Science

Courses Offered

A-Level Biology (OCR)

Course Summary

Biology is the study of how things work on a cellular level. Biology underpins large parts of our life; from how and why organisms function to effective management of the environment for humanity. Within the breadth of Biology A-level students will learn about life processes, genetics and microbiology, whilst developing a range of transferable skills in practical techniques, conceptual problem solving and application in wider environmental fields.
 
What you will study:
Paper 1: Biological processes
Paper 2: Biological diversity
Paper 3: Unified Biology
 
Skills you will gain:
Students will develop skills in literacy, numeracy, application, analysis, evaluation and problem solving. Additionally, students will develop skills in practical technique and research as part of their practical endorsement.
 
Career Paths:
Healthcare; doctor, dentist, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, Researcher; drugs, genetics, Nutritionist, Science communicator, Teacher, Forensic investigator.
 
Please note: Biology is complemented by Chemistry, Mathematics, PE and Psychology, and is a strong supporting subject for an application to medical studies.
 

Assessment Method

The course is assessed using two 100 mark papers (1&2) and one 70 mark paper (3). The larger papers involve multiple choice and extended answer questions. The 3rd paper focuses on synthesis of concepts and skills. A practical endorsement will also be undertaken. This has no committed marks to the overall grade but is widely required for university applications.
 

Entry Requirements

GCSE Biology Grade 6/ GCSE Combined Science 6-6 GCSE English Grade 5 and GCSE Maths Grade 6
General Requirements
  • 5 GCSE/i GCSE/WJEC (Welsh GCSE) qualifications with minimum grade 6.0
Specific Requirements
  • A Level Sciences Maths and English
  • Biology
A-Level Chemistry (OCR)

Course Summary

Chemistry is the study of how things work on a molecular level. Chemistry underpins large parts of our life; from how and why certain chemicals should and should not mix to designing medicines to cure diseases and improve our quality of life. Within the breadth of Chemistry A-level students will learn about organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, whilst developing a range of transferable skills in practical techniques, conceptual problem solving and mathematical analysis.
 
What you will study:
Paper 1: Periodic table, equilibria and elements Paper 2: Organic synthesis and analysis Paper 3: Unified Chemistry
 
Skills you will gain:
Students will develop skills in literacy, numeracy, application, analysis, evaluation and problem solving. Additionally, students will develop skills in practical technique and research as part of their practical endorsement.
 
Career Paths:
Chemistry is excellent preparation for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and health care professions, It is also valued in accountancy, administration, banking and civil service.
 
Please note: Studying one other Science subject alongside Chemistry is highly beneficial and essential study for an application for medical studies. Whilst it is not necessary to study Maths A level alongside, you will need very good mathematical skills to thrive in Chemistry.
 

Assessment Method

The course is assessed using two 100 mark papers (1&2) and one 70 mark paper (3). The larger papers involve multiple choice and extended answer questions. The 3rd paper focuses on synthesis of concepts and skills. A practical endorsement will also be undertaken. This has no committed marks to the overall grade but is widely required for university applications.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Chemistry Grade 6/ GCSE Combined Science 6-6 GCSE English Grade 5 and GCSE Maths Grade 6
General Requirements
  • 5 GCSE/i GCSE/WJEC (Welsh GCSE) qualifications with minimum grade 6.0
Specific Requirements
  • A Level Sciences Maths and English
  • Chemistry
 
A-Level Physics (OCR)

Course Summary

Physics is the study of how things work. Physics underpins all parts of our life; from how we can watch our favourite TV programmes to why our car or the bus can take us to school or work. Within the breadth of Physics A-level students will learn about the forces, phenomena and energy of actions and objects, whilst developing a range of transferable skills in practical techniques, conceptual problem solving and mathematical analysis.
 
What you will study:
Paper 1: Modelling Physics (Mechanics)
Paper 2: Exploring Physics (Electromagnetism, Waves, Medical and Quantum Physics)
Paper 3: Unified Physics
 
 
Skills you will gain:
Students will develop skills in literacy, numeracy, application, analysis, evaluation and problem solving. Additionally, students will develop skills in practical technique and research as part of their practical endorsement.
 
Career Paths:
Engineering, Research scientist (CERN), Power industry (nuclear or renewable), Finance.
 
Please note: The mathematical demand of physics is very high and is strongly supported by the study of mathematics. Additionally, Physics is seen as a strong supporting subject to Chemistry for an application for medical studies. Other complementary subjects include Further Mathematics and Computer Science.
 

