Science

Big Idea

Physics

Forces

Forces predict motion

Electromagnets

Fields produce forces

Electricity transfers energy

Energy

Energy is conserved

Waves

Radiation transfers energy

Chemistry

Matter

Structure determines properties

Reactions

Reactions rearrange matter

Earth

Earth systems interact

Biology

Organisms

Cells are alive    

Bodies are systems

Ecosystems

Organisms are interdependent

Ecosystems recycle resources

Genes

Characteristics are inherited

Species show variation

Biological Molecules

Cells

Organisms exchange substances with their environment.

Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Monomers and polymers, Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins, DNA, ATP, Water and Inorganic ions.  

Cell structure, microscopes, Cell cycle, Cell division, Membranes, the Immune system.

SA to Vol ratio, Gas exchange, Digestion and absorption, Mass transport.

DNA, genes and chromosomes, DNA and protein synthesis, Genetic diversity, Species and Taxonomy, Biodiversity, Investigating diversity.

Summative assessments and the end of each topic Internal Mock exam.

CPAC assessments

A2

Topic 5: On the Wild Side

Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics.

Topic 7: Run for your Life

Topic 8: Grey Matter

Ecosystems, the importance of photosynthesis and Climate Change

Applications of DNA, the immune response and how we treat disease

Muscle structure and action, respiration and effects of exercise on the heart and lungs

Nervous system structure and function, brain development and ethical consideration of drug treatments

A-level Exams
3 x 2 Hour papers in June

CPAC assessments

Certificate

Fundamentals of Human Biology (External Assessment)

Genetics (Internal Assessment)

Biomedical techniques (Internal Assessment)

Explore the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organ systems, with a focus on how they interact in the human body. Learn to assess the impact, detection, and treatment of system dysfunctions—especially in the endocrine, nervous, and reproductive systems. You'll also be introduced to microbiology, including beneficial microbes, pathogens (like viruses), and the immune response.

Build on DNA, cell division, and inheritance knowledge to explore genetic disorders, testing, and counselling. Apply maths to inheritance patterns and investigate advances in gene therapy and genetic engineering.

Learn to plan and carry out investigations using lab techniques to analyse biomolecules and detect disease. Methods include chromatography, urinalysis, microscopy, and titration, along with other diagnostic tools used in biomedical labs.

External Assessment

Coursework based assessment, marked internally and verified by an OCR moderator

Health and disease (External Assessment)

Nutrition and metabolism (Internal Assessment)

Human reproduction (Internal Assessment)

Study the causes and effects of diseases, and develop skills to research, measure, and monitor them. Explore immunology’s role in treatment, diagnostic techniques, and how research is reported—while respecting patient confidentiality.

Learn to identify key biomolecules for health, interpret food labels, and understand dietary needs. Explore metabolic pathways, hormonal control of nutrients and hunger, and techniques for diagnosing and treating nutritional disorders.

Study human reproduction, from zygote to birth, including pregnancy and antenatal care. Learn about contraception, infertility, and how modern medicine supports conception through diagnosis and treatment.

External Assessment

Coursework based assessment, marked internally and verified by an OCR moderator

Unit 1 Principles of Applied Human Biology (External assessment)

Unit 2 Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Internal Assessment)

This unit explores how the human body functions at genetic, cellular, and tissue levels, how biology and lifestyle impact health, and how this knowledge is applied to improve diagnosis and outcomes.

This unit involves investigating the effects of antimicrobial agents on microorganisms, exploring disease management, and understanding the role of clinical microbiologists through practical lab techniques and biological concepts.

External Assessment

Coursework based assessment, marked internally and verified by a Pearson moderator

Unit 3 Human Biology and Health issues (External Assessment)

Unit 18 Functional physiology (Internal Assessment)

Critically analyse and evaluate scientific information on health issues and initiatives, apply biological knowledge and investigative skills to assess evidence, sources, and the impact of science communication for different audiences.

Explore the structure and function of the muscular, skeletal, nervous, and endocrine systems, the role of homeostasis, and the impact of related disorders on health and wellbeing.

External Assessment

Coursework based assessment, marked internally and verified by a Pearson moderator

Topic 1: Measurements and their errors

Topic 2: Particles and radiation

Topic 3: Waves

Topic 4: Mechanics and Materials

Topic 5: Electricity

A working knowledge of the specified fundamental (base) units of measurement is vital. The practical work in the subject needs to be underpinned by an awareness of the nature of measurement errors and of their numerical treatment.

The fundamental properties of matter, and electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena

GCSE studies of wave phenomena are extended through a development of knowledge of the characteristics, properties, and applications of travelling waves and stationary waves. Topics treated include refraction, diffraction, superposition and interference.

Vectors and their treatment are introduced followed by development of the student’s knowledge and understanding of forces, energy and momentum. The section continues with a study of materials considered in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength

This section builds on and develops earlier study of these phenomena from GCSE. It provides opportunities for the development of practical skills at an early stage in the course and lays the groundwork for later study of the many electrical applications that are important to society.

Summative assessments and the end of each topic

Internal Mock exam

CPAC assessments

Topic 6: Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Topic 7: Fields and their consequences

Topic 8: Nuclear Physics

Topic 9: Astrophysics

The earlier study of mechanics is further advanced through a consideration of circular motion and simple harmonic motion (the harmonic oscillator). A further section allows the thermal properties of materials, the properties and nature of ideal gases, and the molecular kinetic theory to be studied

The concept of field is one of the great unifying ideas in physics. The ideas of gravitation, electrostatics and magnetic field theory are developed within the topic to emphasise this unification. Many ideas from mechanics and electricity from earlier in the course support this and are further developed. Practical applications considered include planetary and satellite orbits, capacitance and capacitors, their charge and discharge through resistors, and electromagnetic induction

This section builds on the work of Particles and radiation to link the properties of the nucleus to the production of nuclear power through the characteristics of the nucleus, the properties of unstable nuclei, and the link between energy and mass. Students should become aware of the physics that underpins nuclear energy production and of the impact that it can have on society.

Fundamental physical principles are applied to the study and interpretation of the Universe. Students gain deeper insight into the behaviour of objects at great distances from Earth and discover the ways in which information from these objects can be gathered. The underlying physical principles of the devices used are covered and some indication is given of the new information gained using radio astronomy. The discovery of exoplanets is an example of the way in which new information is gained by astronomers

Internal Mock exam

A-level Exams
3 x 2 hours written exams in June

CPAC assessments