Report from Richmond-upon-Thames College
Here are comments from students
I have enjoyed this course because ...
Interesting very / extremely (lots of students saying this!) It's about what is in the news / recent developments.
Lots of fun / enjoyable/ never boring. ... It's hands on. ... Experiments were fun to do.
Lessons were really useful. ... Well-planned /organised/variety teaching methods. ... Presentations / group work really helps. ... My teacher forces an enormous amount of knowledge into my head the right way!
Expanded my horizons of reasoning. Raised my passion for carrying on learning Biology.
The course is easy to follow. ... The SNAB book is clear to learn from.
My favourite course both years.
The course was / was not what I expected ...
Didn't realise how interesting bio is. ... It's better, relevant to my interests.
There's more focus on ethical issues.
I had thought it would be mostly about humans.
The coursework so interesting. ...
There's lots of project / practical work. ... Practical work kept me interested.
Its' very challenging. ... The jump from GCSE to A-level is huge. It's a lot harder and more work (lots said this). The course improved in second year ... a good mix of activities.
Fulfilled all expectations. ... I under-estimated difficulty. ... Still enjoyed despite being difficult. ... Internet support really helped.
Our advice to students before they start
You do not get spoon-fed on this course. Be ready to give the time it deserves. You need to make an effort. Be open to large range ideas. You need more than biological knowledge.
Keep up with deadlines. Don't fall behind. Know the plan for the year. Go on the field trip.
Read ahead in the book before lessons, and read your notes too. Go through your notes at end of each week. Revise regularly. Do past papers.
Buckle up your seat belt, you're in for a good ride!
