'It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change'. Charles Darwin.

What We study, A-Level Biology OCR -A

At Sacred Heart, we follow the OCR A-Level Biology A course, which provides students with a deep understanding of the living world. Across two years, students develop strong theoretical knowledge, investigative skills, and scientific literacy through practical and analytical work.

In Year 12, students begin with Foundations in Biology, exploring cell structure, biological molecules, enzymes, and membranes — essential building blocks for all biological processes. The Exchange and Transport unit focuses on how substances move through animals and plants, while Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease teaches students about classification, immunity, and how organisms adapt and defend themselves in a changing world.

Year 13 builds on this with Communication, Homeostasis and Energy, exploring how animals and plants respond to internal and external changes. This includes the nervous system, hormonal coordination, and the chemistry behind respiration and photosynthesis. In the final unit, Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems, students learn how DNA and inheritance influence development, and how living organisms interact with each other and their environments.

Throughout the course, students develop practical laboratory skills and are assessed through both written exams and a Practical Endorsement, which is awarded separately.

Biology at Sacred Heart is a dynamic and highly relevant subject, taught by passionate, experienced staff. We support all learners — including those who have not studied separate science — through engaging lessons, independent learning strategies, and plenty of real-world applications.

Beyond the Classroom

Biology at Sacred Heart goes far beyond the textbook. Our enrichment offer is designed to stretch, challenge, and inspire all learners.

Our students regularly take part in national competitions, such as the Intermediate Biology Olympiad and the British Biology Olympiad. We are proud to have supported students in achieving Gold, Silver and Bronze awards — an exceptional accomplishment that reflects their depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject.

This academic year, we will be entering students into the Prince Philip Award and Marsh Prize, a national competition requiring students under 19 to write about practical work involving animal biology. This is a unique opportunity for aspiring scientists to showcase their curiosity and critical thinking.

In addition, students attend the Biology in Action lecture series, where they hear from leading researchers and science communicators about current topics in biology — from genetics to global health and conservation.

All these experiences help our students see biology as a living, breathing subject — not just a set of facts to remember.

Where it Might Lead

A-Level Biology is an excellent foundation for a wide range of future pathways. It is a highly respected academic subject that combines well with Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology, Geography and Physical Education.

In recent years, Sacred Heart students have progressed to study competitive university courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Zoology, Veterinary Medicine, Forensics, and Natural Sciences. Students have secured places at Russell Group universities including UCL, King’s College London, Warwick, Nottingham, Bristol, and Queen Mary.

Beyond university, biology opens the door to careers in research, healthcare, environmental science, pharmaceuticals, teaching, science journalism, and biotechnology. It also supports access to degree apprenticeships in clinical support, laboratory science, healthcare, and more.

What makes biology unique is how transferable it is: it teaches students how to analyse data, ask questions, and solve problems — skills valued in all professions.

Even students who do not pursue a science degree gain a greater understanding of the world around them — from how their bodies function to how ecosystems are managed. Biology remains one of the most fascinating and relevant subjects in the modern world.