Assessment Method

The course is assessed using two 100 mark papers (1&2) and one 70 mark paper (3). The larger papers involve multiple choice and extended answer questions. The 3rd paper focuses on synthesis of concepts and skills. A practical endorsement will also be undertaken. This has no committed marks to the overall grade but is widely required for university applications.
 

Entry Requirements

GCSE Physics Grade 6/ GCSE Combined Science 6-6 GCSE English Grade 5 and GCSE Maths Grade 6
General Requirements
  • 5 GCSE qualifications with minimum grade 6.0
Specific Requirements
  • A Level Sciences Maths and English
  • Physics
BTEC Applied Science Diploma (Edexcel)

Course Summary

This qualification is equivalent to 2 A Levels. On this two year course students will gain an understanding of key aspects of practical and research science. This course is the equivalent to one, two or three A level and is held in high regard by employers, FE colleges and universities alike. The course looks at the all the main strands of Science, allowing students to develop a broad understanding of higher level scientific processes and analysis. Students will also learn to effectively research, report and present on scientific ideas. The subject is a mix of independent and group learning, teacher led activities and practical investigative work.
 
What you will study:
Extended Certificate (50:50 examination: coursework)
Unit 1 Principles of Science examination
Unit 2 Practical Science techniques
Unit 3 Science investigation skills examination
Unit 12 Disease and Infection
Diploma (37.5:62.5 examination: coursework)
Unit 4 Laboratory techniques Unit 5 Principles of science 2 examination
Unit 6 Investigative project
Unit 15 Electrical circuits
 
Skills you will gain:
Students will gain skills in researching, reporting and presenting, alongside developing practical and investigative scientific techniques. Holistically students will develop as effective time managers with impressive organisational skills and confident communicators.
 
Career Paths:
Laboratory technician, Optometrist, Pharmacist Radiologist, Medical scientist.
 
Please note: The BTEC course requires a committed and hard- working student who is prepared to meet deadlines and communicate effectively. Complementary subjects include Physics, Chemistry and Biology, PE, Geography and Psychology. For a vocational pathway this subject is complemented by BTEC IT.
 

Assessment Method

This course has a variety of assessment forms, including project work and examination. The weighting of these is indicated in the course summary.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Combined Science 5-5/ 2 GCSE Single Science Grade 5 GCSE Maths Grade 4
General Requirements
  • 5 CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL/GCSE/i GCSE/BTEC/WJEC (Welsh GCSE)/NCFE/Cambridge National qualifications with minimum grade 4.0
Specific Requirements
  • BTEC Science
  • Maths 4
 
BTEC Applied Science Extended Certificate (Edexcel)

Course Summary

This qualification is equivalent to 1 A Level. On this two year course students will gain an understanding of key aspects of practical and research science. This course is the equivalent to one, two or three A level and is held in high regard by employers, FE colleges and universities alike. The course looks at the all the main strands of Science, allowing students to develop a broad understanding of higher level scientific processes and analysis. Students will also learn to effectively research, report and present on scientific ideas. The subject is a mix of independent and group learning, teacher led activities and practical investigative work.
 
What you will study:
Extended Certificate (50% examination: 50%coursework)
Unit 1 Principles of Science examination
Unit 2 Practical Science techniques
Unit 3 Science investigation skills examination
Unit 12 Disease and Infection
 
Skills you will gain:
Students will gain skills in researching, reporting and presenting, alongside developing practical and investigative scientific techniques. Holistically students will develop as effective time managers with impressive organisational skills and confident communicators.
 
Career Paths:
Laboratory technician, Optometrist, Pharmacist Radiologist, Medical scientist.
 
Please note: The BTEC course requires a committed and hard- working student who is prepared to meet deadlines and communicate effectively. Complementary subjects include Physics, Chemistry and Biology, PE, Geography and Psychology. For a vocational pathway this subject is complemented by BTEC IT.
 

Assessment Method

This course has a variety of assessment forms, including project work and examination. The weighting of these is indicated in the course summary.
 

Entry Requirements

GCSE Combined Science 5-5/ 2 GCSE Single Science Grade 5 GCSE Maths Grade 4
General Requirements
  • 5 CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL/GCSE/i GCSE/BTEC/National Vocational Qualification/WJEC (Welsh GCSE)/Cambridge National qualifications with minimum grade 4.0
Specific Requirements
  • BTEC Science
  • Maths 4
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