AS/A Level Course Content
Biology
We follow the AQA Specification for A Level Biology (7402). It is a 2 year course and students sit their external assessments in Year 13. Students will have 6 biology lessons a week which will comprise of theory and practical based learning. There are 12 required practicals that students will complete during the course.
Biology looks at how living organisms, both animals (including humans) and plants, function and interrelate. Much of the work involves many of the new developments in genetics and biotechnology. It should not be studied in isolation. Biology should be related, in a wider sense, to the needs of people. Relevant and important aspects of modern life are stressed, including those of a personal, social, environmental, economic and technological nature.
Year 12 Topics
1. Biological Molecules
- Biological Molecules
- Nucleic Acids
2. Cells
- Cell Structure
- Transport across Cell Membranes
- Cell Recognition and the Immune System
3. Organisms Exchange Substances with their Environment
- Exchange
- Mass Transport
4. Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships between Organisms
- DNA, Genes and Protein Synthesis
- Genetic Diversity and Adaptation
- Biodiversity
Year 13 Topics
5. Energy Transfers In and Between Organisms
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Energy and Ecosystems
6. Organisms Respond to Changes in their Internal and External Environment
- Responses to Stimuli
- Nervous Coordination and Muscles
- Homeostasis
7. Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems
- Inherited Change
- Populations in Ecosystems
- Populations and Evolution
8. The Control of Gene Expression
- Gene Expression
- Recombinant DNA Technology
Chemistry
We follow the AQA Specification for A Level Chemistry. It is a 2 year course and students sit their external assessments in Year 13. Students will have 6 Chemistry lessons a week which will comprise of theory and practical based learning. There are 12 required practicals that students will complete during the course.
You will develop and enhance your knowledge in 3 main areas: physical, organic and inorganic chemistry.
You will learn in detailed about topics such as: atomic structure, bonding and chemical equilibria as well as electrode potentials and electrochemical cells in physical chemistry, while you will study the periodic table in detail through topics like periodicity, transition metals and the reactions of group 1 and 7 helping to develop your passion for inorganic chemistry. In organic chemistry you will cover a broad range of topics learning about a variety of functional groups and their reactions. In addition you will learn about different spectroscopy and chromatography techniques.
There will be large amounts of hands on experiences and you will have the opportunity to learn and use practical skills to link theory with practice, deepening your knowledge and understanding in the world of chemistry.
Year 12 Topics
Physical chemistry; Atomic structure, calculations, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria
Inorganic chemistry; Periodicity, Group 2 and 7 elements
Organic chemistry; Alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis
Year 13 topics
Physical chemistry; Thermodynamics, Kc Electrode potentials, electrochemical cells
Inorganic chemistry; Period 3 elements, transition metals, reactions of metal complexes
Organic chemistry; Optical isomerism, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymers, proteins, DNA, NMR spectroscopy
A-Level Physics
Overview: The AQA A-Level Physics course provides students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of physics, exploring the forces, energy, and phenomena that shape our universe. This course is ideal for students who are curious about how things work and enjoy problem-solving and mathematical applications in real-world contexts. A-Level Physics is highly valued by universities and employers, opening pathways to careers in engineering, medicine, data science, and more.
Course Structure: The A-Level Physics course covers a range of topics over two years, split into distinct areas. The course is assessed through three final exams, each testing students’ understanding of theoretical content, mathematical skills, and practical applications.
Topics Covered:
Measurements and Their Errors: Understanding the importance of precise measurements and error analysis in physics experiments.
Particles and Radiation: Exploring the fundamental particles, quantum phenomena, and wave-particle duality.
Waves: Investigating wave properties, interference, and diffraction, with a focus on light and sound waves.
Mechanics and Materials: Examining forces, energy, motion, and materials' properties, applying Newtonian mechanics.
Electricity: Understanding the principles of current, voltage, resistance, and circuits, foundational for electrical engineering.
Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics: Expanding on Newtonian mechanics to include momentum and thermal energy transfer.
Fields and Their Consequences: Analyzing gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields and their real-world applications.
Nuclear Physics: Studying atomic structure, radioactivity, and the properties of nuclear matter.
Optional Topic (Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning Points in Physics, or Electronics): Specialize in one area, applying knowledge to an advanced field.
Practical Work: Students complete 12 required practical experiments throughout the course. These are designed to enhance experimental skills, deepen understanding of theoretical concepts, and prepare students for practical-based questions in the final exams. Successful completion of practicals earns students the Practical Endorsement certification alongside their A-Level grade.
Assessment:
Paper 1: Covers sections 1–5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion), with both multiple-choice and long-form questions.
Paper 2: Covers sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7, and 8, with similar question styles.
Paper 3: Assesses practical skills, data analysis, and the optional topic chosen by the student.
Skills Developed: Throughout the course, students develop skills in analytical thinking, mathematical problem-solving, and experimental investigation. They learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts, improving their ability to reason, hypothesize, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
Why Study Physics? Physics provides insights into the workings of the natural world, from the tiniest particles to the vastness of space. It’s an essential subject for students interested in STEM fields and careers in engineering, astronomy, medical physics, environmental science, and technology. Physics also teaches valuable transferable skills that support success in a range of fields beyond science.