The A Level Biology course is based on the Edexcel B specification AS Biology Edexcel 8B10 and A level Biology Edexcel 9B10.
Acceptance on the course is conditional on you having achieved a high grade in GCSE Biology and showing a genuine interest in the subject.
Entry to the AS or A level Biology course:
This is dependent on you having achieved a high grade in GCSE Biology.
You are given an assessment prior to joining to determine your ability and suitability for the course. We expect you to demonstrate a strong commitment to achieving success.
AS Biology is a stand-alone qualification that can be taken at the end of the first year of the 2-year A level course. The AS Biology examination consists of 2 papers:
Biology B Paper 1: Core Cellular Biology and Microbiology
Biology B Paper 2: Core Physiology and Ecology
Students are able to enrol in September for 1 year or 2 years, depending on whether they are studying for AS or A level. Students who are retaking their Biology AS or A levels can enrol to attend our revision classes.
AS level Biology students are expected to complete 9 core practical experiments for AS Biology. These practical experiments are not conducted at Summit Saturday School. Theoretical topics are taught on Saturday and we expect the experiments, which form part of the endorsement, to be done at your day school or with an approved provider.
A level Biology (Edexcel 9B10)
This is a two-year course. which has an extensive specification and where topics studied at AS are taught in more depth as well as more complex subjects.
The exam consists of three externally examined papers and the Science Practical Endorsement.
Biology B Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics
Biology B Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology
Biology B Paper 3: General and Principles in Biology
A level Practical endorsements, the 12 assessed laboratory exercises, do not form part of the Saturday course. We would expect you to do them at your school or through an independent provider.
Teachers delivering your lessons are degree holders and subject specialists, they also hold a PGCE.
Testimonials
At the time my daughter started Summit, her confidence in her academic ability was low. The teachers at Summit Saturday School have helped her raise her confidence by supporting her in every possible way.
I feel good about coming to Summit on Saturday morning. I would come anyway because it improves me and it’s sort of fun.
My impression of Summit is that it has certainly helped Ashwin considerably in his mathematics and non-verbal reasoning. Basically what he was missing he has gained in techniques to solve complex problems.