Biology  

Resources:  

For all students this can be found on the Google Drive. Using the following link:  

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IIoGodw8fyDwEQXac1DYkyi2WVV3yrBY ?usp=driv e_link  

If you're having trouble accessing the St. George's sixth Form Transition Work Google Drive, you'll find the documents at the end of this Web page.

A level specification:  https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402  

Activity:  

1. Download the A level specification and have a read through
2. Download the ‘AQA-GCSE to A-LEVEL Booklet’. The booklet will support your transition from GCSE science to A-level. Read the introductory pages carefully and complete the transition activity. Use the answer booklet to check you understanding and identify areas that you need to revisit BEFORE starting A level Biology course.

You will be assessed in the first two weeks of the course to check you have a good grasp of fundamental GCSE Biology knowledge, Maths skills and Practical skills.

The questions in the test will be based on the topics and skills covered in the booklet.

3. There are some other useful information that you can use as reference throughout the course ‘AQA command words’ and ‘AQA subject specific vocabulary’.

Having a good understanding of the basic principles of Biology learnt at GCSE is the foundation for being successful at A-level. You may wish to purchase the CGP book “Head Start to A Level Biology”. This book contains a summary of all these topics plus some additional material to bridge the gap to A-level.  

We do not assume knowledge of any of the Separate Science course content and any of  this additional material relevant to the A level course will be re-capped as relevant during  the year 12 course. However, any student who has not done this course would benefit spending the summer to review some of this work.

 

Key Separate Science topics relevant to the A-level are:

• ·         Bacterial division and culturing  microorganisms  - Aseptic techniques
• ·         Making and using monoclonal antibodies
• ·         Plant hormones and responses
• ·         Homeostasis  - Controlling body temperature
• ·         Homeostasis  -  The human kidney
• ·         DNA Structure and protein synthesis
• ·         Gene expression and mutation
• ·         Trophic levels in the ecosystem

  

Useful websites to revisit GCSE topics:  

https://www.freesciencelessons.co.uk/videos/

https://cognitoedu.org/courseoverview/b2-gcse-aqa-h-t/lessons

Extension Activity:

Get information on how to do study effectively and carry out wider reading, https://www.plantsciencefutures.org.uk/skills

Work to be submitted to:

Please bring your completed work to your first lesson in September and be ready to complete the A Level Transition test.

Any queries contact Mrs Dodds at jdodds@stgeorges.herts.sch.uk

 

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