Why study Biology?

The Course 

The AQA Biology A-Level course at Notre Dame is packed full of interesting science. Students will find plenty of topics they already know they like from GCSE, but in more depth (DNA structure, the immune response, control of the heart rate), plenty they did not know they loved yet (the role of microorganisms in ecosystems, sex-linked inheritance, epigenetics and the role of oestrogen in breast cancer) and everything in-between. 

The breadth of the course prepares students well for any general biological sciences course, but students wanting to study any healthcare courses (medicine, veterinary, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy and more) will find plenty of human biology to lay an excellent foundation too. Those more interested in the environmental sciences will appreciate the focus on biodiversity, nutrient cycling and succession and our fieldtrip to Holkham beach in the summer of Year 12 is a thoroughly enjoyable  introduction to fieldwork for all our students. The biological molecules unit gives students a strong basis in structure and bonding within cells, and the statistics unit is invaluable training for any current university degree where research projects almost always involve statistical understanding. All in all a fantastic course with biology for everyone and a lot of demanding but rewarding practical work which leads to students gaining their Practical Endoresment alongside the A-Level.

Teachers 

Teachers in Biology at NDHS are knowledgeable and passionate about their subject. We hold a variety of roles within the school including the Deputy Head, Head of Year 12 and CPD & Training Lead as well as experienced examiners for different exam boards. We also become very knowledgeable about our students. We care about you as individuals and support you with your endeavours whether that be UCAS applications, Extended Project Qualifications or writing a reference for a job in your local pub! At NDHS you will find a supportive, collegiate team of teachers who understand you as a student and a person and will do everything within their power to help you succeed in Biology. 

Lessons and Assessment 

In lessons, you are provided with bespoke booklets to support your learning. We have a comprehensive Google Classroom system with all lessons resources (plus extended reading, support videos packs of exam questions and more) uploaded for every class and every single lesson. We have clear expectations of your independent study time, including setting Seneca assignments and Google Forms after each hour of learning to help you to consolidate thoroughly and learn how to manage your own time. Assessments are well-planned and ramp up appropriately in difficulty throughout Year 12 and 13 to aid you with exam technique. Time is given to class and individual feedback to help you to improve your performance. The maths in the A-Level biology course is challenging. Take a look at the maths section of the specification to get a feel for this. 

Co-Curricular Opportunities

We are lucky enough to have a Year 12 dissection club (run by our MSc Biology laboratory technician) and a Year 12 fieldtrip to Holkham beach for fieldwork in June. A weekly group prepares Year 12 students to sit the Royal Society of Biology's Biology Olympiad, and this group becomes a journal club, looking at recent advancements in the biological sciences, once the Olympiad has been sat. We submit team entries each year to the Imperial College London Science in Medicine School Teams prize. Many of our students are supported to take part in Homerton College’s Cambridge Biology Challenge and other excellent outreach opportunities. 

Catholic Social Teaching 

The biology course provides ample opportunity to reflect on principles of Catholic Social Teaching including solidarity and subsidiarity (how can we balance sustainability with the need for resources now) and human dignity (the ethical implications of genetic testing). These discussions are important to have as young people shaping the future of the biological sciences in a fast-changing world.

Biology is a popular subject, delivered by excellent and experienced practitioners who engage and support students to achieve their potential.  This year; students have linked with the UEA biology laboratory to carry out DNA investigations and other highlights of the course including a variety of dissections, microscopy and succession and zonation project at Holkham.  

Why our students like this course

 ‘Biology is a challenging, achievable subject that develops initiative and complements many other courses…’

'I chose to study Biology as I feel it is a highly practical and interesting subject and relevant in modern society.  The course builds on the knowledge at GCSE and also introduces new topics that can lead to many career pathways.  Biology is a challenging and achievable subject that develops initiative and compliments many other courses available at Notre Dame.'

Entry Requirements
Grade 6s (12 points) in Science (if Double) or Grade 6 in Biology (if Triple) and a Grade 5 in Maths

Exam Board
AQA

Induction Resources

Please use the resources below to help you to prepare for the start of the course.