Biology

Our specialist, experienced teachers are dedicated to supporting each individual with her learning to help her not only achieve the best results possible, but to thoroughly enjoy the course.

During A Level Biology, girls are encouraged to dig deeper into the subject, pursue their interests and develop independent learning. We believe that when a student takes ownership of her learning and develops a real interest in the subject, she will achieve better results and more thoroughly enjoy her A Level course.

A Level Biology Specification

The AQA A Level Biology specification follows a linear format, where a total of eight core topics are taught across two years, all of which are examined at the end of the second year. The topics also involve a number of practical skills which are assessed throughout the course during lessons.

Year 12 Topics:

• Biological molecules
• Cells
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 13 Topics:

• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression

Practical work is an integral part of the course and students attend a residential field trip course in The Lake District at the end of Year 12 where they learn techniques in fieldwork.

Higher Level Biology

Many girls studying A Level Biology take up places in Higher Education to study medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, biomedical science and other science-related courses. Many students who wish to pursue one of these courses choose Biology alongside another or multiple sciences – although a few will have studied Biology as their only A Level science.

Results

Our Sheffield Girls’ Biology students excel and in the last five years we have had an A Level cohort with one of the highest percentage of A* grades in the country. Our percentage of A* grades is always significantly above the national average.We are also successful in preparing our students for Oxbridge applications.

Co-curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities take place at every key stage and students participate in them to further their knowledge, expand skills or simply because they enjoy it! Activities include:

• Year 12 Intermediate Biology Olympiad 
• Year 13 Biology Olympiad
• Year 12 and Year 13 Medical Society 
• Inter-house competitions with a biological theme during Science Week
• Visiting lecturers for Key Stage 5
• Local university visits for Years 12 and 13