Oundle School
Biology
Head of Science and Technology: P.C. Clark, BSc (London) ARCS CPhys MinstP
Head of Department: A.E. Langsdale, BSc (Bristol) MSc (Aberdeen)
Course Specification: AQA
Biology and 
Specification
in full [490 KB]
Biology in the Sixth Form is much less content-driven than in the Lower School. Much more time is spent reflecting, creating and learning. The Sixth Form course takes in both contemporary themes, such as gene technology, the human genome project, biotechnology and the control and regulation of gene expression, as well as more traditional areas, such as biochemistry, ecology and aspects of human and animal physiology.
The content of the IGCSE course is developed further by the contextual approach to AS and A2 but several areas will be completely new. There is a strong tradition of practical work in the Department and all pupils will be well practised in all the required practical skills before the elements of practical assessment are required to be completed. The AQA AS and A Level specification will be followed.
Course Requirements
Ideally pupils will have strong grades in either Dual Award Science GCSE or in two or more separate sciences, but pupils have done well in AS Biology without strong GCSE grades. The most important thing is that pupils are motivated to follow the subject and find it interesting.Subject Combinations
Biology can be taken successfully in combination with other Sciences or as the only Science among a group of Arts subjects. While there is some biochemistry at various stages of the course, it is relatively straightforwardHigher Education
Biology is an important and sometimes essential A Level for further studies, including Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry and the Biological Sciences. Chemistry is usually a prerequisite for Biology degrees, but all pupils who are likely to be affected by this must research particular courses and institutions.