Science

Course details

OCR Biology A

The OCR course content is split into 6 modules. Each of them building the knowledge of the previous one.

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology

Module 2 – Foundations in biology (Cells, biological molecules, enzymes)

Module 3 – Exchange and Transport systems

Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease

Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy

Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

The practical endorsement does not form part of the A level grade, but is reported separately. It is awarded based on completion of a minimum of 12 assessed practical activities carried out over the two years of the course.

Assessment

Enrichment opportunities

A range of enrichment activities will occur throughout the year including:

• a field studies course at Kew Gardens as part of the Biodiversity and Ecology topics
• visits and talks to science related institutions e.g.
  • The Royal Institution
  • London and Surrey Universities 
  • London and local museums and areas of scientific interest 

There will also be opportunities to enter local and national competitions e.g. Biology Olympiad. 

Student quotes

“It is a great course as you get to understand the main processes of life”

“I love the course because you learn about so many different topics, it is very varied and interesting”

“The world finally starts to make sense!”

Progression

A level Biology is a rigorous and broad subject. It can be used as a springboard for many careers, including biological research, ecological and environmental careers, marine conservation, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, pharmacology and teaching. The list is endless.

Course Details

OCR Chemistry A

The Chemistry course teaches not only essential chemical concepts, but also a range of analytical and practical skills, which prepares students for more advanced scientific study.  The course also studies some of the important applications of Chemistry such as the development of antibiotics, designer materials, pesticides and chemical dyes.

During Year 12, students complete four modules of study:

• Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
• Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
• Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
• Module 4 – Core organic chemistry

This is followed by a further two modules in Year 13:

• Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
• Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis

Over the two years of the course, students also complete a practical endorsement (this is reported separately from the overall A level grade) by undertaking a minimum of 12 assessed practical assignments.

Assessment

Enrichment opportunities

A range of enrichment activities will occur throughout the year including:

• visits and talks to science related institutions e.g.
  • The Royal Institution
  • London and Surrey Universities 
  • London and local museums and areas of scientific interest 

There will also be opportunities to enter local and national competitions e.g. Chemistry Olympiad. 

Progression

In addition to various visits and visitors, students studying A level Chemistry have opportunities to complete placements in a number of scientific, engineering, medical and educational fields.

A level students also have opportunities to collaborate with and support younger students, both in class and in other activities.  These may include Science Club, Crest Awards and other events and competitions.

Course details

OCR Physics A

This course covers the basis of how things work, from constituent parts of atoms out to the extent of the universe.  Concepts that are studied are integrated with a range of practical experiments throughout each topic, giving the course both an academic and practical focus.  The course incorporates both Astrophysics and Medical Imaging and covers the knowledge and understanding necessary to progress to STEM degrees and careers.

During Year 12, students will complete four modules of study: 

• Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics
• Module 2: Foundations of physics
• Module 3: Forces and motion 
• Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons

Then in Year 13, they will complete two further modules of study: 

• Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics 
• Module 6: Particles and medical physics

Students will gain practical skills throughout the course.  These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement.  The practical endorsement is awarded based on completion of a minimum of 12 assessed practical activities carried out over the two years of the course.

Assessment

Student quotes

“The best thing about Physics is the practical lessons and learning how the world around us works.”

Enrichment opportunities

A range of enrichment activities will occur throughout the year including:

• visits and talks to science related institutions e.g.
  • The Royal Institution
  • London and Surrey Universities 
  • London and local museums and areas of scientific interest 

There will also be opportunities to work with Orbyts a research group that has run weekly for several months led by PhD students from UCL. The research group analyses images from a Mars orbiter to look for water signatures. The students learn how to interpret images and how to use coding to determine if the site meets the parameters to be categorised as a past water lake location. The group then will go to UCL to present their research as they believe they have found one of these such sites.

Progression

Useful Links

• http://www.iop.org/ The Institute of Physics Website is full of useful links and articles.
• http://phys.org/physics-news/
• http://physicsworld.com/
• https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/physics-revision/a-level-aqa/mechanics-and-materials/ A useful site for revision
• https://www.savemyexams.co.uk/a-level/physics/aqa/17/revision-notes/ A useful site for revision

Course details

The OCR AAQ Cambridge Advanced National in Human Biology (Extended Certificate) provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience of biology that gives them the skills to prepare for progression to University and relevant medical science sectors. 

The course, which is equivalent to 1 full A Level, is designed to be delivered across 2 years and includes 6 units of work.

The units are:

Unit 1- Fundamentals of Human Biology

Unit 2- Health and Disease

Unit 3- Genetics

Unit 4- Biomedical Techniques

Unit 5- Nutrition and Metabolism

Unit 6- The Brain

Students will complete practical assessments, presentations and produce written reports. They will also develop valuable transferable skills essential for higher education or employment such as problem solving, working in teams and organisation skills. 

Assessment

Exam Board - OCR

The course is assessed by a combination of externally assessed exams and NEA tasks. (Non-examined assessments). For the NEA, students will produce a portfolio of work based on project work, practical assignments and research. 

The overall qualification is graded using a scale of Pass to Distinction*.

Enrichment opportunities

Students may take part in whole school and Sixth Form Open Evening to experience explaining the biological concepts and practical skills they are studying to younger students and parents. Students can also support younger pupils at Science Club as well as other activities

Progression

A Cambridge Advanced National in Human Biology provides a broad basis of study and allows for progression onto other related study, such as Higher Education courses in biological sciences, life sciences and human biology.