Biology is a very popular A-level subject (we would say the most popular A-level choice!), with a good number choosing to study it at AS level, many of whom go on to read a ‘biological' degree at university.

The atmosphere within the department is friendly and relaxed but students are expected to make a serious commitment to Biology and are encouraged to read widely to broaden their knowledge of a fascinating subject.

We have a weekly subscription to ‘Nature', the most highly respected of all scientific journals and it is also available online. This enables students to develop the ‘independent learning' skills which are so vital at university.

We provide a stimulating environment in which students can study a wide breadth of biological phenomena. A variety of modern and traditional teaching approaches, with extensive opportunities for "hands on" practical work, together with ICT and stimulating reference materials, are used to help nurture a scientifically inquisitive mind.

Why study Biology at St. Mary's?

• It's taught with a mixture of experience (Mr. Johnston) and ‘youthful' enthusiasm (Miss Addy and Mrs. Cahill)!!
• It fits easily both with other sciences and art-based subjects.
• It opens the door to a huge number of University courses and careers, including: Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Forensics, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Biochemical Engineering.
• We have three well-equipped laboratories and perform as much ‘cutting edge' practical work as any school, including Electrophoresis, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Bacteriology as well as the more traditional dissections. We also like to get outdoors from time to time and get our hands dirty.
• We have our own full time technician.
• We provide all the important textbooks needed for success as well as the now essential IT software.
• We consistently achieve excellent results at A-level and have more experience of modular specifications than any other subject at St. Mary's.

The A-level Specification (AQA)

AS

Unit 1 - Biology and Disease

This paper will be taken in January of the Lower Sixth and consists of:

5-7 short answer questions plus two longer questions

1¼ hours

33.33% of the total AS marks

16.66% of the total A-level mark

Unit 2 - The variety of living organisms

This paper will be taken in June of the Lower Sixth and consists of:

7-9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions

1 ¾ hours

46.66% of the total AS marks

23.33% of the total A-level marks

Unit 3 - Investigative and practical skills (AS)

We choose when we wish to sit this paper. It will most likely be in March of the Lower Sixth. It consists of:

Centre-assessed (we mark it)

PSA and ISA

20% of the total AS marks

10% of the total A-level marks

A2

Unit 4 - Populations and environment

This paper will be taken in January of the Upper Sixth and consists of:

6-9 short answer questions plus two longer questions

1½hours

16.66% of the total A-level marks

Unit 5 - Control in cells and in organisms

This paper will be taken in June of the Upper Sixth and consists of:

8-10 short answer questions plus two longer questions (one synoptic)

2¼hours

23.33% of the total a-level marks

Unit 6 - Investigative and practical skills (A2)

We choose when we wish to sit this paper. It will most likely be in March of the Upper Sixth. It consists of:

Centre-assessed (we mark it)

PSA and ISA

20% of the total A2 marks

10% of the total A-level marks

Resits - All units can be re-taken at a later date, if necessary, to improve the mark.

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