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Science for all students

Our philosophy is science for all students. We believe that science has something to offer every student. That's why we offer a range of intensive teaching / tutoring for all Key Stages from KS2 (Primary), KS3 (Junior Secondary), KS4 (GCSE) & KS5 (A-level) and our lessons suit students of all abilities and all aspirations.

Once you start lessons with us, you'll see that our teaching of Biology, along with Chemistry and Physics, is clear, straightforward and follows your specification. For GCSE & A-level, there is and exam at the end of the course. Our Tutors will ensure that you are ready for such exams, and this will make you realise your potential.

AQA – GCSE (9-1) Biology Topics covered

  • Cell biology
  • Organisation
  • Infection and response
  • Bioenergetics

  • Homeostasis and response
  • Inheritance, variation
  • Evolution and ecology
Biology Required Practicals

Covering some of the following tasks:

AQA

  • Using a light Microscope to observe animal and Plant cells.
  • Investigating the effect of antimicrobial agents.
  • Investigating the effect of sugar or salt on the mass of plant tissues.
  • Testing for Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins.
  • Investigating the effect of pH on Amylase.
  • Investigating the effect of light intensity on Photosynthesis.
  • Investigating the effect of practice on reaction time.
  • Investigating the effect of light on the growth of seedlings.
  • Investigating population size.
  • Investigating temperature and the rate of decay.
AQA A-level Biology Required practical activities:

  • Investigation into the effect of a named variable on the rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction.
  • Preparation of stained squashes of cells from plant root tips; set-up and use of an optical microscope to identify the stages of mitosis in the sestained squashes and calculation of a mitotic index.
  • Production of a dilution series of a solute to produce a calibration curve with which to identify the water potential of plant tissue.
  • Investigation into the effect of a named variable on the permeability ofcell-surface membranes.
  • Dissection of animal or plant gas exchange or mass transport system or of organ within such a system
  • Use of aseptic techniques to investigate the effect of antimicrobial substances on microbial growth.
  • Use of chromatography to investigate the pigments isolated from leaves of different plants, eg leaves from shade-tolerant and shade-intolerant plants or leaves of different colours.
  • Investigation into the effect of a named factor on the rate of dehydrogenase activity in extracts of chloroplasts.
  • Investigation into the effect of a named variable on the rate of respiration of cultures of single-celled organisms.
  • Investigation into the effect of an environmental variable on the movement of an animal using either a choice chamber or a maze.
  • Production of a dilution series of a glucose solution and use of colorimetric techniques to produce a calibration curve with which to identify the concentration of glucose in an unknown ‘urine’ sample.
  • Investigation into the effect of a named environmental factor on the distribution of a given species.

We also teach the following A-level specifications:

  • Edexcel
  • OCR
  • Cambridge
  • Scottish Highers
  • Northern Ireland Spec
  • Eduqas (Welsh spec)

Specifications developed by teachers for teachers

The specifications we use are for the main recognised exam boards which have been developed with the involvement of thousands of UK qualified teachers. So, you can be confident that our GCSE & A-level Biology is relevant and interesting to teach and to learn. Our specifications ensure that:

  • The subject content is presented clearly, in a logical teaching & learning order. We’ve also given teaching guidance and signposted opportunities for skills development throughout the specification
  • The subject content and required / core practicals in our GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy are also in our GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics, so you have the flexibility to co-teach or to move your students between courses.
  • We have also included all A-level Biology required / core Practicals in the A-level Biology specification.
  • All our science qualifications provide opportunities for progression. Our GCSE Biology includes progression in the subject content and consistency in the exam questions, so that our students have the best preparation for A-level

Our practicals have been trialled by teacher

There’s no better way to learn about science than through purposeful practical activities as part of day-to-day teaching and learning.

Our required /core practicals:

  • are clearly laid out in the specification, so you know exactly what’s required
  • are deliberately open, so you can teach in the way that suits you and your students
  • have already been trialled in schools.

You’ll find even more support and guidance in our practical handbook, which includes recommendations and advice from teachers in the trial.

Straightforward exams, so students can give straightforward answers

We’ve improved our question papers. You’ll find that our exams:

  • use more straightforward language and fewer words so they’re easier to understand
  • have fewer contexts so students don’t get confused
  • have questions that increase in difficulty, so students feel confident
  • have been written with our GCSE Maths and A-level science teams, so students have consistency between content and questions

Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams