Quick Links

Quick Links

Back to top

Wymondham High Academy

A Level Science - Biology, Chemistry & Physics

Biology

Biology is at the cutting edge of modern science. Progress in areas as diverse as human fertility, genetics, medicine and the environment has pushed this subject into the media spotlight time and time again. 

Students of A-level Biology will need a good understanding of general science and can expect to learn about recent developments in many areas. They will investigate more fundamental questions such as how humans work and where we come from. The course ties together the development of essential knowledge and understanding of Biology with practical, mathematical and problemsolving skills.

Biology students can also participate in collaborative research projects with other schools, the UEA and the John Innes Centre, which enhances their experience and understanding of the subject.

Career opportunities

An A-level in Biology is the starting point for a wide variety of career choices including: medicine, veterinary science, microbiology, sports science; nursing and research.

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 6 pass in Combined Science or Biology at GCSE and a grade 6 in Maths at GCSE.

Longterm Curriculum Learning Plan - Year 12 - Biology

Longterm Curriculum Learning Plan - Year 13 - Biology 

Chemistry

Chemistry is a central science, the study of which complements the study of all the other science specialisms.

The aims of the course are to develop students’ interest in, and enthusiasm for chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers in chemistry. We follow the OCR Chemistry A course which allows for the inclusion of interesting practical work as an integral part of each unit. This serves to illustrate and reinforce the theoretical aspects of the subject. The course also allows students to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society: students develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and to develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other.

Career opportunities

Chemistry is an essential requirement for medicine and many other health-related degrees. It is also necessary for careers in the pharmaceutical and materials industries. Chemistry graduates can pursue careers in marketing, banking, journalism and other diverse sectors.

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 6 pass in Combined Science or Chemistry at GCSE and a grade 6 in Mathsat GCSE.

Longterm Curriculum Learning Plan - Year 12 - Chemistry 

Longterm Curriculum Learning Plan - Year 13 - Chemistry 

Physics

Physics can be regarded as the study of matter, energy, fields and waves. It has been described as the science of measurement.

The course

Physicists investigate the laws of nature on all scales, from the interaction of subatomic particles to the behaviour of black holes at the edge of the observable universe. They seek to apply general principles to a wide range of phenomena, which may at first seem unrelated. A physicist has to obtain reliable experimental evidence and analyse it critically. A sound knowledge of physical principles under-pins the development of modern technology and the study of physics can enable individuals to make informed decisions about a range of modern environmental and technological issues.

Career opportunities

A-level Physics, in combination with Maths, is required for entry to higher education courses in the Physical Sciences and Engineering. Degrees in these subjects can, in turn, lead to a very wide range of careers in areas that include applied physics, astrophysics, geophysics, materials technology, forensic science, engineering, meteorology and medical physics.

Longterm Curriculum Learning Plan - Year 12 - Physics 

Longterm Curriculum Plan - Year 13 - Physics