A Level Biology

This is a two-year programme of study. There will also be mock examinations in Year 12.

During the course, students will study a range of topics from Cell Biology, Genetics to Energy Transfer. Students will also develop their practical skills and competency by completing a number of required practical’s. This course offers a breadth of topics that will complement both other science A Levels and A Levels such as Psychology, Sports Science and BTEC courses.

1. Biological molecules

2. Cells

3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5. Energy transfers in and between organisms

6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8. The control of gene expression

Paper 1:

• Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills
• 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:

• Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills
• Written exam: 2 hours
• 91 marks
• 35% of A-level
• 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions
• 15 marks: comprehension question

Paper 3:

• Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills
• 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

10% of the overall assessment of A Level Biology will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above.

At least 15% of the overall assessment of A Level Biology will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work.

Students will also complete twelve required practical’s for which competency in different skills will be assessed. The students will be awarded a competency mark for their practical skills (Pass or Fail) in addition to their A Level grade (A* – E).

To study Biology at A Level, students on either the Combined Science or Separate Science GCSE programmes will be considered, but only if they sit the Higher Tier exams.

If students study Combined Science, they must achieve a 6-6 Grade or above, including a Grade 6 in B1 and B2.

If students study Separate Sciences, they must achieve a Grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology.

Students must also obtain a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics.

For students from other schools, equivalent Science GCSE courses will be considered.

Successful completion of the course can lead to employment, college or university. Whatever your grade or aim, at the end of the course you will have gained a great deal of knowledge and developed a number of transferable skills. Previous students have gone into a wide range of courses including Biology, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, Biomedical science, Psychology, Veterinary Science and non-Science courses.