Biology Intermediate/GCSE

BIOLOGY Intermediate/GCSE

• Level 2 course
• One year
• Progression AS level
• Exam board OCR
• 5 periods a week
• This course is offered within the Maths, ITC and Science Division

Course outline
This course will help you gain some understanding of the exciting nature of Biology today. Its not just about learning facts and theories: there is a lot of practical work too. The course is the first year of Regent Colleges 3 year A-level Biology programme. It follows the OCR Gateway specification, with the objective of enabling many students to sit the Higher Level exam.

Structure of the Course
Paper 1 covers the first three modules of the course. This includes
Understanding Ourselves (fitness, food, health, drugs, hormones and control, genes)
Understanding our Environment (ecology, photosynthesis, competition, adaptation, sustainability)
Living and Growing (molecule of life, diffusion, blood flow, cell division, growth, genetic engineering)
Paper 2 covers a further 3 modules:
Its a Green World (more on photosynthesis, transport through plants, energy flow, farming, decay and recycling)
The Living Body (movement, heart and circulation, breathing, waste disposal, reproduction and repair)
Beyond the Microscope (microorganisms, biofuels, life in soil, enzymes in action)

Teaching styles
We make use of all types of activities: whole-class and group practical work, teacher demonstrations, teacher-led discussions, individual use of computers and quick learning games and quizzes.

Assessment
The course is assessed in parts of equal value.
Exam Paper 1: 1 hr 33.3%
Exam Paper 2: 1 hr 33.3%
Coursework: 33.3%
This consists of two parts:
1. Can-do tasks: a series of at least eight can-do tasks, during which students demonstrate the ability to make scientific measurements or follow instructions to carry out relevant experimental procedures.
2. Science in the News: a written report based on the research into a topical issue in the news relevant to Biology.

Key Features
This is not a course just about learning scientific facts: there is a strong link with the real world. From what goes wrong with the body to how we can live sustainably, we look at the real consequence of the science we learn

Subject combinations
GCSE Biology combines well with any other course, especially the other sciences. Students also take Biology alongside Health and Social Care courses, especially if they are considering careers in health or nursing. If you wanted to take your sciences to A-level you would be advised to take Chemistry or Physics as well.

Resources and facilities
The course is taught in well equipped labs. Students will have their own copy of a new textbook written specifically for the course. We also use online resources to add variety and bring the outside world into the lab.

Progression
The course leads onto AS and then A level Biology (if you achieve grade C or above) after which students may go into Higher Education and careers in Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy and Health Care.

Entry requirements
1. The minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade D (including English Language and Mathematics); and
2. Grade D in one of the following:
GCSE Science as well as GCSE Additional (or Applied) Science, or equivalent
GCSE Biology