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Biology

What do we cover in this subject?

Biology is all about exploring the living world around us, from tiny molecules to huge ecosystems, and from microorganisms to animals like mammoths. It covers a range of exciting topics and gives you a deeper understanding of life itself. It goes well with other subjects like Chemistry, Maths, Geography, Psychology, and P.E., so it’s perfect if you’re interested in a mix of sciences.

Here’s what you’ll cover in A Level Biology:

Year 1:

  • Biological Molecules

  • Cells

  • How organisms exchange substances with their environment

  • Genetics, variation, and relationships between organisms

Year 2:

  • Energy transfers in and between organisms

  • How organisms respond to changes in their environment

  • Genetics, evolution, and ecosystems

  • Gene expression and control

 

How is the subject taught?

You’ll develop loads of important skills, like:

  • Practical skills (you’ll be doing lots of experiments!)

  • Collecting and evaluating data

  • Investigating and solving problems

  • Presenting your ideas clearly

  • Taking responsibility for your own learning

You’ll have 9 lessons over two weeks, with two different teachers. Our Biology staff are very supportive and are always ready to help, often giving up their free time to answer questions and explain concepts. The department has all the equipment you need, so you’ll be doing plenty of hands-on learning giving you the chance to develop the skills needed to be a great scientist.

You’ll be regularly assessed both in and outside of the classroom through lab write-ups, homework, class activities, and topic tests. Your A level exam will consist of three 2 hour exams, all of which take place at the end of year 13.

Practical Endorsement - Here at Hutton we deliver a very practical based course to ensure that students have ample opportunity to achieve all the competencies required by the exam board to gain this endorsement.

 

What enrichment opportunities are there?

There are plenty of enrichment activities to help you get more out of the subject:

  • Our Biology Clinic is a drop-in session every week to help with homework, exam technique, and general support.

  • We run fieldwork opportunities, both on our school grounds and off-site. Every year, we do a big study at the Ainsdale Nature Reserve on the Sefton coast, and you’ll also get to work with the Geography department on data analysis.

  • Each year, a team of students represents Hutton at the Royal Society of Biology competition - we’ve even won it before!

  • You’ll also have chances to attend STEM events at local universities.

  • We regularly invite guest speakers to talk about their science careers and specialisms.

  • You’ll get the chance to help younger students by running practical-based masterclasses for KS4 and science sessions for KS1 and KS2.

 

Where could this lead after 18?

A Level Biology is perfect if you want to go on to study things like: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Applied Biology, Natural Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Botany, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Optometry, and more!

It’s a solid foundation for many exciting careers in science and healthcare.