Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Biology changes

Hi guys,
I'd really appreciate it if someone told me anything they know About the changes which are meant to happen for AS biology

Reply 1

Azurite

Original post by milliethemoo

They are changing it so that there is no longer AS and A2, so you do all the exams at the end of the two year course. I think most exam boards are making changes to the specification as well. :smile:

This is absolutely wrong, please disregard what this uniformed user has written.

Original post by Amoeba224

Hi guys,
I'd really appreciate it if someone told me anything they know About the changes which are meant to happen for AS biology

This is what is actually happening:

Biology AS:

Paper 1:

•

written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

•

75 marks

•

50% of AS

(65 marks: short answer questions + 10 marks: comprehension question)
Paper 2:

•

written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

•

75 marks

•

50% of AS

(65 marks: short answer questions + 10 marks: extended response question)
Biology A2:

Paper 1:

•

written exam: 2 hours

•

91 marks

•

35% of A-level

•

76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions+ 15 marks: extended response questions.

Paper 2:

•

written exam: 2 hours

•

91 marks

•

35% of A-level

76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions+ 15 marks: extended response questions.
Paper 3:

•

written exam: 2 hours

•

78 marks

•

30% of A-level

•

38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques

•

15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data

•

25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles

The practical section of the EMPA and ISA have been removed.
AS grade does not contribute to A2 Grade.
The actual learning content is very similar to the current specification.

Helpful links:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402/specification-at-a-glance
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402/assessment-resources

Reply 2

Stevenson Dude

Are these changes happening to all boards or just AQA?

Reply 3

Azurite

Original post by Stevenson Dude

Are these changes happening to all boards or just AQA?

All exam boards are changing, but not in the same way. :smile:

Reply 4

Amoeba224

Thankyouu so much , does anyone know of they are getting harder exams wise.

Reply 5

LearnOnline

Official Rep

Original post by Amoeba224

Thankyouu so much , does anyone know of they are getting harder exams wise.

The specification is changing slightly (as the practical elements are no longer part of the syllabus) so there will be some additional content to study.

The main change is the way in which the exams work. Because your AS exam grade DOES NOT contribute to your A level grade, you will be assessed on the WHOLE 2 YEARS at the end of the course.

Your teacher will be able to explain a bit more when your return to classes, but don't worry, this is happening with ALL awarding bodies and slowly ALL A level subjects will be changed to this format.

Matt
LearnOnline