A LEVEL
We’re all simply a collection of organic compounds, converting energy to growth, change, and reproduction.
Yet every day we make life-changing discoveries. Biologists have helped us develop better medicines and treatments for diseases, understand how a changing environment might affect plants and animals, grow enough food for everyone and predict how sticking to an exercise regime could change our bodies.
This is a spectacular science. It’s built on chemistry, which is built on physics, on maths.
Choose Biology and you’re getting an access-all-areas pass to not only who we are, but how we got here.
Biologists know why we are not so different to trees and bees. The secrets of DNA – and why it’s our operating manual. And how viruses hijack cells, take them hostage and force them to make new viruses.
As a community of practice we’re only just beginning to understand biology at the molecular level. There’s never been a better time to study this A-level.
You’re literally learning about how life happens. And through constant experimentation and research. If you’re constantly curious and always seeking solutions and answers to big questions, Biology is where you need to be.
How do we start with inanimate molecules and atoms, ending up with complex living things? Join us on this amazing course as we discover the story of life.
Mrs Andrews and Mr Simpson are going to teach us all about lactose intolerance – a condition that affects up to 70% of the world’s population, including cats.
Lactose is a molecule. And unless it gets hydrolysed (broken down) by the lactase enzyme, bacteria ferment it and cause symptoms of intolerance.
In today’s lesson we’ll show through a fascinating experiment how biologists in a lab setting can force lactose in milk to be broken down making it safe to drink for those who are lactose intolerant.
Fascinating facts:
Your future may be in any field – but one thing’s for sure: study biology and you’ll be entering it with your eyes wide open.
There are lots more ideas at prospects.ac.uk
Specialise in a single organism type – perhaps through Zoology, the study of animals, botany (plants), or Microbiology (really tiny things called microorganisms).
Combine subjects such as bioengineering, and research artificial organs or imaging the body using technology like MRI scanning. or astrobiology – and join the hunt for ET! Physiology is all about how living things work. Biochemistry looks at how medicines affect the body, while ecology looks at how organisms interact with their environment – such as how bees aren’t so happy with us humans right now because of all the pollution and agricultural challenges of overpopulation.
Biological molecules
Cells
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
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
Six good passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above
Grade 6, 6, 6 from 2 Sciences and Maths
If you wish to take two Science A-levels, you need Grade 7,6,6 from two Sciences and Maths
2 years
3 final exams
Linear A-level
AQA
All students are provided with carefully prepared booklets of notes and past exam questions specific to the units being studied. Regular homeworks and tests are used to assess your progress and develop your interpretation of exam questions.
All the Biology staff are enthusiastic, experienced teachers and use a variety of learning resources including powerpoints, on-line activities, DVD’s, animations and practical investigations. There are also fieldwork activities, lectures at Universities and visits to Chester zoo and research institutes.
Fancy the chance to experience life at the University of Oxford?
Xaverian College offers Year 12 science students the chance to take part in a week-long Corpus Christi summer school, a highlight of the North West Science Network’s packed calendar of events.
We’re the Greater Manchester hub for the NWSN, which also features lectures by celebrated scientists, regional laboratory visits, and a Maths Study Day – featuring lectures and interactive workshops exploring diverse topics from cancer research to jet engine propulsion.
Two Xaverian students, Ben Haughton, previously a student at West Hill School and studying A Levels in Biology, Geography and Psychology and Reuben Rowbotham-Keating, previously …
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance visit Xaverian College on an annual basis to run performance masterclasses, spending hours coaching A Level Music and …
Ten outstanding students from Xaverian College have received offers to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Following months of intensive …
Two Xaverian students, Ben Haughton, previously a student at West Hill School and studying A Levels in Biology, Geography and Psychology and Reuben Rowbotham-Keating, previously …
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance visit Xaverian College on an annual basis to run performance masterclasses, spending hours coaching A Level Music and …
Ten outstanding students from Xaverian College have received offers to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Following months of intensive …
