OCR

Introduction

 

Biology is the study of life. It makes the headlines on a daily basis, as advances are made in genetics, medicine and biochemistry. The AS and A2 courses give students the chance to study Biology in greater depth than at GCSE, with up to date coverage of topical issues. The course is interesting and relevant to everyday life and is an excellent foundation for studying Biology or a related subject at degree level. Practical work is an integral part of the course and opportunities exist for group work, visits and independent study. Biology complements the study of Physical Education, Psychology, Geography, Chemistry and

Health and Social Care.

During the course students will have opportunities to:

• develop greater understanding of biological facts together
with an appreciation of their significance to everyday life.
• develop greater expertise in practical work and the link
between theory and experimental work.
• continue to enjoy a personal interest in the study of the
living organisms.
• recognise the responsible use of biology in society.
• develop a deeper awareness of biology in the changing
world and its importance in the new millennium.

Course Details

AS  Unit 1: Cells, Exchange and Transport

      Unit 2: Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health

      Unit 3: Practical Skills

A2  Unit 4: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy

       Unit 5: Control, Genomes and Environment

       Unit 6: Practical Skills

 

Subject specific GCSE requirements

Grade B or above in Biology (or BB in Science / Additional Science).

OCR B (SALTERS)

Introduction

In contrast to the traditional ‘topic-based’ approach, Chemistry B (Salters) is ‘context-led’. Chemical concepts are introduced within a relevant context, the course being written as a series of units based on contemporary issues in Chemistry. Students study the chemistry in a spiral way so that chemical ideas, introduced in an early topic, are reinforced later. The ‘drip-feed’ approach to teaching and learning chemical principles allows candidates to revisit a particular topic several times during the course, each time taking their knowledge and understanding a step further.

The course is designed to stimulate and sustain your interest in, and enjoyment of, Chemistry by developing your subject knowledge, understanding and skills. The course will also foster your imaginative and critical thinking, as the social, economic, environmental and technological aspects of Chemistry are studied and the value of chemistry to society is highlighted.

Practical skills are an integral part of theory and are assessed through coursework in both AS and A2 courses and you will develop skills in laboratory procedures and the ability to carry out experiments safely. You will be assessed on your ability to manipulate apparatus, to carry out qualitative observations, to make quantitative measurements. A2 students also undertake a four-week Chemical Investigation of their own choice.

The three principal branches of Chemistry are looked at, i.e. physical, inorganic and organic Chemistry. Modern analytical techniques are studied, including mass spectroscopy, infra-red spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. You will carry out mathematical calculations in various topics including quantitative Chemistry, energetics, equilibria and kinetics.

Chemistry is often seen as the “link” science and supports both Biology and Physics. If you are intending to go to University to follow such courses as medicine, veterinary science, chemical engineering or biochemistry, Chemistry will be an essential part of your Sixth Form Course, and it is beneficial in many medically based career areas.

 

Course Details

AS                 

 

Unit 1: Chemistry for Life

• The Elements of Life

• Developing Fuels

Unit 2: Chemistry of Natural Resources

• Elements from the Sea

• The Atmosphere

• The Polymer Revolution     

Unit 3: Practical Assessment

A2

 

Unit 4: Chemistry in Materials

• What’s in a Medicine?

• The Materials Revolution

• The Thread of Life

• The Steel Story

Unit 5: Chemistry by Design

• Agriculture and Industry

• Colour by Design

• The Oceans

• Medicines by Design

Unit 6:Chemistry Individual Investigation

Subject specific GCSE requirements

Grade BB or above in Science (or B in Chemistry) and B in Mathematics

 

Edexcel (Salters Horners Specification)

Introduction

 

This course provides a new and stimulating approach to physics. It is built around applications and contexts so that physics is seen as relevant to life in the twenty-first century. For example, in the Higher, Faster, Stronger section the physics learnt is related to sport ranging from bungee jumping to the design of running shoes.

You will have opportunities to use up to date software on CD ROM, to use satellite data and to use your spreadsheet skills. Relevant mathematics is taught as the course progresses and is supported in the course textbooks. Practical skills are assessed at AS and A2 Level through laboratory experiments.

The course has been designed to sustain your enjoyment of, and interest in, physics and its applications, whether or not you see yourself as taking your study of physics or science to a higher level. With its emphasis on applications the course would provide you with an ideal background for a career, such as in engineering or in medicine, where use is made of physics. You would also have a suitable preparation for taking physics to a higher level at University

Course Details

 

AS Unit 1: Physics On the Go

                  This unit involves the study of mechanics and

                  materials. Part of this topic may be taught using

                  applications that relate to sport and medical

                  physics.

     Unit 2:  Physics At Work

                  This unit involves the study of waves and  

                  electricity. Part of this topic may be taught using

                  applications that relate to music and space

                  technology.

      Unit 3: Exploring Physics

                  Experimental work based on a visit or a case  

                  study.

 

A2 Unit 4: Physics on the Move

                  This unit involves the study of particle physics

                  and electric and magnetic fields. This area of the

                  specification may be taught using a range of

                  contemporary experiments.

      Unit 5: Physics from Creation to Collapse

                  This unit involves the study of astrophysics,

                  cosmology, nuclear decay and oscillations.

      Unit 6: Experimental Physics

                  This unit involves planning an experiment,

                  carrying it out and analysing experimental results.

 

Subject specific GCSE requirements

BB in Science and Additional Science or a B in Physics at GCSE and a B in Mathematics at the Higher Tier.