Biology - Hills Road Sixth Form College

Biology
Biology has a higher profile today than perhaps at any other
time and this is reflected in the number of people studying a
biology-based course at college and university. Many of the
important and often contentious issues which society must
address as it moves into the new millennium relate to the
biological sciences, particularly the role that humankind plays
with respect (or lack of it!) to the rest of life. Ethical debates
centre around animal experimentation, cloning, genetically
modified crops, embryo and fertility research, the human
genome project and its use. High on the political agenda are
health, pollution, environmental protection and food safety.
AIDS, heart disease, cancer, drug use and misuse and
malnutrition all continue to present us with challenges.
Whatever form the brave new world of the 21st century takes,
one thing is for certain, biologists have a great contribution to
make in ensuring that it is a healthier and happier one for
humans, animals and plants alike.
The biology department has 5 well-equipped laboratories and
a resources room with a suite of computers. We have over
700 students studying biology. Apart from its value as a way
of gaining entry to certain careers and courses, we believe
that it is a fascinating subject in its own right and one which
we hope that students enjoy studying. This is our aim and we
hope that our students look back on their time in the
department with happy memories. Many of our students
progress to biology-based courses and careers including
medicine, nursing, vet medicine, physiotherapy, forensic
science, food science, biotechnology and dentistry.
Studying biology at AS and A2 level will give a person the
scientific basis to understand and be involved in the
biological issues, either in a professional capacity or as an
informed member of society.
We offer Biology (OCR board).
Please note that confidence and ability in
chemistry is essential as biology has a
considerable biochemical content. If a student
does not like chemistry, A level biology is not a
wise choice. To pursue biology beyond A level
a student really has to be studying A level
chemistry alongside biology as most university
biological, medical, veterinary and similar
courses require biology and chemistry. A
willingness to use numerical techniques is also
important so a competence in maths is
essential and a student wanting to progress to
higher education in biology is recommended to
consider studying maths at AS or A level.
Costs incurred when studying A level biology
are small amounts for a one day field course
and other visits (£2-10).
A key indicator of the success of any department is the exam results gained by its students. The performance in
biology at Hills Road is outlined below.
Biology A level
GRADES
% PASS
A* A B C D E U
2009 92 57 29 15 5 3 98.5
2010 26 72 70 48 16 12 3 96.8
2011 23 79 70 42 15 10 - 100
2012 36 62 68 36 20 9 - 100
2013 26 103 79 40 30 17 1 99.7
The A* grade was introduced in 2010.
Additionally the department has a high retention rate and added-value score when compared to national figures.

Biology (AS)
Unit F211 (15%) Cells, exchange and transport
Cell structure
Cell membrane
Cell division, cell diversity & cellular organisation
Exchange surfaces and breathing
Transport in animals
Transport in plants
Unit F212 (25%) Molecules, biodiversity, food & health
Biological molecules
Nucleic acids
Enzymes
Diet and food production
Health and disease
Biodiversity
Classification
Evolution
Maintaining biodiversity
Unit F213 (10%) Practical skills in biology
Unit F214 (15%) Communication, homeostasis & energy
Communication
Nerves
Hormones
Excretion
Photosynthesis
Respiration
Unit F215 (25%) Control, genomes and environment
Cellular control
Meiosis and variation
Cloning in plants and animals
Biotechnology
Genomes and gene technologies
Ecosystems
Populations and sustainability
Plant responses
Animal responses
Animal behaviour
Unit F216 (10%) Practical skills in biology
Biology (A2)
All A level biology students have the opportunity to participate in local, one-day field courses.
Regular surgeries are available to help any student encountering problems with particular topics or skills. These take
the form of drop-in surgeries to provide individual help, support workshops and taught surgeries on specific topics.
There are also extended after college surgeries prior to major exams.
We have extensive links with local industry, research institutes, Cambridge University, ARU and other educational
institutions. We provide visits to places of biological interest and have a programme of visiting speakers.
A high proportion of our students enter university to read for a biology-based degree.
The department has strong links with the Society of Biology and many of its activities and events are attended by
students. The department has its own Biology Society, Medical Society and Veterinary Society jointly run by staff and
students.
There is an extensive bank of electronic and paper teaching resources developed by members of the department.
Students have a chance to register as STEM Ambassadors and help to promote science in local schools. They are
also encouraged to consider applying for a Nuffield Bursary to fund a research project at the end of year 12 and can
take part in the Biology Olympiad. Our students help at the Cambridge Science Festival, Plant Power Day, Big Biology
Day and the Inter-school Science Quiz.
Teacher and student mentor schemes enable students having difficulties to get extra support.