Vision Statement

The Biology course offered at Walsall Academy is designed to provide academic experiences that allow students to learn, use and do Science. Students, through application work and practical work, will develop their independence and problem-solving skills. We will support students to be able to have a higher level of understanding of Biology and be able to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar contexts and link ideas together.

The practical endorsement undertaken in lessons encourages students to think critically about the effectiveness of given methods and to suggest improvements that will increase the reliability of data. There is an emphasis on questioning the validity of scientific information, which allows them to critically assess a range of sources and make informed judgements about science in everyday life. Throughout the development of skills across the course students will be empowered to go on to further scientific education, training or careers with the necessary tools for success.

Specification being followed: OCR A Level Biology

Year 12
Year 13

Year 12

Introduction video

Module 1 - Development of practical skills

The 12 required practicals cover a range of skills to help students develop these across the course and taught at the same time as the relevant theory.

Module 2 - Foundations in Biology

Students study core principles in Biology, such as cell and biological molecule structure, cell division and enzyme function.

Module 3 - Exchange and Transport

Students study the exchange systems of different organisms to be able to compare their efficiencies and how all of them show common properties. They then look at the transport systems of both animals and plants.

Module 4 - Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease

This looks at the importance of variation in nature and statistical ways to measure it. Students look at how this variation aids species success over time and understand how organisms respond to diseases and their impact on population size.

Year 13

Introduction video

Module 1 - Development of practical skills

The 12 required practicals cover a range of skills to help students develop these across the course and taught at the same time as the relevant theory.

Module 5 - Communication, homeostasis and energy

It is important that organisms, both plants and animals are able to respond to stimuli. Students study how this is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Students then look at homeostasis mechanisms which help regulate body function and the processes which use or make ATP.

Module 6 - Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems

This module covers the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered.