

• A Level Paper 1 assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5
• A Level Paper 2 assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
• A Level Paper 3 assesses the content from Modules 1 to 6.

Practical endorsement

The practical endorsement is a pass or fail part of the A2 course. It requires a minimum of 12 practical activities to be completed

Performance in this component is reported separately to the performance in the A level Practical Endorsement is teacher assessed against the

Common Practical Assessment Criteria (PAG).