Biology is the scientific study of life in all its richness. It includes areas such as biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, taxonomy and ecology. New knowledge in these areas is having a tremendous impact on how we deal with many of the problems that confront human societies.
One important problem that affects us all is how we deal with diseases, especially the emergence of new ones such as MRSA, and old intractable ones such as lung cancer and tuberculosis.
Another important problem is how we help to conserve biodiversity, the amazing diversity of life on Earth, threatened by habitat loss and pollution. The application of new biological knowledge will, in one way or another, affect every person on Earth. Students of Biology will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of these advances and develop the skills essential to make responsible use of practical aspects of biology.
Students studying Biology at Hillview have gone on to study several aspects of biology at university, including Genetics, Zoology, Environmental Science and Biology.
We are delighted to be able to offer both Chemistry and Physics A Levels in collaboration with the Weald of Kent Grammar School. Students who select to study one of these courses will need to travel to the Weald of Kent Grammar School for these lessons and will need to demonstrate excellent organisational skills and an aptitude for independent study.
Please note that, if a student wishes to study both courses, they should approach the Sixth Form Team who will support them in applying directly to the Weald of Kent (providing they meet the entry criteria).
Both Chemistry and Physics A Levels are 2-year courses and students will be required to study their course for the whole 2 years in order to accrue any certification.
Course content
The specification is divided into chemical topics, each containing different key concepts of Chemistry. Once the key features of a topic have been developed, applications are considered. While the teaching of practical skills may be integrated with the theoretical topics, they are assessed separately. This allows skills to be developed in a way suited to each individual. The course is divided up into several units.
BTEC in Applied Science can help you develop your real potential.
You are rewarded along the way for consistent hard work and demonstration of your knowledge, without the added pressure of exams at the end. A BTEC in Applied Science offers active learning in a vocational context and builds your confidence, competence and motivation.
BTECs are fully recognised by the QCDA as holding equivalences to GCSEs and GCEs. Students of all abilities often fail to see the link between academic learning and the world of work. BTECs in Applied Science change all that. The vocational learning style is completely different from the more traditional routes.
Students may research their topics and present results in a wide variety of ways other than written text. They don’t have to work alone: group interaction can often play a part; for example, through teamwork and role-play.
The BTECs in Applied Science are recognised and respected by employers, professional institutions and higher education establishments alike.
